16 Weeks Pregnant
Your 16th week begins
- Development Your baby’s eyelids are still closed, but they can already sense external light.
- Checklist Don’t forget to take the vitamins recommended by your obstetrician.
- 16 weeks is how many months? 16 weeks pregnant is 4 months. With week 16 of pregnancy, you are at the last week of your 4th month of pregnancy.
IMPORTANT: Pregnancy gingivitis is a very common occurrence among pregnant women. Due to major hormonal changes, plaque builds up more and gum inflammation and bleeding are common. Pregnancy gingivitis can be treated and prevented with more careful oral hygiene.
IMPORTANT: If your family loves going to the beach and finds out the family is growing, holiday plans don’t have to be cancelled. Pregnant women can usually go to places like the beach. Just take some precautions with too much sun, stay hydrated, eat properly, and be careful with the sea.
- At 16 weeks of pregnancy, your baby no longer fits on the ultrasound screen as before. Now, they have to be seen in parts.
- At this stage, it’s already possible for the doctor to tell you the baby’s sex with precision. Using chocolate tricks to get the baby moving is one helpful strategy.
- 16 weeks of pregnancy marks the fourth month. The eyelids are still closed, but your baby already has some sensitivity to light.
- Mom’s discomfort seems to have completely disappeared, which brings about a lot of energy and disposition for everything.
- Your appetite might be bigger during this phase. So, it’s good to be extra careful about what you’re eating.
More information about 16 Weeks Pregnant
At 16 weeks pregnant, you are at the end of the 4th month of gestation. The baby no longer fits on the screen as before; now, they need to be seen in parts on the ultrasound. And now, yes, the doctor may be able to tell you whether your world will be pink or blue! A good trick is to eat chocolate 30 minutes before the ultrasound. This will make your baby active and greatly increase the chances of opening their legs.
Baby’s Size
At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby may measure up to 11.6 cm and 100 grams. How quickly they grow! Your baby is already completely formed and now just growing and getting strong for birth. Remember: prenatal care is very important for you, but especially for your baby1! If you haven’t started yet, it’s past time!
16 weeks of pregnancy marks the fourth month of gestation. Their eyelids are still closed, but already sensitive to light. The inner ear is already fully formed and your baby can now begin to hear sounds2. Soon, your baby will be able to recognize the voices of dad, mom, and closest relatives and respond to stimuli.
At this stage, your baby’s eyebrows are starting to appear and their lips gain a well-defined outline. Their muscles are already fully formed and very active. Their skin is pink and so thin you can see all their veins and blood vessels.
How Mom Is Feeling
With 16 weeks of pregnancy, your belly is even rounder and more obvious. It’s becoming clear that you’re pregnant. Any discomfort seems to have completely vanished, which brings a lot of energy and willingness for everything. That uncontrollable sleepiness from the first trimester may take a break at this stage, allowing you to enjoy the day more.
Nutrition
Your appetite might be bigger during this phase as well. That’s why it’s important to be extra careful with what you eat. Nobody wants to gain more weight than necessary, right? At 16 weeks, be aware of the foods you add to your diet and what they provide for your health and your baby’s development3.
Break your meals into small portions throughout the day so you never feel hungry and are always well-nourished with healthy foods. If you’re not at risk in your pregnancy and your obstetrician approves, you can start exercising from early on. Besides helping your body prepare for childbirth, it will help you control weight gain.
Body Changes
At 16 weeks, body changes are in full swing. Your breasts might be double the size since you found out you were pregnant. They’re already getting prepared for breastfeeding. At this stage, the breast soreness that was so uncomfortable early on will have disappeared. However, wear a bra that fits well, which will provide more security and comfort.
External Factors
During pregnancy, we’re usually pampered a lot. People make the foods we like and are always concerned about our well-being. It’s not about taking advantage of people’s kindness, but why not enjoy it? Enjoy all the pampering from family and friends, because when the baby is born, all the attention and affection shifts to them!
Photo: Pensar Feminina,spear of the nation
From Dr. Kelly Alessandra and Patricia Amorim for Famivita