Baby Development Milestones at Pregnancy Week 16
Now would be a good time to start speaking and singing to him. At pregnancy week 16, your baby is gearing up for a spike in growth but right now if you could hold him, he would fit in your palm. He’s about 18.6 cm long, weighs about 146 grams and is as big as an avocado. In about three weeks he will have doubled in weight, which means you need to eat well and keep up with your supplements for this next phase.
His circulation and urinary tract systems are now functioning fully. The only thing that baby has to play with in the tummy is the umbilical cord. When in an active state, he will clutch and tag at it. His head and neck also look more erect as the cartilage that makes his skeleton is starting to harden into bone. His nervous system is also starting to work and soon, your baby will now start to move in the uterus on purpose. Ultrasounds have shown babies moving their arms to protect their eyes from beams of light at this stage.
Related: Pregnancy Week 15: Body Changes and Your Baby’s Development Milestones
Your Changing Body and Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 16
You’ve gained weight by around 4kgs and your tummy is now a nice bump. Try not to obsess about the increasing weight and start seeing each kilogram as nourishment for your little one. Buying an accessory or an item of clothing for maternity fashion may help you feel better about it.
It’s also advised that you start sleeping on your side from when you are 16 weeks pregnant onward as this position is best for circulation. Now is the time to start buying pregnancy pillows or just other extra pillows to help you sleep in this position. You may also start experiencing pregnancy back pains at this point. Your breasts are also rapidly increasing in size at this point. Start looking for comfortable and firm bras from the many mum and baby stores in Kenya.
Pregnancy Week 16 tip: Many pregnant women struggle with nasal congestion at this stage. It is a sign that the mucus membranes in your nose are swelling from the hormones. You may even experience nose bleeds. Consider speaking with your doctor or nurse midwife before using any over the counter drugs to manage it.
Next Week: Body Changes and Baby Milestones to Expect at Pregnancy Week 17
Get Personalized Antenatal Care at Malaica Maternity Hospital
Even with the glow and energy that returns during the second trimester, you still need maternity care that’s personalized to your needs and backed by experts. Malaica’s antenatal care goes beyond routine clinical assessment to offer 24/7 emergency line access, an online community of pregnant moms, and virtual mental health support whenever you need it.
Curious how we can empower your pregnancy journey? Reach out to Malaica by messaging us at +254 746 610643 or request us to call you back.
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