Second pregnancy 16 weeks. What happens in the female body? Feelings: what should alert you

The fourth month of pregnancy has come to an end. Left behind are toxicosis and some other difficulties that the woman had to face in the early stages. Let's look at what happens to mother and baby at 16 weeks and how not to miss warning signs during this period.

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, not only the baby’s body changes. Noticeable changes occur in the woman’s body. This applies to both general well-being and appearance.

How your body changes:

The tummy is noticeably enlarged, now it is visible even under loose clothing;
The uterus weighs about 250-300 g. It is located 7 cm below the navel.
Due to the pressure of the reproductive organ on the intestines, a pregnant woman often experiences constipation and flatulence.
Weight gain at week 16 is 2-4 kg. If a mother is expecting twins, the weight may increase much faster.
Breast pain gradually decreases, although the mammary glands already have a fairly large volume.
The discharge is abundant, as in earlier periods. Now mommy should carefully monitor the nature of the vaginal secretion. If brown, yellow, white cheesy or other pathological discharge appears, you should urgently go to the doctor.
Pigment spots, which could have appeared earlier, now appear most actively. There is no need to be scared, this is a completely normal physiological process. After childbirth, the skin will return to its normal state.

Particular attention should be paid to normalizing a woman’s hormonal levels at 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Sudden mood swings, tearfulness, irritability and other symptoms gradually go away. The girl becomes calmer, she does not react so sharply to certain situations. In this regard, the general well-being of the expectant mother improves significantly.

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus reaches the size of an avocado. His weight now is approximately 75-100 g, height up to 12 cm.

Despite the fact that all internal organs are already formed and actively functioning, the baby’s body goes through important changes:

The baby's head no longer falls on the chest. The neck muscles are constantly strengthening, so the child is able to hold his head straight.
At the sixteenth week, a woman carrying a fetus again often notices the first movements. First-time mothers cannot always feel their baby at this stage.
Finally, it is possible to determine with high certainty who is in the tummy, a boy or a girl. You can find out the sex of the child using an ultrasound.
During an ultrasound examination, you can see the baby's facial expressions. He opens and closes his mouth, squints his eyes, wrinkles his forehead.
The heart of a little man is capable of pumping more than 20 liters of blood per day.

Outwardly, the toddler already looks very much like a newborn, but due to the lack of fat, his skin looks red. It is at the 16th week of pregnancy that the baby’s blood type and its Rh factor are determined.

The baby's digestive system is already active. Now the liver is responsible for its functioning. It produces bile. The baby's first intestinal contents consist entirely of bile. Together with the gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys and bladder begin their work.

Newborn hemoglobin is present in the baby’s blood, which disappears only 6 months after the baby is born.

16 weeks of pregnancy is how many months?

In medicine, a special calendar is used to calculate the period. Here, the beginning of pregnancy is taken from the first day of the last menstruation. This is the so-called obstetric counting method. The sixteenth obstetric week is 4 months.

There is also an embryonic period. This is the development of the baby from conception. It is 10-14 days less than obstetric. Therefore, the sixteenth obstetric week is the fourteenth embryonic week. Determining the embryonic period is very difficult. This is why doctors use an obstetric pregnancy calendar.

At week 16, many girls are concerned about which signs are normal or pathological. Let's look at the most common symptoms that are observed in most women in an interesting position. Of course, the most important sign at this stage is the ability to feel the baby’s first movements.

It is not always possible to hear them at this stage; more often, first-time mothers feel movements only by the 18th week. But sometimes the baby makes itself felt at an earlier date.

What else is going on with mom:

signs of toxicosis such as nausea, vomiting, belching, flatulence, heartburn go away;
The uterus rises, so it does not put as much pressure on the intestines. If a woman was previously bothered by diarrhea or, conversely, constipation, now digestion is improving;
the pregnant woman's appetite improves;
emotional well-being improves;
New moles may appear on the skin.

At the sixteenth week, a girl’s gait often changes. This is due to a shift in the center of gravity due to an increase in the size of the uterus.

Due to changes in the hormonal levels of a pregnant woman, many mothers experience nasal congestion. Drug treatment for this condition is not required. Rinsing with sea salt will help relieve symptoms. Rhinitis should not cause much concern. After the baby is born, it goes away on its own.

Often pregnant girls are interested in the question of what the tummy looks like in primiparous and multiparous mothers. Let us immediately note that the size and shape of the tummy depends on many characteristics of the body. For some at 16 weeks it is large, for others it is very small. The roundness also differs between plump and thin mothers. So, below you can see photos of women’s bellies at 4 months.

During multiple pregnancies and multiparous mothers, the tummy looks a little larger. The size also depends on how quickly the pregnant woman gains weight.

Feelings: what should alert you

By the 16th week, toxicosis in a pregnant woman usually stops, but this does not always happen.

Late toxicosis is a dangerous condition for the mother and fetus. At the same time, mommy feels sick, vomits, has a headache, blood pressure rises, and spots flash before her eyes.

The causes of this condition include:

heart and blood diseases;
diseases of the kidneys, liver and other internal organs;
large fetus or multiple pregnancy;
stress and physical fatigue;
influence of negative environmental factors.

If toxicosis disappears at week 16 and then suddenly appears, you must immediately undergo a medical examination. Treatment is carried out with the help of sedatives, antispasmodics, diuretics, and medications to lower blood pressure.

Another symptom in the sixteenth week that should not be ignored is nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region. Many mothers complain that their lower abdomen is tight.

With moderate severity and the absence of other pathological symptoms, this sign is not considered a pathology. A doctor's help is required if the stomach hurts severely and the discomfort does not go away for a long time. You should immediately consult a doctor if uncharacteristic discharge appears.

Pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region, spotting, and headache are likely signs of an incipient miscarriage.

Normally, vaginal discharge is clear, odorless mucus. Sometimes its shade may be a little whitish. During pregnancy, the amount of secretion increases slightly, which is associated with many factors, including changes in hormonal levels and an increase in blood volume in the body.

Particular attention should be paid to spotting, which normally should not be present in a woman at sixteen weeks.

You should not postpone a visit to the gynecologist if the secretion has a brown, brownish or pink tint. Beginning bleeding indicates various abnormalities, including placental abruption and miscarriage.

Hypertonicity of the uterus at 15-16 weeks is a common and quite dangerous condition. Its essence lies in the frequent tension of the muscles of the reproductive organ, which can even provoke a miscarriage. Reasons for increased tone include:

infectious diseases in pregnant women;
disruption of hormonal levels in the body;
abnormalities of the uterus;
stress, heavy physical activity;
incorrect location of the placenta.

If the tone is slightly increased, correction is carried out using relaxation methods, as well as antispasmodic and sedative medications.

In especially severe cases, tranquilizers and medications that restore metabolic processes in the uterine area may be needed.

Many mothers experience swelling in their legs at 16-17 weeks of pregnancy. This is due to an increase in fluid in the body in women expecting a baby. Normal swelling, as a rule, does not pose a threat to the woman and child and is a natural physiological process. More often, a pregnant woman's legs (feet, ankles) swell.

Fluid restriction and nutritional correction help to cope with edema. The expectant mother should give up salted, smoked, pickled foods, sausages, strong tea, coffee and certainly alcohol.

Sometimes severe swelling occurs due to kidney pathologies and late toxicosis. This condition requires timely diagnosis and proper treatment.

Are tests needed?

Repeated screening is carried out exactly at 16-18 weeks. Screening involves a full medical examination. Mandatory analysis during this period is an assessment of the level. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a specific hormone produced by chorion tissue to maintain the functioning of the corpus luteum in the initial stages of pregnancy. Until 11-12 weeks, the level of this hormone increases rapidly and by the second trimester increases several thousand times. The hCG norm at week 16, according to the data that you can see in the table, is 6,140 - 103,000 IU/l.

In addition to testing blood for hormones, ultrasound examination of the fetus is very informative. Ultrasound helps to establish the exact duration of pregnancy, to see whether the embryo is located normally and on which side in the womb, where the placenta is located, and to suspect certain chromosomal diseases. Ideally, the child’s parameters should approach the following indicators:

fetal body weight – 80-110 g;
heart rate – 140-160 beats per minute;
BDP (biparietal size) – 35-38 mm;
KTR (coccygeal-parietal size) – 10-12 mm;
baby’s head circumference – 110-140 mm;
OB (abdominal roundness) – from 90 to 115 mm;
humerus – 15-20 mm;
femur – 18-25 mm;
ankle – 15-22 mm.

If the ultrasound readings are slightly different from the norm, do not worry, because each baby is individual.

Only a doctor should judge the presence of pathology.

Photo of the fetus on ultrasound

This photo shows a baby in the womb at 16 weeks of pregnancy.

And here I am pregnant with twins.

During an ultrasound examination, you can ask the doctor to tell you in detail about the child, and the woman can also hear the heartbeat of her baby. These exciting moments are remembered for many girls for the rest of their lives, no matter whether it is their second, third or subsequent pregnancies.

Dangers at 16 weeks

Throughout pregnancy, a woman faces many dangers. It is not always possible to carry and give birth to a healthy baby under the influence of various factors. Let's consider what can happen to mother and baby at this stage.

The risk of cessation of fetal development can occur at any stage. Signs of a frozen pregnancy at 16 weeks are as follows:

the breasts stopped hurting and became less firm;
spotting or bleeding appears;
the appearance of cramping pain in the lower abdomen;
pulling sensations in the lumbar region;
The general temperature rises, and the basal temperature, on the contrary, falls.

Fetal freezing is not always accompanied by miscarriage. Often a woman requires medical attention, during which the fetus is removed through surgery.

From a moral point of view, surviving a miscarriage can be quite difficult, especially if the pregnancy was long-awaited. Relatives should help a woman cope with her loss. Sometimes the help of a psychologist is needed.

A short cervix at 16 weeks of pregnancy is one of the signs of cervical insufficiency. This implies the threat of miscarriage due to the inability to support the growing body. This often results in miscarriage or premature birth. If mommy starts bleeding, going to the hospital should be done immediately.

This happens due to premature dilatation of the cervix. If the pregnancy is still carried to term, a short cervix provokes rapid labor. Their consequences are ruptures in the woman and some other complications.

In this condition, the expectant mother should regularly visit the antenatal clinic and adhere to all the doctor’s recommendations.

Breech presentation

Breech presentation occurs in 4-6% of all women. This condition during pregnancy is considered pathological and is characterized by improper positioning of the baby in the womb. There are several types of breech presentation of the fetus. You can see them in the picture.

Why does the baby take the wrong position? The causes of this condition include various diseases of the reproductive system in women, fetal pathologies, hereditary predisposition and some other factors.

If this condition is diagnosed before 28 weeks, the mother does not require any treatment. Here, experts recommend that a woman lead a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy food, get more rest, and, if possible, eliminate stress.

In addition, there are certain exercises that help the baby take a natural body position, that is, head down. This video explains how to do the exercises correctly.

Exercises can only be performed with a doctor's permission, otherwise they can cause harm.

