WEEK 16
How does the baby grow?
Get ready for explosive growth. In the next few weeks, the baby will grow more in both weight and length.
Now the baby has the size of an avocado: over 11cm long (from head to butt) and weighs almost 100 grams. The legs grow more, the baby’s head raises higher than before, and the eyes move close to the front of the head. The ears also almost move to their position. The scalp begins to form even though the baby’s hair has not yet grown. The baby even starts having toenails.
Changes occurring in the mother’s body during the 16th week of pregnancy
In this week, the head of the uterus is between the pubic bone and the umbilical; the ligaments that support the uterus are thickening and dilating as the uterus grows. Moms may also be feeling much better because moms are in stable pregnancy. Less nausea, fewer mood swings and ruddy complexion make things better again.
Soon moms will experience one of the best moments in pregnancy – feeling the baby’s movements. While some women soon notice “fetus” in the 16th week, many do not feel the movement of the fetus until about the 18th week or later. (If this is the first child, don’t be too impatient – moms may not be able to feel the baby’s movements until the 20th week or more). The earliest movements can be like a soft popping, air bubbles, or even popcorn. In the following weeks, the baby’s movements will get stronger, and moms will feel them more often.
