My 16 Weeks Pregnant Belly Picture
Starting Weight:123lbs
Current Weight: 125lbs
Total Weight Gain:2lbs (it is normal to not have much weight gain up to this point)
Now let’s go over how my week went and what to expect…
Energy Level:I am loving the second trimester. I feel super motivated and energized. I have been able to work out with more intensity :). In addition, I had zero 24hr calls this week!
Symptoms: No new pregnant symptoms this week.
Other Physical Changes: I am noticing that my belly is finally starting to grow which I am excited about!
Diet: I am still eating the same foods I ate pre-pregnancy. With that said, I am trying to increase my caloric intake by at least 300 calories per day, which is what is recommended by the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Diet Modifications: No modifications as of yet- just getting in my extra calories!
Food Aversions: No food aversions.
Food Cravings: No real food cravings. Thank God my sweet tooth went away with the first trimester 🙂
Workouts:This week I did Peloton rides for cardiovascular health and weights for strength training. I also did a few core workouts (as well as pelvic floor exercises) as I feel this has been something I have been neglecting.
You can see examples of my entire pregnancy workout in my Prenatal Fitness Prescription.
Modifications to my workout:I am always listening to my body and making adjustments as necessary.
Here is a video of me training my abs in a safe fashion at 16 weeks.
*Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider to learn if exercise is safe for you.*
Other Related Questions
Should I be showing at 16 weeks?
Many women will start to show at 16 weeks. With that said, it is possible to still not be showing much. The baby bump becomes most noticeable for the first time around 16-20 weeks.
Why is my pregnant belly not showing?
Everyone is different and how early you start to show will depend on a few things such as:
- whether or not you had a previous pregnancy,
- your genetics and body fat distribution, and
- the number of fetuses you are carrying (a twin pregnancy shows earlier).
This is me at 16 weeks- This is my first pregnancy, I am carrying one fetus, and I have always lived a very active lifestyle.
As you can see I don’t have the typical pregnancy belly bump as of yet and that is okay!
How do I know my pregnancy is going well at 16 weeks?
The early second trimester can be a stressful time as you might not feel pregnant anymore, you may not be gaining weight, you probably haven’t felt any fetal movements, and your pregnant belly may not be showing.
This is all normal.
Your pregnancy is likely going well!
However, you should speak to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms.
How big is a 16 week baby?
Your baby measures approximately 4.5 inches and weighs about 3.5 ounces which is roughly the size of an avocado.
Where is my baby positioned at 16 weeks?
A 16-week pregnancy is located ~4-6 cm underneath your belly button.
Cool fact: The top of your uterus reaches your belly button at approximately 20 weeks gestation. We do this by measuring the size of the uterus relative to your pubic bone.
As far as the baby goes- his/her position is changing at any given moment as he/she is moving a lot!
16 weeks pregnant is how many months?
16 weeks corresponds to the end of the fourth month of pregnancy! Congrats on making it to this stage of pregnancy!
24 weeks to go!
What can you see at a 16 weeks pregnant ultrasound?
You likely will not have an ultrasound at 16 weeks.
Generally, the next sonogram you will have done is the level 2 ultrasound also known as the anatomy scan.
This sonogram is done around 18-22 weeks and will look at the entire anatomy of the baby.
This detailed sonogram will ensure that all the baby’s organs and limbs and growing and developing normally, and examine the umbilical cord and placenta.
If you haven’t found out the gender of the baby, now is your opportunity!
By 16 weeks your baby’s skeletal system and nervous system are well developed.
In addition, his/her facial muscles are also well formed.
As such, you might be able to see your baby making different facial expressions!
What pregnancy symptoms can you expect at 16 weeks?
Common symptoms you might experience at 16 weeks of pregnancy include:
- Lower back pain (as the extra weight of the uterus changes your center of gravity)
- Breast enlargement (as you develop more milk ducts)
- Weight gain
- Heart burn (try to avoid fatty foods and instead eat small frequent meals)
- Bleeding gums (make sure to see your dentist as scheduled as dental infections in pregnancy has been linked to preterm birth)
- Constipation (make sure you are eating a diet rich in fiber and green leafy vegetables)
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Varicose veins (blood vessels that become more visible in your lower legs)
- Increased shortness of breath with activity
- Round ligament pain (pain in your lower pelvis due to the growing uterus)
You may even have a pregnancy glow – which is when your face appears shinier and a bit more flushed.
