Pregnancy – Week 16

Your pregnancy is now at week 16 and you might be feeling bub’s first movements. These early movements are like a fluttering sensation. You may also notice the beginning of Linea nigra, a dark line which appears down the centre of your abdomen. This will disappear after the birth.

Mum

You may not have to urinate so much now your uterus is shifting. Leg veins might become apparent and you may be having nose bleeds because of the increased blood volume supporting your growing fetus. Its normal to have gained around 2-4.5kg (5-10 pounds) by now with the swelling in your lower abdomen obvious at this stage.

Ligaments stretching in your abdomen may cause pangs as your uterus continues to grow.

A feeling of butterflies in your tummy may be the first kicks or movements of your baby. It will be a few more weeks yet before your partner will feel the movements.

Bub

This week fat begins to form beneath the skin and baby has learned to breath. He weighs about 100 grams (3.5 ounces) with a length of up to 12cm (5 inches) and his skin now looks pink because of the blood vessels.

Squinting and frowning may result from more developed facial muscles. His eyes have become sensitive to light even though they are still firmly closed.

He can now grasp, kick and somersault. He hears external voices, sleeps and dreams. Baby’s fingernails are now well formed and the nervous system is functioning with muscles responding to stimulation from his brain. Arms and legs are moving. Eyebrows and hair on top of the head are growing. Baby’s heartbeat may be heard in the doctor’s office.