Waiting for a baby to be born is the most difficult and at the same time wonderful time. Each woman with trepidation thinks about her baby, worries about him and hopes that the birth will be successful. This encourages her to consult with her friends, parents more often or to seek help on the Internet to find out what is happening with the baby.
The 16th week of pregnancy is one of the calmest for the expectant mother. She is no longer bothered by morning sickness, and the hormonal background becomes smoother.
This article will tell you in detail about the weight of the fetus at 16 weeks of gestation, its size and development. In addition, the basic sensations of a woman during this period, as well as the observed external and internal changes, will be described.
Fetal size and weight at 16th obstetric week
During this period, the thoughts of the future mother are concentrated on whether her baby is developing correctly. In general, the norm is that the size of the fetus at the 16th week of pregnancy is:
- in growth - about 11 centimeters;
- in weight - about 80 grams.
If you imagine a child clearly, then its size will be like an avocado. The 15-16th week of pregnancy is very important for the baby. It was during this period that his body became more proportionate, his legs and arms extended, and his head became not so big. Thus, it is easy to imagine what the fetus looks like at the 16th week of pregnancy - its body takes on the familiar look in which it will soon be born.
Fetal development
Gynecologists and obstetricians claim that at the 16th obstetric week of pregnancy, the baby's skeleton and muscles are actively developing. This is all very important for the baby.
On the face of the crumbs, the mouth, eyes, eyebrows and cilia, as well as the auricles, have already formed. Now he is getting used to his changes and begins to “experiment” - to close his eyes, open and close his mouth, move his fingers. The spine and tiny back muscles are gaining strength, so the baby can still slowly straighten his neck.
Thanks to the developing facial muscles, the child is even able to make several expressive expressions and frown. Literally, by the middle of the 16th week of pregnancy, the development of the fetus will allow him to begin to turn his neck left and right.
The baby’s skin is still transparent this week. Through it, the blood vessels of the fetus are well visible.
The internal organs of the baby
In addition to the weight, appearance and size of the fetus at the 16th week of pregnancy, what happens to its organs is of great importance. During this period, his bladder, liver and kidneys begin active work. Its internal organs begin to contract, and they also secrete enzymes.
The digestive organs of the baby and the cardiovascular system are actively working. The fetal heart rate at 16 weeks of gestation is approximately 150 beats per minute. The baby's heart during this period pumps about 25 liters of blood per day. Subsequently, this amount will increase as the child develops.
Vision and hearing of the child
The kid begins to make slight movements with his eyes from side to side, which have already begun to perceive light. However, the child’s eyelids are still closed.
It is important that this week the baby is actively developing hearing. Now he can hear his mother’s voice. In fact, studies have shown that children who hear a song while in the womb recognize the same tune after birth. Therefore, the 16th week of pregnancy is a great time to choose a lullaby. Doctors recommend starting to communicate with the baby during this period. Talk to him in a calm tone so that he remembers him. This will help in the future so that the baby will already know that the mother’s voice is a kind of soothing “medicine”.
Woman's body and her fears about being overweight
The 16th week of pregnancy is the period when the expectant mother is already accustomed to the fact that her body is changing. However, every day she is visited by more and more new sensations, which can frighten or alarm.
At the 16th week of bearing a child, outsiders can determine the interesting position of the girl by eye. If a few weeks earlier, others could still think: “Is she recovering or is pregnant?”, Now everything is becoming clear at first sight. Therefore, to hide the pregnancy certainly will not succeed.
In general, it is difficult for a woman to understand whether she is gaining weight or just her belly is growing due to the baby. During this period, it is important to forget about all fears and begin to accept the body as it is. Even if a few extra pounds appear, it does not matter. The most important thing is to remember that a healthy diet is important for the baby’s health.
During this period, the use of food “garbage” (fast food, chips and other snacks, carbonated drinks, etc.) should be minimized and the amount of foods rich in nutrients in the diet should be increased. Sports are also important. You should discuss with the doctor who monitors the course of pregnancy, this moment and clarify what physical activities will benefit. This approach will allow you to control weight and keep yourself in good shape.
Ultrasound scan
In rare cases, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound to a woman at the 16th week of pregnancy. This period is not included in the planned schedule of ultrasound examinations, and the reason for this can only be the girl’s complaints, as well as the poor results of other tests. If you still had to do an ultrasound at the 16th week of pregnancy, then the girl can see the already-formed body of the unborn baby.
Many women are concerned about the question of whether it is possible to find out the sex of the child with the help of ultrasound at this time. Do not be upset, but the answer will be no. An ultrasound specialist will not be able to determine the sex of the child, since his genitals are just beginning to form. However, the doctor will definitely tell you about the position, weight and size of the fetus at the 16th week of pregnancy.
Other analyzes
In the antenatal clinic, they monitor the condition of the mother and her unborn child, so it is important to follow the recommendations of specialists and take all the tests on time. At the 16th week, as a rule, the following studies are considered planned:
- triple test that determines the level of hCG (carried out in order to make sure that the child is developing normally, and to identify defects in time);
- determination of the height of the uterus;
- blood pressure measurement;
- weighing;
- blood and urine tests.
In rare cases (if a woman has serious complaints or the doctor suspects any abnormalities), a study such as taking amniotic fluid from the uterine cavity can be prescribed. This procedure is needed in order to identify (reject or confirm) any deviations in the development of the baby. Well, and as noted earlier, an ultrasound scan can be prescribed if necessary for medical reasons.
