16 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide

• 16 weeks pregnant is which trimester? Second trimester.
• How many weeks of pregnancy are left? 24 weeks.
• How many months is 16 weeks pregnant? You’re four months pregnant.

With week 15 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 16. Enjoy it, as week 17 is on the horizon! 

One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.

What Happens During the 16th Week of Pregnancy?

• Getting the blood flowing: Your baby’s circulatory system is up and running, pumping about 25 quarts of blood a day.
• Stretch and flex: Your baby’s getting stronger every day, with their spine and tiny muscles now able to support their head.
• It's dark in here: Their eyes are still closed, but they’re developing nicely and able to move from side to side.
• Your baby's bowels are working now: In fact, that little digestive tract can create meconium, a dark green stool.
• Turn that frown upside down: Your baby's now making new expressions, like squinting and frowning, which are important steps in social and communication development.

What Does a Baby Look Like at 16 Weeks?

At 16 weeks pregnant, a fetus is the size of an avocado—about 4.6 inches. Your little one’s muscles are building strength, and their face is becoming more expressive. Can’t wait to find out if you’re having a girl or a boy? In a few weeks, an ultrasound should be able to identify your baby’s gender. 

What Should I Be Feeling at 16 Weeks Pregnant?

• You’re probably sick of the small selection of foods you were tolerating, but morning sickness is most likely over now, so you can get back to a healthy balanced diet. There are some foods to avoid though.
• Your baby is beginning to develop motor skills, so you may start to feel movements soon.
• Would you believe that your baby at 16 weeks in the womb may be able to hear your voice? Try singing or play lullabies to put you both at ease.
• You probably look pregnant by now. Some women don’t show at all by week 16, but it’s happening! Your bump will “pop” soon.

How To Get Your Baby To Move at 16 Weeks

Is it gas or your baby? At 16 weeks, some moms-to-be, especially those who have had previous pregnancies, start to feel their babies moving. The wonderful fluttering sensation, known as “quickening,” may feel like little gas bubbles in your belly. Feeling those tiny kicks for the first time is one of the most precious pregnancy moments.

While you can’t always make your baby move on command, you may find that they are more active at a certain time of day or after you eat or drink. Keep track of what gets your little one wiggling. And if you don’t feel any fetal movement yet, don’t worry. Most moms won’t notice quickening this early on. You’ve got all of the third trimester to feel your baby moving in the womb. 

How Big Is Your Baby at 16 Weeks Pregnant?

Week 16 Pregnancy Symptoms

During week 16 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.

8 Common Week 16 Pregnancy Symptoms

1. You may get pregnancy congestion, nasal congestion, and nose bleeds. Try a saline nasal spray.
2. If your back isn’t aching by now, it soon will be. It’s natural as your body changes and carries extra weight. Take a warm shower or bath, or treat yourself to a prenatal massage.
3. Varicose and spider veins may appear. Thankfully, they usually shrink after you give birth.
4. You may have pregnancy brain, which manifests as absent-mindedness and is normal during pregnancy.
5. Your expanding uterus may cause pain in the ligaments and muscles supporting it.
6. Increased progesterone can cause constipation. A fitness program can help your body and bowels get moving. 
7. You may notice that you’ve increased several cup sizes as your breasts gear up for lactation.
8. People may comment about your beautiful, glowing skin. Enjoy this positive symptom!

3 Expert Tips for a Healthy And Safe Pregnancy

Being 16 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here’s some more expert-recommended advice on how to adjust to this new stage and keep you and your baby safe.

1. So much to see: As your baby’s eyes develop this week, it's especially important that you get the recommended daily amount of DHA—200 to 300 milligrams. A prenatal vitamin can help you get important DHA.
2. A cup of joe: Wondering if coffee’s good or bad for you right now? It’s good to cut back to two or fewer cups of coffee a day since it can dehydrate you. Find out answers to what else you should and shouldn’t be eating.
3. Prenatal tests: You’ll be getting your quad screen soon. This prenatal blood test assesses the probability of a child having a chromosomal abnormality.

Week 16 Checklist: How To Plan Your Pregnancy

Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!

Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.

 With week 15 in the rearview mirror and week 16 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 17!