There is much to be excited about during the 16th week of pregnancy. You’re firmly out of the first trimester, so hopefully, you’re no longer plagued by morning sickness, and you could feel your baby move any time now! You’re close to a lot of exciting milestones, including the anatomy scan and possibly learning your baby’s sex.

The results of many earlier tests may have come back, and if you’ve opted into amniocentesis, it will be done this week or soon. Your skin may also shift from oily and acne-ridden to the ‘glow’ often associated with pregnancy.

Your Baby’s Development At 16 Weeks

At 16 weeks, your baby is between 7 and 8 inches long and weighs around 5 ounces. Some moms say they feel their baby move this early (it can feel like a bubbly sensation in their abdomen), but it’s not expected until between 18 and 22 weeks.

Your baby’s lungs are beginning to form bronchioles and capillaries, and other structures that will eventually help them use the oxygen your baby breathes. Still, they’re not ready for air yet at this stage! His nervous system is developing, and he’s making many faces, kicking and swinging his fists around!

He’s starting to grow hair (even if your baby is born bald, his hair follicles are developing now), eyelashes, and eyebrows. He’s also developing his taste buds (although there’s not much to taste yet but amniotic fluid) and hearing. If you read, talk, or sing to your baby now, he can hear you — and in a few weeks, you may even notice him reacting to your voice!

Quick Overview: Baby's Development At 16 Weeks Pregnant:

• Baby is now between 7 and 8 inches long and weighs around 5 ounces.
• Some moms may feel baby’s movement, though it’s typically expected between 18 and 22 weeks.
• Lungs are developing bronchioles and capillaries but are not yet ready for air.
• The nervous system is developing, allowing the baby to make facial expressions, kick, and move fists.
• Hair follicles, eyelashes, and eyebrows are forming, even if the baby is born bald.
• Taste buds are developing, though the baby only tastes amniotic fluid at this stage.
• Hearing is developing, and the baby can now hear you talk, read, or sing.

Mother’s Symptoms At 16 Weeks

Breast Changes

By 16 weeks, you may no longer have breast tenderness, but may still notice discomfort due to increased weight. You may notice visible veins and larger areola. You may even leak some colostrum.

Most of this is relatively harmless, if a little annoying, and can be combated with a comfortable, supportive bra and some breast pad inserts. However, if you notice cracked or bleeding nipples, speak to your doctor. There are OTC medications available, but depending on the cause, your doctor may prefer for you to try a prescription-strength product.

Digestive Complications

Cravings, heartburn, and indigestion at least have less potential to be debilitating than nausea and vomiting, but they can still be pretty frustrating.

It’s okay to eat what your body is craving, within reason. If your cravings are consistently for less healthy foods, you can try substituting. For instance, other dairy products may satisfy ice cream cravings if your body is actually crying out for calcium. If cravings are for non-food items, speak to your doctor about pica, which causes these cravings and can be treated with vitamin supplements.

Heartburn and indigestion can be treated with OTC meds like Tums or Rolaids, but avoid any antacids that contain aspirin, magnesium trisilicate, or sodium bicarbonate. If you’re not sure whether your preferred medication is safe, or if symptoms aren’t eased, check with your doctor.

You can also try eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding trigger foods, and resting in a more reclined position instead of lying flat.

Constipation can also be a struggle in pregnancy, and there are also limits on the allowable medications for it. Stool softeners are generally considered safe, but ask your doctor before using laxatives, and avoid options that include stimulants. If you’d rather avoid the pharmacy shelf, you can try increasing your fiber intake and staying hydrated.

Nasal/Sinus Symptoms

Some women will have a long-term (6 weeks or more) stuffy nose during pregnancy. This is called pregnancy rhinitis and appears more frequently in the third trimester but can show up sooner.

You may even have nosebleeds. If the bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop, or if you feel lightheaded, call your doctor.

Skin & Hair

If you’ve been enjoying the effects of pregnancy on your hair (thicker and healthier) but frustrated with the skin effects (acne, oily, dry) then you’re coming into the right part of pregnancy. You may be seeing your skin transition into the “pregnant glow” that you’ve heard of.

You should still be cautious about introducing new skin products, and consider sticking with soaps and detergents that are formulated to be gentle.

Pain & Cramping

Are you feeling a sharp cramping sensation in your lower abdomen? It may even extend into the groin.

This type of pain can feel like an emergency, but may just be round ligament pain — the sensation of the round ligaments that support your growing uterus stretching and complaining as their job gets a little more strenuous.

This usually eases with a change of position, a warm bath, and/or OTC pain medications. A cramping sensation that does not ease with these simple changes or is accompanied by bleeding or chest pain should prompt immediate contact with your provider.

Leg cramps or sensations like the desperate urge to move your legs (restless leg syndrome, or RLS) can be normal in pregnancy. RLS symptoms may be a sign that you need more iron or folic acid, so if it’s persistent, speak to your doctor. There is some evidence of a link to longer labor and/or the need for a C-section, so don’t put off seeking treatment if needed!

Overwhelmed Lungs

In many ways, you may feel better than earlier in your pregnancy. You may even be finding that you have bursts of surprising energy.

Despite that, you may find that exertion results in shortness of breath, dizziness, or headaches. Your shifting organs are putting more pressure on your lungs and combined with a higher blood volume, this can result in some discomfort.

If you experience dizziness or shortness of breath, lie down or sit with your head between your knees. If this is persistent, or if you faint, contact your doctor.

Swelling & Other Potential Signs Of Pre-Eclampsia

Headaches that don’t go away, especially really intense headaches, can be an early warning sign for pre-eclampsia. If you have a severe headache that doesn’t ease with OTC meds or hydration, contact your doctor immediately.

