Week 16 of pregnancy
What's Happening with Baby
Your baby's features are becoming even more defined this week. The eyelids, upper lip, and ears have developed, and their tiny fingers and toes are well-defined, with soft nails starting to grow. The amniotic fluid that surrounds them acts as a protective cushion, keeping their temperature constant and allowing them to move freely.
Your little one is now about 4 1/2 inches long (the size of an avocado) and weighs around 3 1/2 ounces. A major sensory leap happens now: your baby can hear you! Feel free to talk or sing to them as much as you like. They are also becoming sensitive to light, so if a bright light were to shine on your belly, they might move in response. The umbilical cord is fully formed, and while it efficiently carries nourishment, remember that it can also transmit harmful substances like alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs, so it's vital to continue taking good care of yourself.
What You Might Experience
As your uterus continues to grow, your pregnancy is likely beginning to show more obviously now. This growth causes an alteration in your center of gravity, as there's more weight in the front of your body. You might find yourself unconsciously leaning back to compensate, which can put an extra load on your back muscles and potentially cause back pain.
You will probably find that you are more comfortable in maternity clothes and larger, more supportive bras at this stage.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
Your doctor may have discussed optional prenatal testing with you. For women who are over 35 years old or have a family history of certain congenital disorders, a test called amniocentesis is often offered. This test, typically performed between 14 and 18 weeks, involves using a thin, hollow needle to take a small sample of the amniotic fluid for analysis.
Amniocentesis can be used to detect chromosome abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, and other genetic conditions, providing more definitive information for parents who choose to have it.
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