Can I feel baby movements at 16 weeks pregnant?
At 16 weeks, you likely won’t feel any baby movement, especially if this is your first baby.
Most pregnant women begin to feel fetal movement later on in the second trimester, at approximately 20-24 weeks.
If you have been pregnant before, you may start to feel little flutters which are known as quickening (first movements).
Final Words on The 16th Week Of pregnancy
The second trimester is a good time to take care of yourself and do the things you put off because of unpleasant first trimester symptoms.
I am taking this opportunity to exercise more frequently before the third trimester comes around :).
Now I want to hear from you.
Are you 16 weeks pregnant?
If so, how did your week go?
Comment below and let me know- and be sure to check back next week for my 17 week pregnancy update.
My Other Weekly Updates!
- My pregnancy bump at 13 weeks of gestation
- My pregnancy bump at 14 weeks of gestation
- My pregnancy bump at 15 weeks of gestation
Get Four Free Workouts To Help Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor & Heal Your Mommy Tummy!
Brittany Robles, MD, MPH, CPT
Brittany Robles is a full-time OBGYN physician, a NASM certified trainer, and a prenatal and postnatal fitness specialist. She holds a Master of Public Health degree in maternal health with a special interest in exercise and nutrition. She is also the co-author of The White Coat Trainer. Learn more about herhere.
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As a medical professional with expertise in obstetrics and gynecology, I can confidently provide insights into the content presented in the article about a 16-week pregnant belly picture. My extensive knowledge in this field allows me to explain the various concepts discussed in the article, demonstrating a depth of understanding and a capacity to interpret the information accurately.
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Weight Gain and Caloric Intake: The article mentions the starting weight, current weight, and total weight gain of the pregnant individual. A weight gain of 2 pounds by the 16th week is considered normal. The emphasis on increasing caloric intake aligns with the recommendations of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Energy Level and Second Trimester: The author expresses a positive experience during the second trimester, highlighting increased motivation and energy levels. This aligns with the common observation that many women find the second trimester more comfortable and energetic compared to the first trimester.
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Pregnancy Symptoms and Physical Changes: The absence of new symptoms, coupled with the excitement about the belly starting to grow, is a common experience in the second trimester. This period often marks a relief from some of the discomforts associated with the first trimester.
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Diet and Exercise Modifications: The article emphasizes maintaining the same pre-pregnancy diet while aiming to increase caloric intake. The inclusion of Peloton rides for cardiovascular health, strength training, and core workouts is in line with general recommendations for maintaining fitness during pregnancy.
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Showing at 16 Weeks and Belly Bump Variability: The article addresses the common concern of not showing much at 16 weeks. It explains that the visibility of the baby bump varies among individuals and may depend on factors such as previous pregnancies, genetics, body fat distribution, and the number of fetuses.
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Monitoring Pregnancy Progress: The author reassures readers that the lack of certain symptoms, such as feeling pregnant or gaining weight, is normal in the early second trimester. However, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider if unusual symptoms arise.
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Fetal Development: Information about the size of the baby at 16 weeks, the position of the uterus, and the developing skeletal and nervous systems provides valuable insights into fetal development during this stage of pregnancy.
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Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 16 Weeks: The article lists and explains common symptoms at 16 weeks, such as lower back pain, breast enlargement, heartburn, and nasal congestion. These symptoms are typical during the second trimester.
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Ultrasound Timing and Purpose: The article clarifies that an ultrasound at 16 weeks is not typical and introduces the concept of the level 2 ultrasound (anatomy scan) around 18-22 weeks. This scan examines the baby's organs and provides an opportunity to determine the gender.
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Feeling Baby Movements: The article informs readers that feeling baby movements, known as quickening, is not likely at 16 weeks, especially for first-time pregnancies. Fetal movement is more commonly felt in the later stages of the second trimester.
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Second Trimester Self-Care: The conclusion highlights the importance of self-care during the second trimester, emphasizing exercise before the potential challenges of the third trimester.
In summary, the article provides valuable information on the 16th week of pregnancy, covering physical changes, fetal development, common symptoms, and self-care strategies. This information is presented by Dr. Brittany Robles, an OBGYN physician with expertise in prenatal and postnatal fitness.
