How Big Is My Baby At 16 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby begins to make movements now and is about the size of an avocado. The baby is about 4.57 inches long and weighs about 3.53 ounces.

Baby Development 

• Eyebrows and eyelashes make an appearance.
• The baby can lift and hold the head upright.
• Muscle and bone tissue continue to develop.
• Skin begins to take shape. You can nearly see through it.
• Meconium forms in your baby’s intestinal tract. This will be the baby’s first bowel movement.
• The baby starts to make sucking motions with the mouth.
• Circulatory system is beginning to work and pumping blood.

16 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Dry, Itchy, And Sensitive Eyes:  Your eyes may get dry, itchy, and sensitive due to the pregnancy hormones. Using over-the-counter eyedrops will help, but be sure to consult your doctor before choosing one.

Bleeding Gums:  If you have you noticed your gums bleeding after brushing, it could be pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy hormones can make your teeth more vulnerable to plaque, leaving you with swollen, bleeding gums.

Nosebleeds:  Nasal congestion caused by pregnancy hormones, along with increased blood flow in the body causes nosebleeds. Increased blood flow ruptures blood vessels in the nose, leading to bleeding nose.

Enlarged Breasts:  Breasts keep growing and become bigger as they prepare for breastfeeding by the end of the second trimester. The breasts will return to pre-pregnancy size sometime after delivery.

Heartburn & Indigestion:  Heartburn occurs when stomach acids move upwards to the esophagus. This happens due to relaxation of the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Indigestion occurs due to relaxed digestive system caused by pregnancy hormones.

Varicose Veins:  You might notice visible veins crisscrossing your breasts, abdominal area, and legs. This is a symptom of varicose veins and is common during pregnancy. Varicose veins are swelling and enlarged veins mostly in the lower legs and feet.  Increased blood volume during pregnancy causes veins to swell and enlarge. Pressure exerted by the uterus on the large veins behind it causes the blood to slow in its return to the heart. These things cause varicose veins. Changing positions often, propping your legs, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding tight clothes and shoes can help.

Forgetfulness:  You may have trouble concentrating and may become forgetful. This is known as “pregnancy brain”. What causes pregnancy brain is not known to experts, but it is thought to be caused by biological factors or having too many thoughts in the mind.

Backache:  Hormonal changes, growing size of the breasts, and the pressure exerted by the baby can cause backache. Doing low-impact exercise and stretching your body regularly can help.

Constipation:  During pregnancy, hormones slow down the digestive system, leaving you constipated. Eating enough fiber-rich foods, wholemeal breads, cereals, and drinking plenty of water will help.

Increased Vaginal Discharge:  May experience increased vaginal discharge during this time. This happens due to hormonal changes. The main purpose of this discharge is to prevent infections from reaching the uterus. It is normal and is not a cause to worry. Call your doctor if it is heavy, colored, tinged with blood, has a foul odor, or causes discomfort.

Leg Cramps:  Cramps occurs in legs when you are lying in the bed during night. They can deprive you of your sleep. Straightening your leg and gently stretching your ankle and toes will help.

16 Weeks Pregnant: Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

• Enroll in a pregnant yoga class.
• Wear support stockings, put your feet up, and move your legs constantly while sitting to improve blood flow and cope with varicose veins.
• Eat a fiber-rich, healthy,and nutritious diet. Eat foods containing iron, calcium, and minerals.
• Be physically active and do low-intensity exercises, such as walking and swimming. Don’t forget to get your doctor’s clearance before starting any exercise.
• Now is the time to look around and do some research on for new baby clothes, cribs, strollers, baby car seats, and other essential baby items.
• Start sleeping on left side from this week. Use maternity pillows, which are designed for pregnant women to support entire body. You can also use normal pillows for support while sleeping on your side.
• Enroll in childbirth classes. This will help you know more about pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Interaction with other pregnant women will help you cope up with your stress and anxiety, and relax.
• Spend time with your partner and share your anxieties and concerns with him.
• Spend time or keep in touch with family, friends, and other loved ones and share your feelings. This will help you to cope with stress and anxiety and stay calm and relaxed.