16 weeks pregnant | second trimester

16 weeks pregnant | second trimester

16 weeks baby development
16 weeks pregnant women body changes
Common symptoms
 Tips for you

in the second trimester (16 weeks pregnant) fetus development

Facts about 16 weeks pregnant woman (second trimester)

In the next three weeks she'll go through a huge growth spurt, more than doubling her weight. As your baby grows in size, so does the placenta, which helps to support and nourish her.

Your baby’s tiny muscles are getting stronger! Your little one’s head is erect this week, and coordinated arm and leg movements are now starting to happen.

now your baby is about the size of a big AVOCADO (measuring 4.6 inches long and weighing in at 3.5 ounces)

The thrilling the thing about this time is you can feel the baby kick, which could happen to start this week.

The cool fact is your Baby starting to be able to hear your voice—and he or she will recognize it at birth.

16 weeks pregnant is three months and about three weeks pregnant.

16 weeks baby development

Umbilical cord: At this time the umbilical cord is fully developed. one vein and two arteries of the umbilical cord provide all the essential elements to the baby from the mother’s body and it also helps in removing all the toxic products from the fetus.

Hearing: Baby starting to be able to hear your voice—and he or she will recognize it at birth.

Taste buds start developing: Tiny pores on the tongue have developed, and your baby is tasting and swallowing salty amniotic fluid as practice for future meals.

Toenails:  Little nails are starting to sprout on baby’s toes. They should be fully grown for around 34 weeks.

Facial muscles: facial muscle has is almost fully developed and the fetus starts to show few expression like frowns and squints, even at this early stage.

HEART starts to pump 28 liters of blood in a day.

16 weeks pregnancy

Body changes in 16 weeks pregnant females

• This time is also regarded as the honeymoon phase of pregnancy. At this time a female sleeps more soundly and peacefully.
• Doctors recommend you not to sleep at the backside at this time.
• The pregnancy pillow is also recommended by doctors to give extra comfort to your body.
• Hormones can also stretch the veins, leading to varicose veins.
• You may experience cramps and sharp pains in the leg. 
• Exercising and stretching the legs during the day can help relieve these symptoms.

Common symptoms at 16 weeks pregnant.

Nose bleed: The mucous membranes in your nose also start to swell. This can leave you feeling pretty congested and even give you the odd nosebleed or two. If you’re really uncomfortable, ask your GP about pregnancy-safe nasal sprays, or try nasal strips.

Pregnancy glow: Increases of blood flow and the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin really do make some pregnant women look dewy and fabulous.

Shortness of breath: With more progesterone, your body is tricking you into breathing more often and more deeply to get oxygen in, so you may feel winded from time to time. Also as the baby grows, they will push on your lungs and make it hard to take full, deep breaths.

Backaches: Your aching back is a side effect of pregnancy hormones. To ease backaches, make some time for low-impact exercise. Sit and stand up straight and regularly stretch your body.

Bigger boobs: Your breasts have probably gone up several cup sizes by now and should be completely prepared for breastfeeding by the end of the second trimester.

Constipation: Getting constipation result of your uterus starting to press on your intestines. Load up on fiber-rich foods and drink lots of water to keep things moving.

Forgetfulness: This is also known as (Pregnancy-Brain). No one knows for sure what causes pregnant women to become more forgetful. It could be biological or it just could be a result of having lots on your mind!

Dry, itchy, sensitive eyes: it is the hormones fluctuations in you.

Dizziness: dizziness might be a side effect of hormones that cause a change in circulation during pregnancy. Try to stay hydrated, and avoid standing for long periods of time.

Tips for you.

• The doctor will review options for genetic screening on the fetus.
• This could involve
• Simple blood tests or even amniocentesis.
• Genetic screening.
• Blood tests can identify neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

What medications should I avoid in pregnancy?

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

These can interfere with the process of blood clotting. In the last few weeks of pregnancy, they could also cause a problem with the baby’s heart and lungs.

The use of late in pregnancy, ibuprofen may interfere with labor or cause you to have less amniotic fluid (waters) around the baby. This is called oligohydramnios.

A small dose of aspirin is sometimes prescribed in pregnancy (by your obstetrician). This is considered to be safe.