Your adorable little bundle of joy measures about the same size as a Small Avocado.

As you reach the 16-week mark of your pregnancy, your baby is now the size of an avocado, and there are exciting developments happening for both of you. You’re approaching the halfway point of your pregnancy, now in your fourth month and second trimester. Your body is undergoing significant changes, and your baby is growing rapidly. Their circulatory system is now fully functional, pumping over 25 quarts of blood every day!

However, you may also be experiencing various aches, pains, and pregnancy symptoms, which could be new or recurring.

It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and you may have a different experience than others.

Pregnancy Week 16 Quick Facts

• At 16th week, you are four months pregnant.
• You have 24 weeks until your due time “Calculate your due date”
• You’re in the second trimester

Your Unborn Baby’s Size at 16 Weeks

Your adorable little bundle of joy measures about the same size as a petite avocado. Although you may not be able to visually observe your developing baby for a few more weeks until the 20-week anatomy ultrasound, which typically occurs at 16 weeks to 20 weeks of your pregnancy, the fetus has an estimated length of around 4.57 inches and a weight of roughly 100 grams (or 3.53 ounces).

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 16

While nausea may have subsided, there are other symptoms that pregnant individuals may experience during the 16th week of pregnancy, such as achy joints, indigestion, vaginal discharge, and round ligament pain. Despite these potential discomforts, many people find that by week 16 of their pregnancy, they feel better than they have in previous weeks. For example, they may experience a return of energy and a decrease in nausea. However, some individuals may still experience headaches, as was the case for the author of this piece, who found that week 15 brought on pesky headaches. 

As the pregnancy progresses, the bump may grow, leading to increased back pain and achy joints. Therefore, this week may be an opportune time to invest in a pregnancy pillow to promote better sleep. Looking back, week 16 may have been an ideal time to plan for the baby’s nursery rather than waiting until week 30.

Prenatal Tests and Doctor’s Appointments

At 16 weeks pregnant, there are several prenatal tests and doctor’s appointments that both single and twin pregnancies may require.

For a single pregnancy : your doctor may schedule an ultrasound to measure the baby’s growth and check for any potential abnormalities. They may also recommend a blood test to screen for Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. Additionally, your doctor may conduct a urine test to monitor protein and sugar levels, which can indicate potential issues with gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

For a twin pregnancy : you may have more frequent doctor’s appointments and ultrasound scans to monitor the growth and development of both babies. Your doctor may also recommend additional blood tests to screen for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which is a rare but serious condition that can occur in identical twins.

Regardless of whether you’re pregnant with a single or twin baby, it’s essential to attend all prenatal appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations for testing and monitoring. This will help ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery for both you and your baby/babies.

– Risk in the 16th week of pregnancy 

As with any stage of pregnancy, there are certain risks that may arise during the 16th week of pregnancy. Some potential risks include:

Miscarriage: While the risk of miscarriage decreases after the first trimester, there is still a slight risk during the 16th week of pregnancy.

Preeclampsia: As mentioned earlier, preeclampsia is a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy, and the risk of developing it may increase after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Infections: Pregnant individuals are more susceptible to infections, and some infections can pose a risk to the developing fetus, such as urinary tract infections and group B strep.

Preterm labor: Preterm labor refers to labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and it can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.

It’s important to attend all prenatal appointments and inform your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal pain. This can help identify and address any potential risks as early as possible.

Developmental Milestones

By week 16 of your pregnancy, your developing baby is undergoing significant changes. The urinary and circulatory systems are starting to function, with the circulatory system pumping over 25 quarts of blood per day, a volume that will increase to 1,900 quarts by week 40 of pregnancy. The eyes and ears are also settling into their final positions, and your baby is enjoying more space to swim in the increased amniotic fluid. Additionally, your baby is gearing up for a growth spurt in the upcoming weeks as they continue to rapidly develop.