Reaching week 16: Baby’s development, your changing belly, and health tips

An illustration of a uterus and a fetus the size of an avocado representing 16 weeks pregnant.
  • Updated Dec 2, 2024
  • Published

CRAFTED BY HUMAN

Crafted by human At Femia, we provide accurate and up-to-date information at every stage of your journey, from trying to conceive, pregnancy and postnatal support. All content is created by a real person based on in-depth research and own professional experience. Femia ensures that you will receive expert advice, strict accuracy and a personalized approach from our authors/medical experts. Learn more about our editorial policy.

FACT CHECKED

Fact checked At Femia Health, we maintain the highest standards of editorial excellence in delivering content focused on helping you conceive, guiding you through pregnancy, and supporting you postpartum. Explore our content review principles to learn how we ensure the accuracy and quality of our health and lifestyle tips for every stage of your journey.

Author picture

Created with Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG, Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USA

In this article
In a nutshell

At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby’s bones are strengthening, and they’re becoming more active with tiny movements. You may start noticing a more visible bump, along with increased energy as your body continues to adapt to pregnancy.

At 16 weeks pregnant, you’re well into your second trimester, a phase often characterized by increased energy and a more noticeable bump. You might also find that your appetite has increased, and some early symptoms, like nausea, have subsided. Here’s everything you need to know about week 16, from fetal development to self-care tips and ultrasound insights.

Track your pregnancy with ease!

With Femia, you will get personalized insights every step of the way

Try Femia now

16-week pregnancy symptoms

At this stage, many symptoms are related to your growing bump and body changes. Here are the most common symptoms at 16 weeks:

  • Increased energy: Many women feel a renewed sense of energy as hormone levels stabilize and early symptoms fade.
  • Round ligament pain: As your uterus expands, you may feel mild aches or pulling sensations in your lower abdomen.
  • Appetite increase: With nausea often subsiding, you may find that your appetite is growing as your baby’s nutritional needs increase.
  • Nasal congestion: Known as “pregnancy rhinitis,” this can cause mild stuffiness due to increased blood flow to mucous membranes.
  • Breast growth and sensitivity: Your breasts may continue to grow and feel more sensitive as they prepare for future breastfeeding.

You can track your pregnancy using an app, like Femia, to note your symptoms.

👉Find out more: 15 weeks pregnant: Baby’s growth, bump progress, and what to expect

Your body at 16 weeks pregnant

At 16 weeks, your uterus is continuing to expand, and it may be positioned just below your belly button, creating a more visible bump. As your body adjusts, ligaments stretch to accommodate your growing belly, which can cause mild abdominal discomfort known as round ligament pain. Many women also experience a surge in energy and a growing appetite as early symptoms subside and hormone levels stabilize. This is an ideal time to focus on balanced nutrition, light exercise, and keeping hydrated.

Using a weight gain during pregnancy calculator can help you monitor healthy weight gain and make necessary adjustments to your diet or activity level. Furthermore, your healthcare provider will track your progress during routine prenatal visits and offer guidance to support both your health and your baby’s development.

16-week pregnant belly

By 16 weeks, your belly may be noticeably rounder as your uterus expands upward. This is often when first-time moms start to show, while those who have been pregnant before might notice an even more defined bump. Embrace these physical changes as your body adapts to accommodate your baby’s growth.

Baby development at 16 weeks pregnancy

At 16 weeks, your baby is beginning to look more like a tiny human, with developing muscles and bones that allow for increased movement. They are now capable of small facial expressions, and their taste buds are forming, allowing them to begin experiencing flavors through the amniotic fluid. The baby’s body is growing rapidly, with the head and limbs becoming more proportionate. Although these movements aren’t strong enough for you to feel yet, your baby is practicing essential reflexes and learning to use their muscles.

16-week baby size

The 16-week fetus size is about 4.5 inches long, approximately the size of an avocado, and weighs around 3.5 ounces. This week is a growth spurt, as their body and bones continue to strengthen, making them more active.

16-week ultrasound

A 16-week ultrasound may reveal a detailed view of your baby’s developing features, including tiny fingers, toes, and facial details. During a 16-week ultrasound 3D scan, you might even see your baby make small movements or expressions. Some providers may be able to identify your baby’s gender if they’re positioned clearly, although it can vary depending on the clarity of the ultrasound. Typically, an ultrasound is performed a bit later on in the pregnancy, between 18-22 weeks, called a fetal anatomy ultrasound. This is done to examine all the baby’s major organs. This also includes a check for the baby’s sex.

Real-life 16-week fetus

A real-life 16-week fetus is growing fast, with well-formed limbs, fingers, and toes. Although their skin is still translucent, the baby’s body is becoming more proportionate, and they’re practicing movements essential for development.

16 weeks pregnant: Mid-trimester checkpoint

  • Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP): This test screens for neural tube defects like spina bifida.
  • Quadruple marker screening: A follow-up to earlier tests, it assesses hormone levels and proteins related to fetal development. While this test is available from 15-21 weeks, it has largely been replaced by maternal blood test cell-free fetal DNA screening, called noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPT). This NIPT also includes the baby’s sex.

👉Find out more:

17 weeks pregnant: Baby’s growth, position & belly changes

Exploring week 18: What’s happening with baby and your changing body

Health tips and self-care at 16 weeks pregnant

  • Eat nutrient-rich snacks: As your appetite increases, focus on healthy snacks like fruits, yogurt, nuts, and whole grains to meet your body’s needs.
  • Stay active with safe exercises: Gentle exercises, like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, can help with circulation, energy, and stress relief.
  • Moisturize daily: As your skin stretches, applying lotion can help prevent dryness and soothe any itchiness.
  • Rest as needed: Although energy is often higher during this trimester, listen to your body and rest when you need to.
Track your pregnancy with ease!

With Femia, you will get personalized insights every step of the way

Try Femia now

Questions from the Femia community

  • Is craving non-food items normal?

    Craving non-food items, known as pica, can sometimes happen during pregnancy. If you experience these cravings, talk to your healthcare provider, as it could indicate a nutritional deficiency.

  • What are my sports limitations at week 16?

    Avoid high-impact or strenuous activities, contact sports, and exercises that involve lying flat on your back for prolonged periods. Focus on low-impact, safe movements.

  • Why do I feel round ligament pain?

    As your uterus grows, it stretches the ligaments that support it, causing mild aches known as round ligament pain. Staying hydrated, moving slowly, and light stretching can help.

  • Is it normal to have sensitive gums?

    Yes, hormonal changes can cause sensitive or swollen gums during pregnancy. Some may also slightly increase minor bleeding gums at this time. Gentle brushing and regular dental checkups can help manage this. Also, it is 100% safe to have dental cleanings and dental x-rays throughout the pregnancy.

The bottom line

At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing quickly and developing important reflexes, with features becoming more defined. You may feel more energized and see a noticeable bump as your body continues to adapt. Focus on balanced nutrition, hydration, and light exercise to support both you and your baby during this exciting phase of pregnancy.

Facebook
Twitter
Threads
In this article
Related articles