Stay on the lookout for some fluttering sensations in your abdomen. It might not be right at 16 weeks, but pretty soon you’ll start feeling baby moving around in there. At first those moves might feel like gas or a muscle twitch, but over time, as baby gets bigger and stronger, they’ll be unmistakable. Of course, feeling those movements comes with other issues, like having your lungs crowded by your growing babe. That could make it seem tough to catch your breath from time to time. Don’t worry: There are some positive symptoms you might be having at week 16. For example, some moms-to-be find their hair and nails grow faster. (Your hair might actually look thicker and more lustrous and your skin might look radiant, too. Woo hoo!) Another cool fact? Baby’s starting to be able to hear your voice — and she’ll recognize it at birth — so feel free to chat her up.
Your baby’s the size of an avocado!
Now, she’s about 4.6 inches long and weighs about 3.5 ounces, and she’s big enough that your doctor may be able to hear her heartbeat.
Your baby at 16 weeks
- She’s listening to your voice, thanks to tiny bones forming in her ears.
- She’s growing hair, lashes and eyebrows.
- And she’s forming taste buds.
Pregnancy symptoms at 16 weeks
- You might start feeling baby move!
- Back aches, another effect of pregnancy hormones. Make sure you’re exercising, that you’re sitting and standing up straight and do some stretches.
- bigger boobs — they should be ready for breastfeeding by the end of the second trimester.
- Constipation, as your uterus starts pressing on your intestines.
- Forgetfulness (a.k.a. pregnancy brain). No one knows for sure what causes this!
- Faster hair and nail growth (a great excuse for a new cut and manicure).
- Dry, itchy, sensitive eyes. Blame the hormones once again.
- Glowing skin (finally — that pregnancy glow that people are always talking about!)
Your must-do’s
- Schedule your monthly prenatal visit to the OB
- Schedule your mid-pregnancy ultrasound
Your nice-to-do’s
- Take photos of your growing bump
- Start a baby name list (if you haven’t already!)
- Talk to baby
