16 Weeks Pregnant 2024: Baby Development, Symptoms & Belly

Pregnancy is an exciting time. If you are wondering what trimester is 16 weeks, you’re well into your second trimester. Your belly is no longer the small “baby bump” you began to show a month ago. You may notice changes day by day.

At 16 weeks pregnant your baby’s movement might feel like flutters in your belly. They will organize into discrete kicks over time. Some common changes will occur as your baby develops. Unsettling, yes, but fear not; there are ways to make you comfortable with these changes. Information is the first step.

Expect to visit your doctor every month for prenatal care. You will usually get a urine test at each visit; the need for blood tests^[2] will be determined. A blood test in the second trimester is used to screen for genetic abnormalities in your baby or to document a healthy placenta.

Your next prenatal appointment will be full of excitement as you appreciate the baby’s development. The ultrasound at 16 weeks may even show your baby’s facial expressions. These visits are a good time to ask questions about the status of your baby and express any concerns.

Baby Movement at 16 Weeks Pregnant

At 16 weeks some pregnant people may feel the baby moving^[3]. The first signs of movement may feel like butterfly flutters. It may be hard at first to differentiate from other bowel movements and abdominal muscles contracting. Other people may not feel the baby move until a couple more weeks. 

Your Body at 16 Weeks Pregnant

Your body and belly are changing fast. With the growth spurt of the baby, and your expanding uterus accommodating, your belly has been growing consistently. The size of your 16-weeks pregnant belly will depend on your body type if this is your first pregnancy and other factors. Baby bumps come in different sizes.

Weight gain is to be expected as your baby grows. Amniotic fluid, the placenta, your expanding uterus, and the size of your baby will affect your weight. Also, you’re making more blood and retaining fluid, and those add weight, too. 

At 16 weeks pregnant, and during the second trimester, expect to gain around 0.5-1 pounds per week. The total recommended weight gain^[4] for a pregnant woman gestating one baby should be around 25-35 pounds, and 37-54 pounds if pregnant with twins. This will be different for most and depends on your weight before pregnancy and whether things like gestational diabetes enter the picture. 

Progesterone may increase oil production and estrogen augmenting blood flow, giving you the appearance of glowing skin or the pregnancy glow. The extra oily skin may cause acne, but you can talk to your doctor about some options to manage your skin. 

Your breast will also continue to grow as your pregnancy progresses. Many women experience color changes in their nipples and areola. Some people also develop darkening on the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip called the mask of pregnancy, or “melasma.” 

In addition to having your nails growing faster, you may have thicker hair than before. On the contrary, some women may experience mild hair loss, which is temporary. It is good to know that most changes go away after childbirth.

Pregnancy Symptoms During Week 16

At this point, you might be feeling better and have more energy than in the first trimester. At any time, pregnancy symptoms can be either predictable or surprising. As your pregnancy progresses, you may experience some common symptoms:

Aches and pains

With a growing baby, the round ligaments that are in your inguinal area down to your growing uterus get strained. It may feel like a period cramp or pain^[5], usually one-sided in your groin and thigh, but should go away before the end of the 2nd trimester. Try adjusting positions (e.g., from left to right or right to left).

Your back may also start with pain when the ligaments that connect your growing uterus to your tailbone stretch. 

Constipation

The biggest cause of constipation during pregnancy is that your elevated progesterone slows down your intestines. This leaves more time for the moisture in the stool to be reabsorbed back into your circulation, leaving the stool hard. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and eat fruits and vegetables daily. 

Headaches

Fluids changes due to pregnancy and the rise in estrogen levels can affect blood flow and cause headaches. The same effects from estrogen can result in edema. At 16 weeks, headaches are normal and harmless. 

Pregnancy Brain

With hormonal changes that affect the growth and maintenance of brain tissue, women may feel distracted or absent-minded. Called “pregnancy brain^[6]” or “mommy brain”, this is normal, as the brain “rewires” itself to pay attention to baby-related things. You are being trained to prioritize away from things like where you left your keys to “I should breastfeed my crying baby.”

Congestion

The fluid shifts of pregnancy can cause many noticeable changes, like a stuffy nose. The cause of this is still not fully understood but is suspected to be related to pregnancy hormones causing fluid shifts in your system. Saline rinses may be of help. You can also try a hot steamy shower with some drops of peppermint or eucalyptus. 

Vision Changes

The same fluid shifts that cause headaches, swelling, and constipation can swell the cornea in your eye. Thus, you may notice vision changes. Before you go to the optometrist and invest in new expensive eyeglasses, you should know that your eyes will revert to their previous prescription after delivery.

For any new changes or symptoms, do not run to the pharmacy. Discuss all medications with your doctor first.  Not all over-the-counter (OTC) medications should be assumed to be safe during pregnancy. Also, any changes in you during pregnancy could be a sign of something abnormal that might need to be evaluated. 

Self-Care Tips for 16 Weeks Pregnant

Pampering yourself is good for both you and the baby. Make sure to manage stress and set aside some time to rest well. Here are some ways to “partner” well with your pregnancy:

Massage

It’s never a bad thing to get massages to help with some aches. Have your partner or a professional provide this service. A nice back and foot rub will feel great and relieve some tension. Avoid massages over the abdomen.

Foot soaking

If your feet start swelling or you are feeling some discomfort, a nice soak might help. Raise your legs comfortably at the end of the day. 

Shopping

Buy or acquire some new maternity clothes for the upcoming growth spurts. Get a new bra or a bra extender. Maybe some new maternity pants to make you feel comfortable and help with aches or cramps. Don’t underestimate the psychological value of feeling good about how you look. Consider also some extra pillows for the later months. 

Moisturize

As your belly grows, the skin stretches and itches. Although it’s still early in the pregnancy, it’s never a bad time to start moisturizing the area. You may also use a lotion, recommended by your doctor, on your breast or belly if they are itching.

Keep Active

Stretch every day. Get advice from your doctor about other exercises that are best for you, as your ligaments are affected by your hormones. Nevertheless, physically fit pregnant women do the best in labor and delivery.

Take Care of Your Teeth

There is suspicion that your immune system is associated^[7] with dental hygiene^[8], and a healthy mouth might prevent preeclampsia^[9], pre-term birth, or other pregnancy conditions. To prevent inflammation or infection of the gum visit your dentist, and brush and floss your teeth.

Resting

As able, take naps and rest. Start sleeping when you need it. Permit yourself to do this. 

Take Your Vitamins

At this time, your body’s nutrient needs to change. Along with healthy eating, vitamins help your baby develop and secure all the nutrients you require. Eating lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats will keep you and your baby healthy.

The Bottom Line

What an adventure! Every week is going to present its own set of experiences. And although it’s just pregnancy week number 16, your countdown is well underway toward week number 40. Keep doing your best to take care of yourself and your baby. Expect more changes to your body with a growing bump. And don’t fret; pregnancy and its changes are all normal.

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