Baby's Development
Your baby's muscle and bone development have progressed enough to allow more coordinated movements — kicking, stretching, and even some basic hand-to-face motion. These movements are happening regularly now, even if you can't feel them yet.
The skeleton continues hardening, and your baby's head is now held more upright, with the eyes facing more forward (rather than to the sides, as in earlier weeks). The ears have moved into their final position on the sides of the head.
Changes in Your Body
If this isn't your first pregnancy, you may start to feel subtle flutters this week, often described as feeling like gas bubbles or light fluttering. First-time mothers typically feel this a bit later, since the sensation is unfamiliar and easy to miss at first.
Your uterus is now about the size of a large grapefruit, and your bump should be quite noticeable by now.
Common Symptoms
At 16 weeks, you might experience:
- First flutters of fetal movement (quickening), especially in later pregnancies
- Continued energy and appetite
- Round ligament pain with sudden movements
- Mild swelling in feet, especially later in the day
- Occasional lower back discomfort
Nutrition This Week
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (within safe mercury limits), walnuts, and flaxseed, support your baby's brain development during this critical growth window. If you don't eat fish, ask your doctor about a prenatal DHA supplement.
Safe Exercises
Continue with your established routine, adjusting intensity as your body changes. Swimming is particularly comfortable for many women at this stage, since the water supports the growing bump's weight.
Medical Checklist
This week:
- Start paying attention to fetal movement patterns, even though it's early to feel much
- Confirm your anatomy scan date if not already scheduled
- Discuss any swelling, especially if it seems excessive or sudden, with your provider
Doctor Visit Guide
Quad screen or other second-trimester blood-based genetic screening, if you're doing it, is often performed between 15 and 20 weeks. Ask your provider about timing if you're interested in this option.