16 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is getting bigger and at a fast rate. Your baby will be about 4.5 inches long now, which is roughly the size of a mango. He or she only weighs about 3.5 ounces right now but over the next few months, your little one will double in weight! Enjoy your small size while you can.

Your Baby’s Development

Your baby can now pull faces while in the womb. 16 weeks pregnant is when the facial muscles start to develop. Unfortunately, you won’t see this happening on any scans but smile knowing that your baby is developing the ability to frown, smile and grimace. You will not see a genuine smile for some time. The first facial expressions out of the womb are usually frowns, grimaces and windy ‘smiles’.

The fingers and toes are starting to lengthen. The muscles are also developing so your little one has more control over then at pregnancy week 16. You may see your baby sucking his or her thumb at your next scan.

After weeks of looking like a little alien, the body is finally longer so everything looks in proportion. Things like the fingers and toes will still be relatively short but your baby is becoming more in proportion with each day that passes.

Changes in You at 16 Weeks Pregnant

After weeks of wondering when you will start looking pregnant, now is the time. You will likely have people commenting on your small bump and asking when you are due. You may also start to feel movement, especially if this is not your first or you are expecting multiple babies. Most of the movements will likely feel like butterflies in the stomach because your little one is doing plenty of somersaults.

You may find that your libido increases at pregnancy week 16. This does not happen in all women so take it as it comes. This is the time to spend time with your partner, even if it is a romantic night in or going out for dinner. You won’t have much time for this in a few months time.

Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 16

Your toenails and fingernails are likely to grow quicker at this time. There is no exact known reason for this but it is thought that it is the hormones in the body. You will also likely find that your nails are much stronger. Many mothers say to enjoy this time because the nails will go back to normal afterwards but others find that this sticks around for months after the birth of the baby. Every woman and every pregnancy is different.

Nasal congestion is likely still a problem at 16 weeks pregnant but this can come and go. It is difficult to get rid of this problem since there are so many medications that are off limits during pregnancy. Have a hot shower or warm bath and breathe in the steam to help or you could fill a bowl with hot water and breathe the steam in with a towel over your head.

You may be glowing at this stage in your pregnancy. However, this does not happen to all women as you may find that you have acne troubles instead. Again, every pregnancy and every woman is different.