16 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development | Pampers UK (2024)

At 16 weeks pregnant, you may be feeling an easing of those early symptoms, or perhaps some new pregnancy symptoms have crept in. Either way, our article is packed full of tips and things to consider at 16 weeks pregnant, as well as some symptoms you may experience and the exciting developments your little one is making.

Highlights at 16 Weeks Pregnant

Here are some highlights from 16 weeks pregnant:

• Your little one is about the size of an apple!

• At 16 weeks, they’re becoming very active right as they flex their tiny legs and arms.

• You might have a little more energy this week as your early pregnancy symptoms decrease.

• Is your bump starting to show at 16 weeks pregnant? If so, now might be a good time to find some comfortable clothes to compliment your expanding belly.

• And we’ve also got some helpful exercise and healthy eating tips to help you maintain a healthy weight at 16 weeks pregnant.

Your Baby’s Development at 16 Weeks Pregnant

From moving to frowning, here are some of the exciting developments your baby is making at 16 weeks:

• At 16 weeks pregnant, your little foetus’s nervous system is continuing to develop. You may have a little kickboxer inside your bump now, as your baby’s arm and leg muscles start to flex in a coordinated way.

• Your foetus could also be doing some shadow boxing in there, as the hands gain the ability to clench into little fists. Those tiny hands can even grip each other now.

• Even though you may not feel any kicks (or punches!) for several weeks yet, your little one is certainly putting in the training!

• At 16 weeks pregnant, your little one can grimace as the facial muscles are now starting to be able to move. There isn’t any control over these muscle movements yet, so any smiles or frowns are just random at the moment.

How Many Months Is 16 Weeks Pregnant?

You’re 16 weeks pregnant, but what is that in months? There are various ways to group the 40 weeks of pregnancy into months, but at 16 weeks pregnant, you’re likely in your fourth month of pregnancy or entering your fifth month.Do you know your due date yet? If not, try our Due Date Calculator for an estimate of when your little one will arrive:

Your Baby’s Size at 16 Weeks Pregnant?

Now that you’re 16 weeks pregnant, your foetus is about the size of an apple, measuring close to 11.6 centimetres from crown to rump, and weighing in at around 100 grams.

Your Baby: What Does 16 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

It can be hard to imagine what your baby looks like, nestled inside the amniotic sac in your uterus. Take a look at the illustration below to give you a little glimpse.

Your Body at 16 Weeks Pregnant

If you’ve been troubled by some of the more unpleasant early pregnancy symptoms, you might find being pregnant gradually starts to get a bit more fun around this time and you’re likely to have more energy!At 16 weeks pregnant, many pregnant people notice that they’ve put on a little weight. Some of the pregnancy weight gain you’ll experience is due to the extra weight of your baby growing in your uterus, as well as the placenta and amniotic fluid that are there to protect and nourish your little one. Besides this, your own body may also start to store extra fat for making breast milk.Maintaining a healthy weight for your height lowers the risk of health issues during your pregnancy. Dieting is not recommended during pregnancy, unless prescribed by your doctor due to a specific health condition. Keep in mind that eating for two doesn’t mean eating twice as much, even if you’re pregnant with twins. See what a balanced and healthy diet looks like when you’re pregnant. And ask your doctor or midwife for personalised advice on maintaining a healthy weight.At 16 weeks pregnant your growing bump might make it harder to find a comfortable sleeping position. Experts believe that sleeping on your side is the safest position (especially after 28 weeks). As your bump gets bigger, try supporting it with pillows and maybe putting a cushion or pillow between your knees to make yourself more comfortable. Read more on how to get a better night’s sleep while you’re pregnant.

Your Symptoms at 16 Weeks Pregnant

Here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing at 16 weeks pregnant:

• Leg cramps. Sudden sharp pains, usually in your calf muscles or feet can be common when you're pregnant. Nobody really knows why this happens around 16 weeks pregnant or any time in pregnancy, but cramping does tend to occur most frequently at night. Exercises that involve stretching and rotating your feet can help reduce the likelihood of cramps. If it strikes, try pulling your toes up towards your ankle, or massaging the affected muscle. And remember to stay hydrated!

• Nosebleeds. These can be quite common at 16 weeks and throughout pregnancy, in response to hormonal changes. They can last anything from a few seconds to more than 10 minutes. Nosebleeds can be scary if you haven't had them before, but generally aren't considered dangerous. To stop a nosebleed, sit down and pinch the soft part of your nose above the nostrils, maintaining the pressure for 10-15 minutes while breathing through your mouth. Lean forwards to stop the blood flowing back down your throat. If the bleeding won't stop, call your midwife or GP immediately.