Cold at 16 weeks

Pregnant women are not immune to colds; on the contrary, they are more susceptible to them due to weakened immunity. If the expectant mother has a sore throat, a runny nose, a fever and other symptoms, do not delay visiting the doctor. Now is not the time for self-medication, because even with a common cold, the child’s life is in danger.

The specialist will select for the patient only those medications that are allowed during this delicate period and will not harm the small body. Paracetamol is usually used to reduce fever. Drinking plenty of fluids and taking vitamins helps fight viruses.

Do not experiment with your health and the life of your baby. Trust your doctor to treat colds during pregnancy.

After the embryo enters the uterine cavity, it is usually attached to the upper part of the organ (on the front or back wall). Sometimes it happens that a fertilized egg is implanted into the endometrium somewhat lower, closer to the uterine os. This condition should not be confused with placenta previa, which was discussed earlier in the article.

Symptoms of this condition do not always appear. Often low placentation is detected at 12 weeks during the first ultrasound. The causes of the pathology are not fully understood. It is assumed that the embryo is attached lower due to damaged endometrium of the reproductive organ due to abortions, miscarriages and infectious diseases.

There is no treatment for this condition. A woman with low placentation requires careful management of pregnancy and compliance with all doctor’s recommendations.

What you can and cannot eat during this period

The 16th week of pregnancy is characterized by a decrease in signs of toxicosis and an increase in appetite. If there are no special contraindications from doctors, you can eat everything, but a little at a time. Mommy should approach the issue of nutrition with all seriousness.

vegetables, fruits, herbs;
dairy and fermented milk products;
cereals;
lean meat, fish;
seafood;
steam omelettes, casseroles;
For sweets, halva, marmalade, marshmallow are suitable;
natural juices, herbal teas.

A pregnant woman in the sixteenth week is recommended to sleep more and be less nervous.
When preparing food, you should follow all the rules, wash vegetables and fruits well, and subject foods to long-term heat treatment.
It is necessary to abandon strength sports and heavy physical activity.
Sex during this period is allowed only if the woman does not have any pathologies.
It is important to visit the hospital in a timely manner and undergo all necessary tests.
Frequent walks in the fresh air will be beneficial.
At this time, you need to choose comfortable clothes and shoes. It is better to avoid high heels.
Airplane flights and long trips are also best avoided. During this period, doctors advise staying in a familiar environment.

The sixteenth week brings many new sensations to mommy. Toxicosis recedes, appetite improves and overall well-being improves.

At this stage, the baby is actively developing and mastering new skills. A woman needs to take care of her health, eat right, and set herself up for positive emotions. This will help prevent many complications, carry and give birth to a healthy and happy toddler.

Video

This video will tell you what else happens at 16 weeks of pregnancy.

According to the obstetric calendar, the 16th week of pregnancy falls in the fourth month of a woman’s “interesting situation.” The second trimester is in full swing, and if everything goes as usual, the woman blossoms more and more and continues to prepare for the inevitable motherhood.

Feel

Feelings at the 16th week of pregnancy, if it proceeds favorably and in accordance with all norms, are not overshadowed by any painful or unpleasant manifestations. Toxicosis is a thing of the past, and so is frequent urination. The breasts, preparing for lactation, continue to enlarge, but the pain, as a rule, already disappears. Against this background, the expectant mother seems to “come to life”: the hormonal background has established itself in comparison with the early stages of pregnancy, therefore the woman becomes balanced and calmer, full of new strength and joy.

Starting from the 16th week of pregnancy, a woman often begins to feel her appetite increase. This is especially true for those mothers who initially suffered from toxicosis: now is the time to catch up on “lost time” and eat tasty and nutritious food, but at the same time keeping an eye on your weight.

It’s surprising, but at the same time pleasant, that the sensations at 16 weeks of pregnancy can be enriched by the first movements of a very tiny baby. Women who are pregnant again are more likely to feel the first movements of the baby: fetal movements in this case often occur 2-4 weeks earlier than during the first pregnancy. Often, the expectant mother at first does not even realize that these were the very first tangible movements of her beloved child: many women compare them with a slight flutter or sensation from air bubbles.

But, even if mommy listens sensitively to her feelings, but still doesn’t feel any movements, you shouldn’t be upset about this. After all, some mothers have a more active baby, some have a calmer baby, even in the same woman, in different pregnancies, the babies begin to noticeably move in different ways.

Ultrasound

But, even if the woman does not yet feel the movements of the fetus, she can observe them during an ultrasound at the 16th week of pregnancy. When conducting an ultrasound examination, you can clearly see on the monitor how the baby moves, and even complements his movements with active grimacing. An ultrasound at the 16th week of pregnancy will show: the baby’s facial expressions are unusually active - the baby is already frowning, grimacing, winking. And, besides, it becomes clear who is “making faces” in the mother’s tummy: an ultrasound at 16 weeks of pregnancy is quite capable of determining the sex of the baby.

Fetus at 16 weeks of gestation

Whether it is a boy or a girl, the fetus at the 16th week of pregnancy already reaches a “decent” size: it is 11 cm in length from the coccyx to the crown of the head, weighing about 100-120 g.

The baby's bones continue to strengthen - the legs become more developed, the nails are almost completely formed. The baby already holds his neck straight and can turn his head from side to side. At the same time, the ears and eyes are getting closer and closer to their “designated” location.

The baby’s heart works at its maximum, pumping up to 25 liters of blood every day. Digestive functions are now performed by the liver, which was previously responsible for hematopoiesis. But gradually the stomach, and with it the intestines and gall bladder, begin to function, while still only carrying out “training” work. In the intestines of the fetus, for example, the first contents appear, which for now consists almost of bile. This is the original feces, meconium, which has a dark green or black-green color. Both the baby’s kidneys and bladder are already fulfilling their purpose: the fetus urinates every 45 minutes.

