Pregnancy week 16

Your developing baby

By 16 weeks, your baby has grown by almost half their body size since week 13. They're now about 10cm long and weigh about 135g.  

In week 16 of pregnancy the shape of their head will develop further so that their eyes and ears are closer to the position they will be in by birth, although their eyes will still be closed for the next couple of weeks.

Baby movement in the womb

Generally, women start to feel their baby’s movement at some stage in the second trimester (13-27 weeks). 

The movements might feel like taps or pops at first and then become more distinct as your baby grows and gets stronger. You might feel your baby kicking, punching, stretching, swishing and rolling!

Your second appointment

At around 16 weeks of pregnancy you will have your second antenatal appointment with your midwife. She will check your blood pressure and carry out another urine check.

This is your opportunity to ask questions about anything that may be worrying you or to discuss any problems you may be having. Midwives are there to help, encourage and reassure you.

Healthy snacks in pregnancy

You may find yourself hungry between meals and tempted to snack on foods which are high in fat and/or sugar. We’ve got lots of ideas for healthy alternatives!

Checklist

Have you been doing your pelvic floor exercises?

Research shows that pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy makes it less likely that you will leak urine after birth.

Further information

NCT offers reliable support and information about the various stages of pregnancy, week by week. Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.