• Back pain. Backache or back pain can be very common symptoms at 16 weeks pregnant and throughout your pregnancy, especially in the early stages, as the ligaments of your body start to soften and stretch in early preparation for giving birth. Later, as your bump grows, your centre of gravity will shift forwards. When you lean back to compensate for this, it can also put extra strain on your back muscles. Taking warm baths or showers can help soothe aching muscles. It can also help prevent or reduce back pain if you try to maintain good posture and wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes. Gentle exercise is also a great way of helping your body cope better with the physical stresses of pregnancy and childbirth. Ask your midwife what kinds of exercises and stretches are best for you to do if you're getting these kinds of aches and pains regularly.

• Feeling faint. Dizzy spells aren't unusual during pregnancy. Again, this is usually down to your hormones. Standing up or getting out of the bath too quickly can make you feel faint, but it can happen at other times too. Getting up slowly can reduce the chance of a dizzy spell, but you could also feel faint while already standing up or lying on your back. If you feel faint when standing, quickly find somewhere to sit down until it passes. If it happens when you lying on your back, turn onto your side. If these dizzy spells seem to get worse over time or happen more often, chat with your midwife or doctor.

• Constipation. Those pregnancy hormones may also be causing constipation around 16 weeks of pregnancy. This is when you find it hard to pass a stool, and it can lead to bloating, nausea and stomach pains. Eating foods high in fibre, drinking plenty of water and exercising are a few ways to help relieve constipation. You can also ask your doctor if your iron supplements are contributing to your discomfort.

What Size is a Pregnant Belly at 16 Weeks?

At 16 weeks, your pregnancy belly bump may or may not be showing by now, but it’s likely still pretty small. If you haven’t noticed a baby bump yet, remember, every pregnancy is different. It’s only a matter of time before your bump becomes more obvious. If you’re wondering “where is my baby positioned at 16 weeks?” it's helpful to know that in the second trimester, the uterus starts to position itself upwards and outwards as your baby and uterus grow and become too big for your pelvis. This may also cause pelvic pain or discomfort.

What Does 16 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

For a better idea of what your bump might look like around 16 weeks pregnant, in your fourth month, check out the image below.

Things to Consider at 16 Weeks Pregnant

Check out our list of things to consider at 16 weeks pregnant:

• If your bump is getting much bigger around 16 weeks pregnant, why not treat yourself to some maternity clothes? These clothes are designed to help you feel more comfortable as your figure changes, often without even having to compromise on fashion and style! You might also need more than one change of bra size as your breasts continue expanding. You may find a special maternity or soft-cup bra more comfortable, but it doesn't matter what type of bra you wear as long as it fits properly and provides adequate support. You might also like to wear a comfy bra to bed if you need extra support while sleeping.

• Now that you're 16 weeks pregnant, you probably have an appointment with a midwife coming up. During this session, you might be able to hear your little one's cardiac activity for the first time. You might also get the results of any blood tests you had done at your initial ‘booking' appointment, if you haven't received them already. If you test positive for an infectious disease, your midwife or doctor will advise you on how to stay healthy and cut down the risk of passing the infection on to your foetus.

• If this is your second pregnancy, it's worth considering how things might be a little different this time. Read more about how pregnancy symptoms can be different during a second pregnancy.

• As you race toward the mid-way point of your pregnancy, you might like to start making a list of baby names that you like. There are so many cute names out there, but it can be hard to know where to start. Use our Baby Name Generator to browse names by starting letter, theme and gender.

• You still have plenty of time, but for a little fun – with absolutely no pressure – take our How Prepared Are You for Your Baby’s Arrival quiz.

Questions for Your Doctor at 16 Weeks Pregnant

You can contact your doctor or midwife with any questions or concerns you may have throughout your pregnancy. Here are some common questions at 16 weeks pregnant:

• What optional screening tests are available, and what are the risks and benefits of taking them?

• Will I have an ultrasound scan around 16 weeks pregnant?

• How's my weight gain at 16 weeks pregnant? Is there anything more I can do to stay on the right track?

• Is it safe for you to go on a babymoon in the next couple of months? Is there anything I should take into account when it comes to the destination I’m considering travelling to?

16 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

At 16 weeks pregnant, you may like to consider the following to-dos:

• Start thinking about what childcare options will be available to you after your baby is born. Do you plan to be a stay-at-home parent, or go back to work relatively soon? It’s worth reading up on how much maternity leave you’re entitled to if you’re working, and whether your partner is eligible for paternity leave. Do you have a parent who can help with caring for your little one? Do you have any references for a great babysitter? Whatever your individual circ*mstances, it’s never too soon to start researching what services and support are available in your local area.

• You may qualify to receive healthy start vouchers, which are redeemable for milk and other basic, fresh foods in local shops. Ask your midwife for more information.

• If you haven’t been to the dentist recently, schedule a check-up.

_{How We Wrote This ArticleThe information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}