From now on, the baby’s bone marrow is responsible for hematopoiesis, and the composition of the blood is also fully formed. Now it is characterized by all those cells that are in the blood of an adult, the blood type and Rh factor of the fetus are determined. At the same time, there is still a place in the blood for a special substance called fetal hemoglobin, or hemoglobin of newborns. However, ordinary hemoglobin is already beginning to appear in the blood, but it will completely replace fetal hemoglobin only six months after the baby is born.

Analyzes

Week 16 is a crucial period for a woman who now faces a slightly expanded list of tests. In addition to traditional urine tests, blood pressure measurements, weight control, and listening to the fetal heart, tests at 16 weeks are also desirable, which will detect or refute the presence of severe defects in fetal development. More precisely, one test: a blood test that allows you to assess the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (NE) in a woman’s body.

A study of the levels of these substances in the body of a pregnant woman makes it possible with a high degree of probability to assume the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and gross developmental defects in the fetus. Thus, deviations of AFP, hCG and NE values from the norm may indicate the possibility that the baby may have Down syndrome, cranial hernia, anencephaly, or spinal malformation. However, unfavorable tests in no case can be a reason for making a final diagnosis, but they become a good reason for additional research and analysis. For example, for amniocentesis.

Amniocentesis is an examination that involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid to study its composition. Analysis of amniotic fluid, the puncture of which is taken by inserting a needle into the uterus under ultrasound control, makes it possible to diagnose about 40 congenital malformations. At the same time, amniocentesis can provoke quite serious complications of pregnancy - up to its termination and premature birth. Therefore, this test should be carried out exclusively by a highly qualified specialist, having explained to the woman all the dangers of the procedure the day before. A woman, in turn, can always refuse such a procedure if she wishes.

Pain

Despite the fact that toxicosis has already passed by the 16th week of pregnancy, and in general the woman feels much better in the first weeks of pregnancy, still some painful sensations can sometimes bother her. For example, complaints of pain in the lower back at 16 weeks are common. As a rule, they arise due to the increased load on the spine of the expectant mother. Considering this, you should give up heels and, if possible, give your spine a rest as often as possible. It is also a good idea to choose a suitable sleeping position. It is now a priori impossible to sleep on your stomach - pressure on the stomach must be eliminated. But now you can’t sleep much on your back either: this position can cause pain in the lower back at 16 weeks. From now on, the most preferable position for sleeping is on the left side, with one knee slightly pulled up to the chest.

Uterus

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus continues to increase due to the constant growth of the fetus: now its weight can reach 250 g. During an examination, the doctor always measures the height of the uterus, which at 16 weeks already reaches half the distance to the navel. Such measurements are necessary to ensure the normal course of pregnancy and the normal development of the fetus. A woman can also feel the “house” of her baby: the uterus at 16 weeks of pregnancy can be felt approximately 7-7.5 cm below the navel. Gradually increasing in size, the uterus inevitably begins to put pressure on the intestines, which can provoke bloating, heartburn and constipation.

Belly at 16 weeks of pregnancy

Along with the enlargement of the uterus, the belly also enlarges at the 16th week of pregnancy: at this stage the belly already clearly protrudes forward. Moreover, if the pregnancy is the first, then the belly does not protrude as much as in repeated pregnancies - the muscles and ligaments of the abdomen and uterus are still toned and not stretched.

As the abdomen grows, a dark stripe may appear more and more clearly on it, which stretches from the navel down, dividing the abdomen into two halves. This is a consequence of the accumulation of melanin pigment in the skin, a temporary phenomenon that will go away on its own after childbirth. By the way, pigment spots can also appear on the forehead, on the cheeks, around the eyes and even on the bridge of the nose throughout pregnancy. They will also disappear after the baby is born - along with the brown stripe on the stomach.

Discharge

The nature of the discharge at this stage may change somewhat: discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy may be somewhat abundant and have a whitish color. Do not be alarmed: this situation corresponds to the norm if the discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy has a uniform consistency, is not accompanied by itching and burning and does not cause pain in the abdominal area. It is enough just to keep the perineum and genitals clean and resort to regular hygiene procedures to prevent the development of infection.

This will be indicated by a changed color (greenish, gray, mixed with mucus), consistency (heterogeneous and cheesy, bubbling discharge) and an unpleasant odor of the discharge. If discharge at 16 weeks of pregnancy has any of these signs, you should definitely consult a doctor: changes in discharge may be explained by the appearance of thrush, colpitis or vulvitis. In this case, the pregnant woman will definitely be prescribed appropriate treatment.

You also need to sound the alarm if, at 16 weeks of pregnancy, bloody or brown discharge suddenly appears, accompanied by a pulling sensation in the abdomen. Such signs indicate an increased risk of premature termination of pregnancy.

Sex at 16 weeks pregnant

The second trimester is perhaps the most appropriate time to revive the intimate life of the spouses, if it was interrupted due to the woman’s poor health in the first weeks of pregnancy. Sex at 16 weeks of pregnancy, in the absence of any contraindications, is absolutely safe and can bring many new and vibrant sensations to future parents. But when having sex, it is imperative to avoid pressure on the mother’s belly, choosing the most suitable positions for sex at 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Weight and nutrition

The weight at the 16th week of pregnancy usually already exceeds the “initial” weight: in general, a woman often gains about 2.5 kg during this time. And in the future, it is imperative to monitor your weight in order to avoid excess weight towards the end of pregnancy and difficult childbirth for this reason.

