16 weeks pregnant

As compared to the first trimester, you might be certainly enjoying the bliss of trimester two. To add to your joy, you might be able to soon see your baby through the ultrasound. Your baby's growth has boosted at a speed that you won't be able to hide anymore that you're pregnant.

Here are all the details you're so excited to know!

Your Baby at 16 Weeks

At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby has grown to be the size of an apple, weighing around 144 gms and measuring about 7 inches in height. You can read his progress below:

• Eyes: Your baby's eyes can now move from side to side, perceiving light. However, her eyelids are still closed.

• Facial muscles: Your little one's facial muscles are developing too. So, your baby can now frown or squint.

• Back: Your baby's backbone and muscles are becoming stronger; hence, her head and neck can straighten up even more.

• Skin: Although your baby looks a lot like a human now, the skin on your baby's body is thinner and quite transparent.

• Ears: As your baby's ears have almost developed, she has now started hearing the sounds. This is a great time for dad-to-be and you to start talking to your baby inside the womb.

• Heart: Your baby's heart has developed, and it can beat around 150 to 180 beats per minute as it continues to pump approximately 24 L of blood every day.

• Taste buds: Your baby's tongue is working hard this week to develop the taste buds and pores. Your little one will soon be able to taste the amniotic fluid when it enters his mouth. A fun fact! Amniotic fluid takes over the flavours of your diet, so your little one's taste preferences start developing right in the womb.

• Hair: Your baby's eyebrows, upper lip and chin have started growing hair.

16 Weeks Pregnancy Symptoms

Here's a sneak peek into what your health in 16 weeks might look like:

Skin changes

It might be your turn to enjoy the popular 'pregnancy glow.' Thank your pregnancy hormones for increased oil production and blood vessels for increased blood volume that make your skin look dewy and flushed. Although you might love your skin at this stage, you might develop dark spots called melasma that fade away after the baby's arrival. There might also be an acne flare-up. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water twice daily.

Nosebleeds

For some expecting moms, nosebleeds can be a concern this week. However, worry not; it is normal and caused due to increased blood circulation and pregnancy hormones. We understand that they aren't easier to deal it, so try humidifying indoor air, moisturising the edges of your nostrils with petroleum jelly, and gently cleansing your nostril one at a time while blowing your nose.

Lower back pain

One of the most common symptoms that strike during pregnancy is backache. You can avoid the discomforts by taking a warm shower or bath, stretching regularly to relax your back muscles, maintaining a good posture, and wearing flat or low-heeled shoes.

Dizziness

Hormonal changes and increased blood circulation can also lead to dizzy spells. Stay well hydrated, avoid standing for a longer duration, and if you feel dizzy, lie down on your side. If you feel dizzy while exercising, make sure you inform your doctor.

Things to Consider at the Sixteenth Week of Pregnancy

As you progress into your pregnancy, here are a few things that cannot be missed:

• Enjoy your energy: You're at a fun stage of pregnancy! As the bothersome early pregnancy symptoms may have disappeared, you are likely to have a boost in energy. Make sure you stay moderately active with walks, a swim, or prenatal yoga.

• Where's that baby bump? Every pregnancy is unique, so it's usual for the bump to show around 16 weeks of pregnancy. Once your bump starts growing, consider shopping for some comfortable maternity clothes.

• Get a bra fitting done: Make sure you're wearing the correct size bra as your breasts grow. It is best to get a professional bra fitting done - go for wide straps, expandable hooks, and full coverage. If you exercise, also buy some supportive sports bras in larger sizes.

• Extra pillows for extra comfort: You may feel uncomfortable while sleeping, so use extra pillows for added support between your knees and under your bump as you lie on your side. You can also consider special pregnancy pillows.

• Go on a babymoon: The second trimester is a perfect time to go on a short babymoon. You can plan to go anywhere nearby for a weekend getaway or take a flight to your favourite destination. However, make sure you have your doctor's approval for your trip. If you're flying, don't forget to check the airline regulations for flying when pregnant.

Precautions & Tips for 16 Weeks Pregnant

The following tips might come in handy as you move ahead in your pregnancy:

• Prevent varicose veins: Although varicose veins are usually painless and harmless, you can still prevent them. Avoid standing in one position for longer durations, and make sure to keep your feet elevated while sitting.

• Try a humidifier: Stuffed nose can be quite annoying, and when it is accompanied by nosebleeds – it's a messy, unbearable affair! Use a neti pot with bottled, distilled water. You can also use a humidifier to moisten your dry nose.

• Check your hands: You might notice redness on the palms of your hands. However, it's nothing to worry about and disappears after the delivery. To rule out anything worrisome, check with your doctor.

• Soups are delicious: Irrespective of the season, soups make for a delicious mid-day meal. They not only go well with other foods but are also packed with proteins and fibres.

• Good calories it is! Choose nutrient-rich foods to munch on every half hour of workout sessions. A smoothie, a granola-yoghurt parfait, apple slices smeared with peanut or almond butter, or whole-grain crackers with cheese are some of the best choices at this stage for those extra 100 to 200 calories.

• Pick the greens: Nobody likes greens – period! But, put yourself into the habit of eating salads, grilled vegetables, or sauteed leafy greens as a side (remember, the aim is to choose healthy and tasty over tasty and junk). Spinach, broccoli, escarole are good options. You can also go for lentil, bean, vegetable soup, tomato-based broths or chowders. It is best to avoid cream-, heavy butter-, milk-, or yoghurt-based soups.

• Sleep in the right position: Although it says right position, right-side is never the comfortable position. Start sleeping on your left, use a pillow for added support, select the desired bedroom temperature, and make sure your room is well-ventilated.

• Did the baby just move? As much as you're excited for this moment, we're too! Those tiny movements will feel like flutters or twinges. However, if you missed it, worry not; some moms-to-be experience this beauty at around 20 weeks too. As your bump grows bigger, the movements will be easy to recognise.

At Your Doctor's Office

This week's prenatal visit will be something like the following:

• Routine examination: Your doctor will check your blood pressure, record your weight, take a urine sample, check the swelling of your hands and feet, listen to the baby's heartbeat, try to understand your symptoms, and most importantly solve your queries.

• Fundal height: Your doctor might also measure the distance between the top of your pubic bone and the top of your uterus. This measurement is called the fundal height or fundus. This helps monitor your baby's growth.

• Genetic tests: If you chose to get your genetic tests done, you might have a blood test this week. You might also have amniocentesis this week.

• Q&A round: Your doctor will also answer any questions that you might have. So, make sure you have a list ready. You can ask about your weight gain this week, whether you need to get the MSAFP test done, or if he recommends amniocentesis for you (if not already done).

Track your baby's development with our week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy.