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Week 16

What's Happening To Your Body

From this week to the 22nd week of pregnancy, your doctor may offer you a maternal blood screening test. There are several types of these tests; they all tell you if your baby is at risk for neural tube defects such as spina bifida or chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. (Learn more about prenatal tests.)

An increased blood level (mentioned last week) can also cause a stuffy nose or even nose bleeds.

You may also start to feel your baby’s movements this week, thanks in part to the baby’s hardening bones. This may feel more like butterflies in your stomach or popcorn popping than movement and is called fluttering or quickening. Don’t worry if you don’t feel anything this week — it will come as your baby moves more frequently and vigorously.

What's Happening To Your Baby

Your baby is the size of an avocado. Your baby now measures about 4.3 to 4.7 inches (10.9 to 11.9 cm) long from crown to rump or roughly the length of an avocado, and weighs 2.75 ounces (78 grams). Your baby is growing fast, and your weight is likely increasing as a result.

Your baby’s muscles are now developing to the point that your baby can hold its head erect, in a straight line, and its facial muscles can display a variety of expressions. 

Your baby's nails are well formed and it's emptying out its bladder every 40 to 45 minutes. Your baby is also covered in lanugo and its ears have moved from the neck to the head. 

Depending on the baby’s position, your doctor may be able to determine your baby’s sex on an ultrasound scan. For some parents, this is one of the most exciting moments of pregnancy.

Read This Next: Week 17

In Case You Missed It: Week 15