Some bloating or swelling during pregnancy is normal, but if it’s sudden, affects the face, or is more prominent on one side of the body than the other, it’s a sign of pre-eclampsia, and you should call your healthcare provider.

Vision changes are also an important symptom to watch for. These may include blurring or dark spots.

While you’ve now hit the point in your pregnancy where weight gain is expected, a sudden too-rapid gain should also be checked out.

16 Week Pregnancy Symptoms Quick Recap:

• Breast discomfort due to increased weight, visible veins, larger areolas, and possible colostrum leakage.
• Cravings for unusual foods or non-food items (pica) may occur.
• Heartburn and indigestion, which may persist throughout pregnancy.
• Constipation, potentially requiring dietary adjustments or medical consultation.
• Pregnancy rhinitis, causing a long-term stuffy nose.
• Nosebleeds, which may be linked to pregnancy rhinitis or increased blood volume.
• Skin changes, including acne, oily, or dry skin, possibly transitioning into the pregnancy glow.
• Round ligament pain, a sharp cramping sensation in the lower abdomen or groin.
• Leg cramps or restless leg syndrome (RLS), possibly linked to iron or folic acid deficiency.
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, or headaches due to increased blood volume and shifting organs.
• Severe or persistent headaches, which may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
• Bloating or swelling, especially if sudden, affecting the face, or more prominent on one side.
• Vision changes, including blurring or dark spots, which could indicate pre-eclampsia.
• Rapid or sudden weight gain, which should be monitored.

When To Contact Your Doctor

Pre-Eclampsia Warning Signs

As mentioned above, there are several signs, such as swelling and nausea, that can be totally normal during pregnancy, but can also, when severe, be early warning signs of pre-eclampsia. Call your doctor immediately for a severe headache that doesn’t go away, or for swelling that is sudden or severe. Swelling that affects the face or is more significant on one side of the body is also a warning sign. Spots in your vision, extreme nausea and vomiting, and sudden weight gain can also get pre-eclampsia symptoms.

Call your doctor immediately for any of these.

Dehydration

It’s hard to stay hydrated during pregnancy, but dehydration can quickly go from an annoyance to an emergency. If you’re unable to keep liquids down and don’t pass urine for several hours, call your doctor. If you faint or pass out, or have ongoing dizziness and lightheadedness, contact your dcotor. You should call for any severe and unrelenting nausea and vomiting, and for any vomiting blood.

Infection & Discharge

While a whitish milky discharge is normal throughout pregnancy, if the color changes or discharge has a strong odor, it could be a sign of infection. Any itching in the labial area, or swelling, could also be a sign of infection. This can be serious, so give your doctor a call.

Leakage of fluid that could be amniotic fluid also warrants immediate medical attention. This will usually be clearer and more watery, and may have mucousy material in it. It may also be an ongoing trickle.

Pain & Bleeding

At this point in your pregnancy, you should report any bleeding, even spotting, to your doctor, and call emergency services for heavy bleeding. You should also call for any severe cramping or pain that doesn’t go away with simple measures like changing position, taking a warm bath, or using OTC pain meds.

Mental Health Symptoms

The hormonal effects of pregnancy can set off mood swings, but if you have severe depression or anxiety, or any thoughts of harming yourself or others, call your doctor immediately. (For more moderate symptoms, you can still ask your doctor if there are safe treatment options that might work for you!)

What Should Mom Be Doing At 16 Weeks?

Try to avoid major stressors. That’s hard, especially if you’re trying to plan ahead for maternity leave, figure out childcare, plan finances, but if you can keep stress levels low, it will be better for you and your baby.

Consume enough vitamins and nutrients! You’ll need about an extra 340 calories per day to support your pregnancy (on average — individual circumstances may vary) but it’s important to focus on nutritional value. During pregnancy, missing out on sufficient calcium can result in damage to your teeth, for instance. Getting enough folic acid reduces the risk of some birth defects, particularly pertaining to the spine and brain, according to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. You’ll also need to get enough iron, choline, and iodine, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D to develop a healthy baby and maintain your own wellness. (A prenatal vitamin can help.)

Stay active! If you’re not used to exercise, keep it light and simple. Avoid straining your body. Many doctors recommend that their patients try walking.

Provide your body with clothing that is supportive and comfortable. A belly band may help reduce round ligament pain and backaches. Supportive shoes can also reduce back and leg pain. Tight clothing can put extra strain on your body so don’t hesitate to move into maternity tops!

Quick Recap Of What Mom Should Be Doing At 16 Weeks Pregnant:

• Avoid major stressors as much as possible to benefit both you and your baby.
• Consume enough vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, folic acid, iron, choline, iodine, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D.
• Aim for an extra 340 calories per day, focusing on nutritional value rather than just quantity.
• Stay active, keeping exercise light and simple if you’re not used to regular workouts.
• Wear supportive and comfortable clothing, including a belly band and supportive shoes to reduce pain.
• Avoid tight clothing, as it can put extra strain on your body—consider maternity tops for added comfort.

What To Look Forward To

Now is the time to start some important planning.

If you’re having a baby shower, it’s time to clear a date for that. It’s also time to schedule pregnancy photos if you’ll want a professional photoshoot.

It may be time to make announcements, both celebratory (for family and friends) and formal (for your employer or other obligations).

You’re still looking forward to an exciting ultrasound that may reveal your baby’s sex, and may still be waiting for the outcomes from earlier testing, including NIPT and amniocentesis.

You could also feel baby move any week now — although for first pregnancies, it’s more likely to be at or after the 22-week mark.