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16 weeks pregnant

Updated August 04, 2017
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2 min read

16 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Sitting tall. At 16 weeks pregnant, thanks to strengthening muscles, your little one is working on lifting the head and neck from their curved positions. Being able to straighten out a bit makes sitting up a possibility.

Action figure. At 16 weeks pregnant, your little one is pumping those little arms and legs frequently this week. Sometime between now and 20 weeks, you may be able to feel movement for the first time. But don't worry if you can't sense anything yet. Your little one is still very small, and the cushion of amniotic fluid can make it difficult to feel movement just yet.

Your Baby At 16 Weeks

16 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

Taking sides. During 16th week of pregnancy, most healthcare providers recommend that you sleep on your side during pregnancy. As you might have noticed, sleeping on your belly is pretty much impossible at this stage. It's thought that lying on your back can increase pressure on the vena cava, the blood vessel that returns blood to your heart, so lying on your left side is best. Sleeping in this position increases your circulation, which can help minimize your chances of developing edema (swelling) and varicose veins. Have a look at these tips to sleep comfortably during pregnancy to get the rest your body needs.

Heavy breathing. Out of breath crossing the room? Pregnancy hormones cause fluid to collect in your lungs, making it harder for you to draw big breaths. Later on, your growing uterus will compound the problem by placing pressure on your diaphragm and reducing the space in which your lungs can expand. Check out this guide to know more about other pregnancy hormones & how they might make you feel.

Timely test. 16th week of pregnancy is the time to speak with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of the AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) test. This simple blood test screens for birth defects like Down syndrome and spina bifida, and must be performed between 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy.

16 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

  • Start sleeping on your side, if you’re not already

  • Speak with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of the AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) test

  • Plan or take a trip — a babymoon! — with your partner. Get week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy to keep track of your baby’s development & to ensure well-being of both you & your baby during entire nine months journey!

  • Sign up for weekly pregnancy tips

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