What is happening in week 16
Doctors count pregnancy weeks from the first day of your last period, so week 16 sits in the second trimester (week 14 to week 27). That is about 24 weeks to go until week 40, and about 3.7 months by a rough conversion. At about 11.6cm in week 16, the baby can make fists and move its arms and legs.
Your baby
The NHS guide gives about 11.6cm, comparing it to an avocado, and says another growth spurt is coming. The nervous system is developing so the baby can move arms and legs and make fists. Facial expressions are random, because there is no muscle control yet. You may feel kicks from week 17 on.
Your body
You have probably gained some weight over the past weeks. Constipation is common, and the NHS suggests more fibre, regular exercise and plenty of water.
This week’s to-do
- Expect a check-up with a weight check, blood pressure and urine test (checked for protein).
- Ask for the results of your booking blood tests, which may include infection screening.
- Eat fibre-rich foods and drink water to ease constipation.
When to call
Call your doctor or hospital if you have any bleeding, or if your symptoms are getting you down.
Chaitanya Hospital in Kadapa, near RTC Bus Stand, Simhapuri Colony, provides delivery and emergency care 24/7. Our antenatal check-ups team can answer questions about your own pregnancy.
Use the week-by-week guide to jump to your week, or the due date calculator to work out your dates. Timings for scans and tests come from NHS guidance in the UK and can differ from your doctor’s schedule, so always follow your own doctor’s advice. This page is educational and not a substitute for a doctor.
Sources
Text on this page is paraphrased from the sources above. Sizes are averages and vary between babies.