Among other things, proper nutrition will help with this - the choice of food products while carrying a baby should be approached with special attention. Nutrition at the 16th week of pregnancy, as in previous weeks, needs to be complete, with an optimal ratio of all nutrients and beneficial substances. If this has not been done before, it is advisable to develop a diet at 16 weeks of pregnancy, which you will have to strictly adhere to in the future. The most optimal diet: 3-5 times a day in small portions, but the most nutritious and healthy food. Breakfast is required, as is the first course at lunchtime, but dinner should be light. It is better to avoid snacking between main meals - they affect unwanted weight gain.

It also makes sense to think about taking additional vitamin and mineral complexes: the need for nutrients has now increased significantly. Calcium and vitamin D are especially needed at this stage - you need to take one or another vitamin-mineral complex after first discussing this step with your doctor.

Frozen pregnancy

Frozen pregnancy, which is more common in the early stages of pregnancy, can still occur to a woman in the second trimester. Moreover, the period of 16 weeks, or more precisely the period of 16-18 weeks, is the most dangerous in this regard.

A frozen pregnancy at 16 weeks becomes a tragic event in the life of a woman who is already cherishing dreams of meeting her unborn child. Pregnancy fading - intrauterine fetal death and further failure to develop pregnancy - can occur for many reasons: intrauterine infection of the fetus, chromosomal abnormalities that have formed in it, Rh conflict between mother and baby, and the impact of negative factors on the fetus. Abortions preceding fertilization provoke intrauterine fetal death and fading of pregnancy - such interventions lead to significant changes in hormonal levels, injure and often infect the cervix.

A frozen pregnancy is determined at 16 weeks by monitoring the growth of the uterus and confirmed during an ultrasound examination. Thus, an ultrasound makes it possible to accurately determine the absence of a fetal heartbeat: at week 16, the baby does not always make itself known by noticeable movement, therefore accurate confirmation of the absence of a heartbeat is necessary.

Unfortunately, a diagnosed frozen pregnancy at 16 weeks must be terminated in a hospital setting and on an emergency basis. Otherwise, dangerous complications are possible - infection of the woman (a dead fetus provokes inflammatory processes in the uterus), bleeding due to detachment of the ovum, which is difficult to stop. After scheduled cleaning, a comprehensive and thorough examination will be needed to identify the cause of the pregnancy fading, as well as some time for the woman’s rehabilitation and recovery. It is not recommended to plan your next pregnancy for another six months after forced medical intervention due to pregnancy fading.

Mom at 16 weeks pregnant

The expectant mother's immunity has two main enemies: stress and infectious diseases. The fact is that you have to carry a child for 9 months - during this period several seasons will change, dangerous both in terms of the development of infectious diseases and in terms of viral infection. Methods for preventing infections have been well known since childhood: wash your hands with soap, thoroughly wash vegetables, fruits and berries, spend less time in crowded places during periods of raging flu or acute respiratory infections, and if this is not possible, wear a respiratory bandage, walk more in the fresh air.

Start hardening your body, as this procedure will increase your energy potential. Scientists have found that hardened mothers are more adapted to the stress (mental and physical) associated with bearing a child and experience labor pain much easier. Hardening strengthens the cardiovascular system, activates the gastrointestinal tract, the body’s cleansing system, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and improves the metabolic process.

Although all this happens in the mother’s body, it is important for your baby, as it significantly improves development conditions. Good types of hardening are permissible physical activity, swimming, dousing with water, and contrast showers. A slight decrease in temperature in the abdominal area during swimming, a contrast shower or dousing with water will give the Baby new sensations, as well as active movements. The fact is that the skin of a very tiny person is a very sensitive organ, and the signals coming from it train brain activity in their own way.

Be sure to walk at a comfortable pace, because a walk is not only a source of energy for you, but also a source of oxygen for the Baby. Oxygen nourishes brain cells and thereby contributes to the development of the most important organ. And what parents don’t dream of their child being smart and intelligent?

For a growing Baby, the measured swaying motions during mother's walking are training of the vestibular apparatus and at the same time a way... to sleep sweetly (in the future, such a wonderful state, when the Baby sleeps next to the mother's body, and your hands remain free, can only be achieved with the help sling).

16th week of pregnancy: Video "Second trimester screening"

We hasten to reassure you and encourage you that the sensations at 16 weeks of pregnancy are the most positive. No toxicosis, no morning dizziness, excellent appetite and the first tremors of a baby growing every day.

All that remains is to enjoy your position, walk more, and a small tummy is not a hindrance, and the 16th week of pregnancy will be a positive sign.

Pregnancy 16 weeks

The 2nd trimester of pregnancy is in full swing, and it is almost impossible to hide your interesting situation from others. This is due to rapid weight gain, and this can be two or more kilograms, especially if in the previous weeks you were actively losing weight due to toxicosis;
Yes, and your waist reveals your position; centimeters are added. The belly at the 16th week of pregnancy is rounded, but does not at all prevent you from leading an active lifestyle, except that you will feel tired or drowsy faster;
At 16 weeks, you may notice a dark vertical stripe on your belly. Don't worry, everything is normal, this is pigmentation associated with your position, you will soon notice other darkening of areas of the skin, for example on the areolas of the nipples. There is no need to take any emergency measures; pigmentation will go away on its own after the baby is born;
Along with your physical parameters, your wardrobe also changes: it’s time to place heels on the top shelf along with tight jeans, and priority is given to natural fabrics, loose fit, comfortable high-quality low-heeled shoes, special underwear for pregnant women;
Early toxicosis has been replaced by a good appetite, so don’t go for a walk without yogurt, cookies or an apple; you should always have a snack on hand. By the way, your baby can also feel hungry, which he will immediately let you know by actively tumbling in his tummy.