Unpleasant sensations at the 16th week of pregnancy
Although pregnancy is considered one of the most beautiful periods in a woman’s life, it is not always easy. Each week, various symptoms await her. According to experts, at the 16th week a girl can feel the following:
- Nasal congestion and bleeding. Some expectant mothers may experience nasal problems that are caused by increased blood circulation and increased levels of hormones. Although nosebleeds are normal during pregnancy, it is not always easy to deal with. You can minimize bleeding and nasal congestion by regularly moisturizing indoor air, lubricating the edges of the nostrils with petroleum jelly. If such manifestations greatly complicate breathing, it is necessary to consult a doctor about what sprays or drops can be used to alleviate the condition.
- Lower back pain. This is one of the most common symptoms that can appear in a woman during pregnancy. There are several ways to reduce discomfort. For example, it is worth discussing with your doctor the possibility of taking warm baths or with relaxing herbs. A good way to eliminate lower back pain is to regularly relax your back muscles with stretch marks. In addition, so that the negative impact on the lower back is as small as possible, it is important to abandon high-heeled shoes and pay attention to postures during rest.
- Dizziness: This condition can be a side effect of hormones that cause a change in blood circulation during pregnancy. With dizziness, you need to lie on your left side and just lie down for a while. If this symptom does not go away, you should consult a doctor.
- Bleeding gums. Hormones during pregnancy often cause gum disease, which makes them more susceptible to bacteria, irritation, and bleeding. In general, this is considered the norm. But it is important to remember that you need to regularly brush your teeth with toothpaste and floss. Also, do not forget about periodic visits to the dentist during pregnancy. A specialist consultation will help prevent gum disease.
- Veins An additional load on the circulatory system makes pregnant girls experience leg pain. Often, it is at the 16th week that the expectant mother may notice that the veins on her legs have greatly expanded.
- Profuse discharge. Vaginal discharge is actually useful, as it protects the birth canal from various infections. However, they can make you feel uncomfortable. But do not give in to the temptation and constantly wash them with water or with the help of women's wet wipes for intimate hygiene. Keeping the microflora in its natural form, there is more chance to protect yourself and the unborn child.
- Skin change. The increased blood volume in the blood vessels and the hormones of pregnancy that cause an increase in the production of fats can make the skin of a pregnant woman red and greasy in appearance. Dark pigment spots may appear. However, do not be scared, because they usually disappear after the birth of a child. In addition, various rashes, irritations, redness, etc. are possible. To get rid of such troubles, you should wash your face several times a day with mild baby soap and warm water. In addition, it will not be superfluous to consult a dermatologist who will advise the best cosmetics that are completely safe for the health of the future mother and her baby.
It is worth remembering that these unpleasant sensations are a certain norm. If they suddenly appear, but pass quickly, there is nothing to worry about. However, if the back pain does not go away or dizziness has become a constant companion, you must consult a doctor who will examine the woman and tell you for sure whether she should worry or not.
Colds in the 16th week of pregnancy
Often, girls go to the doctor this week complaining of fever and general weakness, often taking these symptoms for a cold. However, it is worth remembering that during this period an increase in temperature to 37 degrees is a normal phenomenon.
This fact is due to the fact that the female body works in an enhanced mode. It provides the vital functions of not only mothers, but also children. Therefore, do not be afraid of a slight increase in temperature.
However, if a runny nose or cough appears, then we are talking about a cold. It is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will give general recommendations and select the safest therapy.
During pregnancy, do not forget that many medicines are forbidden to the expectant mother. Therefore, you can not self-medicate. In addition, you must remember that letting the disease go by chance is also impossible, because a deterioration in the general condition of the girl and a rise in temperature above 38 degrees can be dangerous for the health of the unborn baby.
Sex in the 16th week of pregnancy
If there are no reasons complicating pregnancy, doctors do not prohibit intimacy this week. However, if at the 16th week of pregnancy the fetal location is incorrect or the placenta is attached too low, then it is better to abstain from sex.
During this period, it is not recommended to have sex for those girls who have more than one child. The rest of the intimate life at this time is allowed.
Recommendations for women
There are a number of tips to help you feel better. Doctors recommend paying attention to your wardrobe and putting aside tight, fettering clothes and high-heeled shoes. Loose dresses, tunics and trousers will ensure proper blood circulation, and low-heeled shoes will reduce the load on the lumbar spine.
This week, girls are recommended frequent walks in the fresh air. This will help enrich the blood with oxygen, which positively affects the development of the child.
It is important to pay special attention to your diet. The diet should always have fresh (seasonal) fruits and vegetables, plenty of clean water, as well as dairy products containing calcium. Proper nutrition is a great way to fill the body with useful substances without much effort, so do not neglect this rule.
It is recommended to do a light massage of the legs, back and abdomen. You can additionally consult with your doctor, who will talk about how to properly massage your body yourself. This will help reduce pain in the legs, back and prevent stretch marks in the abdomen. You can make an appointment with a professional masseur, but his choice should be approached very scrupulously and discuss in advance with him that the massage should not jeopardize the pregnancy and the health of the child.
Conclusion
To summarize, we should once again emphasize the main points. The size of the fetus at the 16th week of pregnancy is not larger than the average avocado or apple. The baby is still very small, but it is actively developing, and its internal organs begin to function fully.
The 16th week is one of the calmest stages of pregnancy. Initial unpleasant symptoms almost do not bother the girl. She is already accustomed to her new state both from a physiological point of view and from a psychological one. This week, of course, some discomfort may bother her. However, they no longer cause much concern and anxiety.
Doctors recommend at week 16 to adhere to the main recommendations: do not overwork, avoid stress, eat right and take care of yourself. This will ensure good health and enable the fetus to develop properly.