16 Weeks Pregnant ─ Pregnancy Symptoms

Your Belly "Bump" is Now Visible and will Continue to Grow Rapidly During Your 16th week

174 DAYS TO GO. . .

COMMON PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS FOR WEEK 16

50%

Breast Pain
50% of women experience breast pain and tenderness as a symptom during week 16 of pregnancy. More >>

53%

Fatigue
53% of women experience fatigue as a symptom during week 16 of pregnancy. More >>

53%

Headache
53% of women experience headache as a symptom during week 16 of pregnancy. More >>

Your belly is starting to show. Some days, you’ll take huge pride in your emerging belly. While on other days, you may sigh for the loss of a trim figure. Enjoy your changing shape. You’ll probably find that your partner loves it too. For many couples, this can be a time of increased interest in sex.

WHAT'S GOING ON INSIDE?

The Face has now developed to the point of making expressions which your baby has no control over.

The Brain is undergoing new development of nerve cells.

The Ears are able to interpret external voices.

The Skin is covered with a protective soft down to regulate its temperature. Fat is starting to form underneath the skin.

The Circulatory System is now working and pumping about 25 quarts a day.

You will have another prenatal check-up this week. Now, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your belly grows. The size and shape of your belly is individual to you, so try not to compare. At this point, you may want to start shopping for maternity clothing, or adjust the clothing you already have.

You may start to feel your baby moving inside you. Your baby might be active for up to five minutes at a time. The fingertips are now prominent and the fingers still quite short. Each finger is separate and moves independently of the rest. The toes are lengthening and a gentle arch to the foot is beginning to take shape. Your baby can grasp its feet at will but has difficulty bringing them up to its mouth.



At this stage your baby’s skin is still transparent, and there is little fat lying beneath it. The dermis is made from connective tissue comprising collagen and elastin fibres that allow for stretch and resistance. Your baby may also be forming hair follicles.

You may want to start thinking about talking to your doctor about your birth plan. You will need to create a plan for arriving at the hospital as well as if you would like any epidurals to ease the pain.

Your partner may become increasingly worried about your well being. If it bothers you, ask your partner why he feels the need to be so protective. If you can understand his feelings and concerns, it can help. Take the time to explain to him how you feel, and if everything’s going well and you’re feeling great, let him know. Explain that pregnancy is not an illness and is a natural process, and reassure him that you’re being well looked after by the doctor.