Baby development at 16 weeks

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the size of the fetus from head to sacrum reaches 12 centimeters. Just imagine, your baby is the size of an average apple weighing 80 grams. During an ultrasound examination, you can see that the baby is already holding his head, moving his arms and legs, and even has nails;
You can tell by a child’s face whether he is feeling good at the moment or whether he is hungry, for example. He may frown and wrinkle his nose, especially if you have eaten spicy or bitter food, but will smile when you taste something sweet or gently stroke your tummy and sing a song to your baby;
The fetus at 16 weeks of gestation is still very thin, since subcutaneous fat has not yet formed. The blood vessels are clearly visible through the pink-red skin; there are hairs and lubricant on the surface, which protects the child well from moisture;
The baby's pulse is higher than yours - about 150 beats per minute. The digestive and urinary systems work, the liver and kidneys are included in the work. Interestingly, your baby is already peeing, this happens approximately every 45 minutes;
At week 16, your baby is active, tugging at the umbilical cord with his fingers and spinning.

You may hear the phrase that the fetus floats in amniotic fluid, but this is not true. The uterus grows with the baby, so its walls always tightly limit the baby. He just feels comfortable and cozy in such a close environment.

It is not necessary to go for an ultrasound to find out what is happening with the baby at 16 weeks of pregnancy.

The fetus may be too active and push when it is hungry or does not like food; it will express its dissatisfaction if you spend a long time in a stuffy room or in a tense emotional state.

Remember that you are responsible for the two of you, so during pregnancy - only positive and favorable conditions.

Mom's well-being

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, what happens to the mother can be characterized by normal development without pronounced side effects. Both the physical and psychological state are favorable, there should be no pain or heavy discharge.

Uterus size

You can independently feel how much your baby’s house has grown by 16 weeks. At the 16th week of pregnancy, the uterus is located 7 centimeters below the navel, its weight is about 250 grams. The sizes are not so narrow that they cause you discomfort, but the low position may put pressure on the bladder, so you may notice a more frequent urge to urinate.

Pain at 16 weeks

Despite the fact that the 16th week is the most favorable period, you may be bothered by some painful sensations, the main thing is to establish a line between acceptable inconveniences and danger signals.

Back. At this stage, your lower back may be bothering you, especially after a long walk or wearing heels. Your figure is undergoing changes, the center of gravity is shifted, and that is why nagging pain in the back occurs. They should go away after rest. Read more in the article: Back pain during pregnancy >>>;
Stomach. If your stomach feels a little tight at 16 weeks of pregnancy, you should have no cause for concern. This is a physiological process - the uterus, increasing in size, provokes muscle pain, in addition, your pelvis is gradually preparing for the upcoming birth, the bones are expanding, which can also cause pain;

Head. No one is immune from headaches, especially if you are 16 weeks pregnant. What's happening to mom can be explained. Your circulatory system works for two, the blood is thinner, so there may be dizziness, pressure surges, nosebleeds;

Headaches can occur due to increased vascular tone caused by hormonal changes. At this stage, you may also experience migraines, which can be caused by irritation, stress, or even poor diet. The best medicine is rest and fresh air. You will also find a lot of useful information in the article Headaches during pregnancy >>>.

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, heartburn or bloating may appear, so it is worth reviewing your diet and removing trigger foods. All information about how to eat properly is in the book Secrets of proper nutrition for an expectant mother >>>.

Bleeding. Discharge

Normal, acceptable discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy is clear discharge, odorless and impurity-free, without accompanying itching. Their number may increase slightly compared to previous periods. The reason for this is estrogen, by the way, because of it the secretions themselves become more liquid. Please note that all other manifestations are an alarm signal.

Copious discharge. Clear discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy in large quantities, when the daily pad is simply not enough for the day, can signal leakage of amniotic fluid;
Curd discharge. A curd consistency with a pronounced sour smell will tell you about thrush, which often bothers pregnant women. Read about this article Thrush during pregnancy >>>.
Yellowish discharge. The yellowish tint to the discharge is given by pus, which means there is an inflammatory process. Read an article on this topic: Yellow discharge during pregnancy >>>;
Brown, bloody discharge. Brown discharge at 16 weeks of pregnancy is unacceptable, the color is due to blood spots, therefore, there is a risk of miscarriage.

Feelings at 16 weeks

At the 16th week of pregnancy, such troubles as nausea and vomiting fade into the background; they, of course, can bother you, but as a result of overeating or eating incompatible foods.

Toxicosis may be replaced by morning dizziness and back pain. It’s okay, your body is just adapting to a new position, and all these small difficulties, compared to the expected happiness, are simply nothing.

The 16th week of pregnancy has started, what is happening to the mother?

Weight increase by 2-3 kg from the original;
Breast enlargement, sensitivity and the appearance of colostrum. Related article: Colostrum during pregnancy >>>;
Increased heart rate to 80-90 beats per minute;
It is quite possible that you will feel the first movements at 16 weeks of pregnancy;
Be prepared for mood swings: you can spend hours admiring the sky and cry if it rains. Hormones are to blame, but if emotions are more positive, both you and those around you will benefit.

You need to enjoy the situation, know that the child is well protected, he feels good in his tummy, and all the emotions that you experience are felt by your future baby.

Narrow issues of pregnancy

There are circumstances that are beyond your control and can somewhat overshadow the period of bearing a baby. These are colds, fever or viral infections. Of course, the best remedy is prevention, but what to do if an insidious enemy creeps up close?

Temperature

The normal body temperature at the 16th week of pregnancy in a healthy person is 36.6, but in your situation even a persistent 37 may be normal, of course, without an accompanying runny nose or cough.

