At sixteen weeks pregnant, your baby bump is growing! It should now be visible and will continue to grow as your pregnancy progresses. Your baby is about to have another growth spurt, so prepare to watch your bump grow!
You might have noticed some weight gain over the past few weeks; this is normal, and you might see more as your belly grows. This week, you might see your midwife to discuss how your pregnancy is progressing, weigh you, and listen to your baby’s heartbeat.
But what else happens at sixteen weeks pregnant? That’s what we are here to tell you! Keep reading to see what happens during your sixteenth week of pregnancy!
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 16 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 16 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 16 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 16 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- The baby is now the size of an avocado
- The baby can now pull faces but has no control over facial muscles, yet
- The nervous system develops, and your baby can move their arms and legs
- The baby’s skin is covered in fine hair to keep them warm
- The expanding uterus is moving upwards, relieving pressure on your bladder and stretching your abdominal muscles and ligaments
- The common symptoms at sixteen weeks include swollen and bleeding gums, headaches, and pain in your stomach
What Does It Mean To Be 16 Weeks Pregnant?
You are wrapping up the fourth month of your pregnancy at sixteen weeks pregnant. Your baby is coming up to another growth spurt, like you saw in early pregnancy. Many women see their pregnant belly grow this week and might notice some weight gain, too. This is normal, but you don’t need to worry about upping your calorie intake.
Your baby is developing with facial expressions and moving arms and legs! Some women will notice little flutters or bubbles of movement from their baby, but not everyone feels these. Don’t worry if you don’t feel any movements yet; they are coming!
Your pregnancy hormones are levelling off and reducing, too, reducing your mood swings. Morning sickness and other uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms should subside this week, bringing higher energy levels and the pregnancy glow we all want to see.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can detect pregnancy at sixteen weeks. By sixteen weeks pregnant, you will not have had a period in four months, depending on your cycle. You should take a pregnancy test if you have not done so already. Home pregnancy tests will generate a positive test result at sixteen weeks.
To confirm a pregnancy, these tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. Your hCG levels rise in the first three months before dropping slightly. The levels will be high at sixteen weeks to confirm a pregnancy.
Your doctor can also confirm a pregnancy through a blood test. The blood test will also measure the hCG levels to confirm pregnancy. An ultrasound will also be provided if you have not had one already to date your pregnancy and show you your baby for the first time!
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
A sixteen week ultrasound isn’t standard, but you can still have an ultrasound. You might be asked to have one by your doctor or choose to pay one privately. Don’t panic if your doctor asks you to have one at sixteen weeks; it is better to monitor your baby closely than not at all.
You will see a fully formed but small baby at a sixteen-week scan. You will see their arms, legs, fingers, toes, and even some facial expressions! You can find out the sex of the baby if you want to know, as the genitalia should be visible in certain positions. Your doctor might not be able to tell you the sex if your baby is moving a lot during the scan.
Your baby will also be measured during the scan, and the development of their spine will be checked if your doctor has concerns. The heartbeat will also be reconfirmed.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test at sixteen weeks pregnant. The test is usually performed between fifteen and twenty weeks pregnant, testing the levels of AFP in your blood. AFP is produced by your baby during pregnancy and can pass into your blood. The levels of AFP in your blood can determine if your baby has any genetic conditions like Down’s syndrome or neural tube defects.
You might also be offered a blood test to test for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, a glucose screening, and to check for anemia. You might also be offered screening or diagnostic tests for thyroid disease, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis.
These tests are optional; it is your choice if you want to take them or not. Your doctor might recommend some tests based on your or your family’s medical history.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at sixteen weeks pregnant. An ultrasound at sixteen weeks will detect a heartbeat for you to hear. Your baby’s heart rate will be between 110 and 160 beats per minute this week and for most of your second trimester. Your midwife might also use a Doppler machine to detect a heartbeat. This looks like a small microphone and will allow you to hear the heartbeat.
Sometimes, it can hear the heartbeat on a Doppler machine, especially if your baby is moving a lot. Don’t panic if it takes the midwife a while or if they cannot detect it. Another ultrasound usually happens around the twenty-week mark, where you can hear the heartbeat at an ultrasound. You can also purchase home Doppler machines that will allow you to hear the heartbeat whenever you want and play around to detect the heartbeat when your baby isn’t moving as much.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
The common pregnancy symptoms at sixteen weeks are pain on the side of your stomach, swollen and bleeding gums, and headaches. These symptoms vary in severity from woman to woman and can change daily.
You might also experience some symptoms from your first trimester of pregnancy, like mood swings and a heightened sense of smell.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will lower at sixteen weeks, sitting between 9,000 to 210,000 UL.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping or stomach pain can happen at sixteen weeks pregnant. You might notice sharp pains on the side of your stomach, known as round ligament pain. This is caused by your ligaments stretching to make way for your growing pregnant belly.
