WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

My baby at 16 weeks of pregnancy

Your Baby at 16 Weeks
As big as a pear
Length
5.12
Weight
4.94
At 16 weeks, your baby has grown to the size of an apple, weighing about 5 ounces and measuring approximately 5 inches from crown to rump. 

This stage of pregnancy introduces new developments and milestones.
What's new this week?
Baby’s Changes Overview
Open 3D Baby to see all changes
  • Increased Activity: Expect your baby to become more active, especially around the 6th and 7th month.

  • Head Movement: Your baby can now turn his or her head, showing increased control and coordination.

  • Skin Protection: The skin is covered with vernix caseosa, a protective, waxy substance that shields the baby's skin in the amniotic fluid.

  • Brown Fat Development: A layer of brown fat is forming under the skin to provide energy and help regulate body temperature post-birth.

  • Toenail Growth: Your baby is growing toenails, with nails expected to reach the tips of their fingers and toes by the end of the month.

  • Fingerprints: The unique patterns on your baby's fingertips and toes are starting to form, adding to their individuality.

  • Heart Regulation: The baby's heart rate is now regulated by the brain, beating at about 140 to 150 beats per minute.

  • Proportional Growth: Limbs are stretching out, and the head-to-body ratio is becoming more proportional.

This is a time when many women report feeling more connected to their growing baby
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Helping your baby's development
  • Enjoy Quality Time: Whether it's a date night with your partner or a girls' night in, make time for special moments to maintain emotional well-being and strengthen relationships.

  • Stay Active: Regular, moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, benefits both your health and your baby's development.

  • Prioritize Rest: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night and employ relaxation techniques to improve sleep quality if you're experiencing discomfort.

  • Nutritious Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid foods that pose risks during pregnancy, like high-mercury fish and undercooked meats.

  • Iron Intake: Increase your iron consumption to support the additional blood volume created during pregnancy. Foods rich in iron include dark leafy greens, red meats, poultry, and fortified grains.
Top Asked Questions
When can I start feeling more distinct movements from my baby?

Many women start feeling more distinct movements, like kicks and rolls, between weeks 18 and 22. It can vary based on factors like baby's position and your body.

Is it safe to continue having sex during the second trimester?

In most cases, sexual activity is safe during the second trimester. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific concerns, consult your healthcare provider.

What is the glucose screening test, and when should I have it?

The glucose screening test checks for gestational diabetes and is typically done between weeks 24 and 28. It involves drinking a sweet solution and having your blood sugar levels checked.

What exercises are suitable during the second trimester?

During the second trimester, you can continue with gentle exercises like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga. Consult your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.

Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
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S
Savannah
27 Sep 2023

Can you start to feel your baby move at 16 weeks? Btw this is my first pregnancy

2 comments
H
Hannah
I’m 19 weeks as well, are you having a lot of baby movement or just a few periodically throughout the day?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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v
vonne
24 Jul 2023

For the people who have more than one kid and is expecting again. During your first pregnancy at 16 weeks did your stomach feel like you just did sit-ups?

4 comments
S
Stacy ♥️🤞🏾
No, not for me lol
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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J
Jamila
It did for me but I just figured it was because your abdomen is stretching. I never told my doctor about it or anything 🤷🏾‍♀️ it should go away eventually
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Katie
21 Jul 2023

Happy 16 weeks to us 🥹🫶 lord knows I'm praying this baby makes it 🙏 RIP, baby Andrew mommy and daddy love you. Rap your arms around your sister, and I 🥹🙏

3 comments
K
Kylie
I’ll pray for you all to ! But I know sisters gunna make it and be healthy and beautiful. Look at the bright side you already made it past the part we’re your more higher at risk of miscarriage
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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K
Katie
Thank you, we need as much prayer as we can get. i lost my last baby at 16 weeks, so it's hard to be happy and / or excited, not that I don't wanna be bc I'm so happy, but I'm more worried than anything 😩 I appreciate your comment 🩷
27 Mar 2024

Answer


S
Summer
18 Apr 2023

Made it to 16 weeks! Feeling extremely thankful for my baby boy. I’m just still so worried about things. Is it normal to still cramp at 16 weeks?

1 comments
A
Ajia
yes! i still have them at 19 weeks
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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H
Helena
23 Jan 2023

Did anyone feel baby movement at 16-17 weeks but not feel them anymore at 18 weeks?

5 comments
K
Kali
Yes and it gave me anxiety, but now im 19 weeks and feeling it again. I didn’t feel the movements for the first part of 18 weeks.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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H
Helena
Wow good to know 🙏🤞🤞
27 Mar 2024

Answer


🍹
🍹Jenni
4 Jan 2023

I want someone to show me an ultrasound at 16 weeks. When I go back to doc next month I’ll be 16 wks. I’m curious how the baby is going to look!!!

12 comments
A
Ayanna
Google that’s what I do
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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s
shaye
here was mine
27 Mar 2024

Answer


C
Cheyenne
18 Dec 2022

Hi Mommas!!! 🍼🤍💕💙 Monday I’ll be 16 weeks pregnant, & I’m Just wondering how much weight everyone has put on?! I’m loving my baby belly but at 16 weeks I’ve put on a good 20 lbs! 😂

4 comments
A
Alexis
I Lost two pounds
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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L
Luz
I lost 4 lbs and I'm 13 weeks.😮
27 Mar 2024

Answer


Z
Zaria
27 Nov 2022

Baby and I at 16 weeks 🪶💞✨ #babybump #2ndtrimester #comfypantsaldayeveryday

6 comments
🔮
🔮Darιa🔮
Sooo jealous😩🥹 I’m 17 with nooo bump yours is so cute
27 Mar 2024

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D
Danette
Damn you all and your perfect baby bumps! I'm 16 weeks and just look out of shape 😭
27 Mar 2024

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X
Xena
2 Nov 2022

I’m 16 weeks and 5 days pregnant . My next ultrasound appointment on Thursday. At 16 weeks will the Doctors be able to tell me. The gender of the baby.

4 comments
K
Katie
No but they can take your blood test and get you the results back in a week
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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c
cali
i got my blood drawn at 9 weeks and it only took a week to get back so i would ask about that!
27 Mar 2024

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K
Katie
11 Oct 2022

16 weeks and 1 day with baby Malachi 💙💙💙💙 took this picture yesterday at 16 weeks!

2 comments
R
Riah
Awe that’s my sons name ❤️ god bless y’all !
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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A
Analeece
I’m 17 weeks and not even showing and this is my 3rd baby
27 Mar 2024

Answer


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