37.5 for several days is a reason to seek help from a specialist, perhaps this is an incipient cold or inflammatory processes. But a temperature above 38 during pregnancy is dangerous; it can provoke placental abruption, intoxication, and even miscarriage.

Cold at 16 weeks of pregnancy

You may be assured that the second trimester, which includes the 16th week, is safe in terms of diseases, but, as you know, God protects those who are careful.

Since the list of drugs allowed during pregnancy can be placed in several lines, the best medicine is rest, drinking plenty of fluids, folk recipes with approved herbs, rubbing and rinsing the nose. For more information about how you can and cannot treat a cold during this period, read the article Colds during pregnancy >>>;
Aromatherapy and salt room are good for colds;
But mustard plasters and steam rooms are contraindicated during pregnancy. Read the article Mustard plasters during pregnancy >>>;
To reduce the temperature, you can use paracetamol, but aspirin is strictly prohibited.

Alcohol at 16 weeks

Alcohol and other bad habits are not compatible with bearing a baby. Just imagine that the glass of wine you drink will also be tasted by your baby, swallowing amniotic fluid with ethanol.

But if an adult body can cope with a dose of alcohol, then for tiny kidneys and livers that have just begun to work, this is an impossible task. In addition, systematic consumption of alcoholic beverages affects the rate of fetal development and has a negative impact on the formation of the child’s skeletal system.

Regarding smoking, even if you don’t smoke, avoid smoky places, ask your loved ones not to smoke near you.

Sex

But what you shouldn’t give up is intimate relationships with your sexual partner. Sex at 16 weeks of pregnancy brings spouses closer and brings new colors to the relationship;
Your sensitivity at this stage is increased, your figure is beautiful, and your tummy or well-being do not interfere with the process;
The main thing is to choose the right poses in which you will not feel pain. And don't forget about increased hygiene.

Examinations of mother and child

By the 16th week of pregnancy, you have most likely already registered with an antenatal clinic or a private clinic. By the way, Russian legislation provides monetary incentives for mothers who register before the 12th week.

Mandatory tests at week 16 include measuring weight, uterine height, urine analysis and blood pressure measurement.

Specific tests that may be prescribed to you are hCG and AFP, which can detect genetic abnormalities of the fetus. But even negative results should not be considered a death sentence; without ultrasound data and amniotic sampling, no one will be able to make an accurate diagnosis. Perhaps you simply have not set the exact deadline, or the baby is growing into a hero, so the indicators do not fall within the regulatory framework.

Ultrasound at 16 weeks of pregnancy

One of the most long-awaited moments of communication between a mother and her unborn baby is an ultrasound. The opportunity to see the baby on the screen, examine his hands and fingers, his tiny nose is a touching moment; do not forget to ask for an ultrasound photo of the fetus for the family album.

Please note that an ultrasound scan at week 16 is not planned, but is prescribed for medical reasons, for example, in case of questionable tests for congenital pathologies;
The doctor, in this case, pays attention to the baby’s face, his nose and mouth, the size of the neck, counts all the fingers and the sizes of the internal organs;
An examination can also be prescribed after an illness to study the condition of the placenta at 16 weeks of pregnancy and the development of the fetus. By the way, the sex of the baby can already be determined at 16 weeks; the organs of the reproductive system are formed and clearly defined. Read the current article: Determining the sex of a child by ultrasound >>>.

Lifestyle at 16 weeks of pregnancy

Walks in the fresh air, positive emotions, alternating physical activity and rest, a gentle work schedule and a balanced diet;
It's time to go on a sea holiday and boost your immunity. At week 16, you will tolerate both land transport and air travel (article

At the 16th week of pregnancy, the most severe and addictive toxicosis should stop, as if someone had turned it off. The baby under the mother's heart continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Confidence and stability

The second trimester is a time of peace and confidence. The threat of losing a baby arises only in the most acute and difficult situations: a serious illness, a traffic accident. A plump figure does not irritate, but pleases. The main thing is that the weight gain is normal, that is, up to 400 g per week. The mood swings are now remembered with a smile and thoughts like “Was it really me?”

Feel

They can still be very individual for each woman. In addition to emotional instability, painful sensitivity of the breasts and/or nipples may now completely disappear.

Appetite is noticeably better. Food whims may persist, but are not so acute. For example, you might want to eat a bowl of ice cream. But this desire will not bring you to tears. You can calmly wait until you can go and buy what you want.
The uterus presses slightly on the diaphragm. Sometimes this makes it difficult to breathe. Just make sure that when you suffocate, your hands don’t get cold, your fingertips don’t turn blue, and you don’t feel like you’re about to faint.
Physiological runny nose in pregnant women may not go away until childbirth. Do not use vasoconstrictors. Carry a small aerosol can of sea water with you.
Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur, that is, pain and numbness in the wrist.
Another specific sensation is itching in the palms and soles.
The arms, legs and face may swell slightly. It is safe if it only happens occasionally and goes away quickly.
Constipation almost always occurs; you just need to loosen your diet a little.

And the most important thing! Skinny mothers, especially those who are not pregnant for the first time, can feel the first movements of the baby! Be sure to check your sensations, because light, barely noticeable tremors of your baby can be confused with manifestations of flatulence. In any case, the antenatal clinic doctor will certainly ask if you are mistaken. Are you sure the baby is moving? Write down the date, it is important.

It happens differently. Mothers are worried and complain to doctors: “It’s been almost four months, but I don’t feel any movement.” This is just normal. The practice of obstetricians and gynecologists shows that most often the first fetal movements are felt at 20 weeks in women who are expecting a child for the first time and at 18 weeks in subsequent pregnancies.

