16th week of pregnancy - how is the baby developing? Well-being of the expectant mother

The 16th week of pregnancy is the time when the baby is very active. However, his mother does not yet feel the movements of the baby. Although this is one of the most anticipated moments of pregnancy, you still need to be patient. Very often at this stage parents find out the sex of their baby.

The period around the 16th week of pregnancy is sometimes called the "pregnancy honeymoon" by many mothers. It is associated with a really good mood, an increase in energy and the disappearance of the complaints characteristic of the first trimester. If there are no contraindications, the pregnant woman does not have to give up any activities - she can continue to work or engage in regular physical activity (adapted to her condition). However, you should not forget about rest and healthy sleep.

16th week of pregnancy - what month is it?

Although gestational age is usually expressed in weeks, it is useful to know which month the 16th week of pregnancy falls on. This information can be useful in different situations. Remember that this is the 2nd trimester of your pregnancy and also the end of the 4th month. This means that the halfway point will soon be reached.

Baby at 16 weeks of pregnancy

The weight of the baby in the 16th week of pregnancy is already over 80 grams, and its length, measured from the top of the head to the buttocks, is over 11 centimeters. The baby is growing very fast. His body proportions are also changing, so that eventually he begins to resemble a small newborn. Its skin is still very thin and covered with fur (lanugo). It lacks the subcutaneous fat that will develop in a few weeks.

It uses every moment to exercise its locomotor system: It wiggles its arms and legs, turns and wriggles. The baby's movements are not yet noticeable to the mother. You have to wait a few weeks for them.

When an ultrasound scan (USG) is performed at 16 weeks of pregnancy, it is quite possible that the expectant parents will learn the sex of their baby. Also remember that at this time the little one hears sounds coming from outside. He especially likes his mother's voice. Play him lullabies or quiet music.

Feelings of the mother in the 16th week of pregnancy

The mood of the mother in the 16th week of pregnancy is usually very good. Morning sickness and excessive sleepiness have disappeared. The belly in the 16th week of pregnancy is already much larger and rounder, so a change of wardrobe becomes necessary.

Some women may experience unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. The most common symptoms in the 16th week of pregnancy are:

• Heartburn,
• constipation,
• hot flashes,
• weak gums,
• back pain,
• problems with concentration.

However, as a rule, they are not too serious, so the future mother in the 16th week of pregnancy can fully enjoy the time of waiting for the baby.

Well-being in the 16th week of pregnancy?

Despite the fact that in the 16th week of pregnancy the mother has a lot of energy, she should remember to rest. Light physical exercises are recommended, which not only reduce back pain, but also help prepare the body for childbirth. About what activity is safe, it is worth asking your doctor.

The future mother should also pay attention to her diet. It is good to include in the diet products rich in calcium, because during this period the baby's bones are strengthened. Therefore, it is worth eating more dairy products, as well as almonds, white beans, tofu, spinach, arugula and kale. Your diet should be tailored to your body's needs.

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, it is worth considering enrolling in a childbirth preparation class. These are classes led by a midwife. They take the form of lectures and exercises. Among other things, the future mother learns how to breathe properly during labor and how to care for a newborn. You can go to antenatal classes with the baby's father or another close person (for example, mother or a friend).