You might also notice leg cramps at sixteen weeks pregnant.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness tends to subside by sixteen weeks, but you might still experience it. It should be less often than in your first trimester. Speak to your doctor if you are still experiencing severe morning sickness.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts will likely feel sore or tender at sixteen weeks pregnant. They might also ache or feel full as your milk comes in. This can happen later in pregnancy, too.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point in pregnancy, including week sixteen. As your appetite returns, you might notice some unusual food cravings.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
You should notice that the need to pass urine more frequently subsides at sixteen weeks pregnant as your uterus moves up and away from your bladder. The need to urinate frequently can return in later pregnancy as your baby’s head puts pressure on your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue can still happen at sixteen weeks pregnant, although it is more common in the first fourteen weeks of pregnancy. You should notice that your energy levels start to improve in your second trimester.
Will I Feel Bloated At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Feeling bloated is common at sixteen weeks pregnant. You can prevent bloating by eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding eating late at night.
Will I Get A Headache At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common at sixteen weeks pregnant. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy are likely to experience more headaches during pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is more common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but you can still experience it at sixteen weeks pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell usually happens during your first trimester of pregnancy, but you can experience it at sixteen weeks pregnant, too. It might come with an aversion to smells you previously liked.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath typically happens later in pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you experience shortness of breath at sixteen weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can happen at sixteen weeks pregnant. It isn’t always related to pregnancy and could be a stomach bug, food poisoning, or an allergy. Speak to your doctor if your diarrhea lasts longer than forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge is normal at sixteen weeks pregnant. Normal discharge will be a white, milky colour, and you might also see some light spotting.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at sixteen weeks pregnant. As the ligaments in your body stretch, the joints in your lower back and pelvis might be strained, causing pain.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings are more common in the first trimester of pregnancy, but you can still experience them at sixteen weeks pregnant. Pregnancy hormones causing mood swings should subside at sixteen weeks pregnant.
Is Spotting Normal At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Light spotting is normal at sixteen weeks pregnant. You should speak to your doctor if the spotting becomes heavier, changes colour, or lasts longer than twenty-four hours.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 16 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are common at sixteen weeks pregnant:
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Spotty and oilier skin
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Swollen hands and feet
- Dizziness
- Leg cramps
- Feeling hot
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Nosebleeds
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
How Big Is A Baby At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
At sixteen weeks, your baby is about the size of an avocado. They are 11.6cm from crown to rump and start pulling faces! They can’t smile or frown yet, with the faces being completely random as there is no muscle control yet.
Your baby’s nervous system is developing, allowing your baby to move their arms and legs. Your baby can also form fists with their hands and start punching around inside you, too!
Can You Feel The Baby At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Some women can feel flutterings of their baby’s movements at sixteen weeks pregnant. These can be hard to feel and require you to be completely still and focus only on the movements.
Not all women can feel the movements at sixteen weeks, so don’t worry if you can’t! Most women don’t feel their baby move for another few weeks, as they are still too small and their movements too soft to notice.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
At sixteen weeks pregnant, the common symptoms of miscarriage include bleeding, passing blood clots, cramping, abdominal pain, and decreased fetal movements. Any pregnancy symptoms you have experienced, like sore breasts, will also pass.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you show signs of a miscarriage. At this stage in your pregnancy, a miscarriage, unfortunately, cannot be stopped, and you might need medication or surgery to have the pregnancy contents removed.
Your doctor might also offer a diagnosis after this to find out why the miscarriage happened and can provide you with any support that you and your partner need.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
The chance of a miscarriage at sixteen weeks pregnant is -0.5%. According to the National Childbirth Trust, the chance of a miscarriage at sixteen weeks drops.
The chance of a miscarriage does vary depending on previous complications, weight, and age. Your doctor can talk you through these factors and any that might relate to you.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Several precautions to maintain your health during pregnancy are outlined below.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Start taking prenatal vitamins if you are not taking them already. You can take a multivitamin designed for pregnancy, but check the dosage of vitamins included to ensure you are getting what you need.
You can also take a vitamin D supplement, especially if you are pregnant in the winter, to ensure that your body gets the vitamin D that you need.
Eat A Balanced Diet
You should try to eat a balanced and healthy diet throughout your pregnancy. You want to fuel your body with the right nutrients, especially as your baby will also get these nutrients. Eat a balanced and varied diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, and healthy fats.
Weight gain is normal during pregnancy, and you might notice weight gain at sixteen weeks. You don’t need to add any extra calories at this point in your pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to.
Stay Hydrated
Alongside a healthy diet, you should also stay hydrated. Drinking water and staying hydrated during pregnancy helps with digestion, form the amniotic fluid around your baby, and circulate nutrients around the body, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily throughout pregnancy.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking when you discover you are pregnant to maintain your health. Smoking is not only detrimental to your health but your unborn baby’s health too. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)found that smoking while pregnant doubles your chances of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. It can also cause several birth defects and can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speak to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
You should stop drinking alcohol when you find out you are pregnant. Alcohol can harm your baby’s development, especially their brain development and can increase your chances of a miscarriage when pregnant, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They recommend that there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy.
Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
At sixteen weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid drinking alcohol throughout your pregnancy. You should also reduce your caffeine intake while pregnant. The Royal College of Midwives has found that too much caffeine during pregnancy can increase your risk for miscarriage or stillbirth. They recommend drinking no more than 200mg of caffeine daily during pregnancy.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid high doses of vitamins A, C, and E during pregnancy, as they can harm your baby. You should also avoid any supplements that are unsuitable for pregnant women. You can check the label of any supplement to see if it is suitable for pregnant women to consume. Your doctor can provide you with more guidance about this if needed.
Can I Exercise While 16 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at sixteen weeks pregnant, but there are some precautions you should take. You should avoid any contact sports or exercises where you could fall; there is excessive bouncing or at 2,500m above sea level.
Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga are great throughout pregnancy. At sixteen weeks pregnant, you should find you can do most of your usual workouts and exercises, but you might become tired quicker than usual. This is normal! Finishing your workout earlier is better than pushing through and burning yourself out. Your doctor can provide you with specific guidance or exercises to do while pregnant.
Is It Safe To Travel When 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is considered safe to travel at sixteen weeks pregnant. There are some considerations that you need to make. Speak to your doctor if you have high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, or pregnancy complications before flying.
Check before travelling to another country if you need any vaccinations or advisories for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at sixteen weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is considered safe to have sex at sixteen weeks pregnant unless your midwife or doctor tells you otherwise.
How Should I Sleep At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep as normal at sixteen weeks pregnant. You might find that you sleep longer than usual, but this is normal; after all, you are growing another person!
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 16 Weeks Pregnant?
At sixteen weeks pregnant, sleeping on your side is considered the safe sleeping position. You should try to sleep on your left side where possible.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 16 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date at sixteen weeks pregnant is to use the date of your last menstrual period. Known as the LMP method, most pregnancy due dates are estimated this way. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to have your estimated due date.
Your doctor or midwife will also give you an estimated due date. This is provided at your first ultrasound, the dating scan, which is based on the size and development of your baby. You can expect an estimated due date if your baby is developing normally. These due dates are estimates, as there is no way to guarantee a delivery date! Don’t worry if your pregnancy runs a little late!
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 16 Weeks Pregnant?
At sixteen weeks, your body is growing! You might find it is time to look for some maternity clothes! Gaining weight is a normal part of pregnancy, so don’t worry if your waistband thickens a little and your stomach starts to grow.
Baby bumps differ at sixteen weeks pregnant, so don’t compare your bump to others! Some will be smaller or bigger than others, but all are normal!
Another body change women notice is sore or bleeding gums and pains across the side of their stomach. These pains are known as round ligament pains and are normal during pregnancy. Your uterus is growing and expanding, forcing other ligaments around to stretch too, which can cause the odd sharp pain.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is increasing the blood flow to ensure enough reaches your growing baby and the rest of your body. The increased blood flow occurs during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, with most of it happening by week sixteen of pregnancy. It can make you feel hotter than usual, and you might notice you sweat more than normal.
Your body is continuing to grow your baby, too, as they have a growth spurt and their development progresses. Your body is growing your pregnant belly, ensuring enough room for your growing baby and their placenta.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Outlined below are our tips to help you prepare for pregnancy.
Make A Doctors Appointment
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have not already. At this stage in your pregnancy, you should have had an appointment with your doctor; if not, get one booked immediately. You will have your blood and urine tested at an appointment, and you can book your ultrasound appointment.
After your first doctor’s appointment, you should also have regular appointments with your doctor or midwife. Book these in if you have not been offered appointments.
You should also book a doctor’s appointment if you are trying to conceive. This allows you to speak to your doctor, have any concerns answered, and perform any tests that your doctor thinks are necessary.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might need to make some lifestyle changes, too. These include stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. These can have a detrimental effect on your health and your baby’s health. Your doctor can offer guidance and support to help you make these changes.
Eat A Balanced Diet
You should eat a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy and while preparing for pregnancy. You need to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to power you through pregnancy. A diet of lean protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, and carbohydrates is best to follow, with everything in moderation.
Join A Pregnancy Class
You don’t have to, but an excellent way to prepare for pregnancy is to join a pregnancy or birthing class. Here, you will learn about your pregnancy as it progresses, what to expect, and get any questions you have answered. Plus, they are an excellent way to meet other expecting mothers in your area! You might find new friends or women you can turn to for support as your pregnancy progresses.
Final Thoughts
Week sixteen of pregnancy sees your baby bump grow as your baby continues to develop! They can now pull faces, and their arms and legs move more. While some women feel flutters of movements, there is no need to panic if you don’t feel your baby move yet; soon, you will feel them moving and kicking you!