What can hurt

Just a little, without disturbing, almost everything hurts from time to time:

lower back - due to changes in the body;
ribs – if you have been sitting in an uncomfortable position for a long time;
legs – after a long walk or long standing;
the stomach below or on the sides - with a sudden change of position;
head - in case of overwork, any experience.

If pain, even minor pain, almost never stops, tell your doctor about it. Do the same if you experience severe pain.

What does your body look like

You are beautiful! Don't look for flaws in yourself and don't think that you have become unattractive. Yes, the body changes noticeably, but this is the norm.

Breast

She looks fuller. You feel its heaviness. The skin around the nipples has probably darkened and yellowish-white bumps are visible. Dark veins may clearly appear under the skin of each breast. Make sure there are no stretch marks. To prevent them, use any special cream or good olive oil.

Stomach

Your waist is rounded and your tummy is visible in any tight clothing. You should already have comfortable maternity pants and perhaps special blouses and sweaters. Depending on the season and climate in your area, special tights may be required. And in the heat, choose beautiful and comfortable sundresses.

When pregnant with twins, the belly grows faster and becomes noticeable earlier.

Leather

The thin strip between the border of pubic hair growth and the navel is still clearly visible. Pigment spots may appear. But often you may be simply amazed at how amazingly soft the skin throughout your body becomes. Due to an increase in blood volume, it may acquire a special pink tint (instead of the original light color).

Photos of bellies:

What's going on inside you

Your body, if you are healthy, copes well with the load. The heart pumps an increased volume of blood, and the muscles and spine adapt to the increased weight.

The uterus has grown so much that it weighs a quarter of a kilogram. Interestingly, amniotic fluid has approximately the same weight.

Discharge

To properly judge your vaginal discharge, wash your face every morning and then check the condition of your underwear. If you feel wet, the discharge is more abundant than it should be. If there is an unpleasant odor, yellow color, or a cheesy consistency to the discharge, consult a doctor.

Do you feel like your vagina is leaking water? This could be amniotic fluid leaking. Have your doctor do a further check. Pharmacies have special pads that change color depending on the nature and composition of vaginal discharge. They can be quite expensive.

The most unpleasant thing is brown smears, blood or real bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately.

Expectant mothers often ask the question: do they need a special product for intimate hygiene? Decide for yourself. If you are used to something specific, there is no point in changing your hygiene habits. It’s hardly worth trying anything new - during pregnancy, unusual hygiene products may be poorly tolerated by the skin, especially sensitive ones.

Colostrum may be released from your nipples - a clear, whitish or yellowish liquid that is the baby's future nutrition. Do not express droplets and use special inserts in your bra.

Should I wear a bandage?

On the Internet you can find the following advice: wear a bandage for lower back pain, but only if the child is positioned correctly. There is some truth and misconception here.

Is it true: The bandage will really help support your growing tummy. Especially during multiple pregnancies. Due to this support, the load on the back is also reduced.

Misconception: at the 16th week it is still impossible to talk about the correct or incorrect position of the fetus in the uterus. The baby inside you is not at all cramped yet, and he can even turn around more than once during the day. The problem of incorrect position of the child arises after 32-36 weeks of pregnancy.

What do doctors prescribe?

Your doctor will order laboratory and other medical tests based on your general condition. For example, if there is reason to suspect the development of pathologies, it is possible to check the amniotic fluid. It is taken under local anesthesia through a puncture of the abdominal skin above the uterine cavity. The sample is examined in the laboratory. In this way, up to forty potential defects and infections are identified.

The procedure is not 100% safe. In very rare cases, it provokes miscarriage.

Ultrasound is prescribed for special indications. You may have Doppler testing. This test is a test of blood flow in the umbilical cord. If it is broken, it means that the child does not have enough nutrition. Then the doctor will identify the causes of poor blood circulation and prescribe treatment.

Fetal development

Now the baby is actively growing from head to toes. Besides:

the skeleton is actively ossifying;
legs lengthen;
all muscles are improved;
some systems work quite “adult-like”: for example, a baby swallows amniotic fluid, it turns into urine and is excreted;
the heart beats about twice as fast as mom’s and pumps blood perfectly;
more and more new blood cells are formed in the baby’s blood, special fetal hemoglobin begins to be produced;
the genital organs are developing, and if the baby turns successfully during an ultrasound, an experienced doctor will tell you whether you are expecting a girl or a boy;
the eyelids have almost completed their development and are ready to open;
the child moves his limbs, sucks his thumb and grimaces.

Frozen pregnancy

Under unfavorable conditions, the fetus may die in the uterus. Main reasons:

infections;
severe developmental abnormalities;
Rhesus conflict;
other negative factors (unhealthy lifestyle, unfavorable environment).

When pregnancy fails, the dead fetus remains in the uterus and poses a threat to the woman’s life. If the development of pregnancy stops, the doctor will issue a referral to the hospital. There, artificial birth will be induced using special drugs.

Women who have experienced a frozen pregnancy are not recommended to plan to conceive within the next year.

In the 16th week of pregnancy, follow the same dietary guidelines:

frequent;
in small portions;
a hearty breakfast but a light dinner;
30% from vegetables and fruits;
meat – lean, but fatty fish (for the sake of important organic acids);
porridge – every day;
Choose bread with bran, whole grain.

Nutritionists now advise giving up soft and processed cheeses because of the food additives in them. Exotic, new and unusual products are not recommended. All food must be completely prepared: no Japanese cuisine with raw fish, rare steaks or drinking raw eggs.

Other tips:

Wear comfortable clothes that do not rub or press anywhere. Linen is made only from natural fabrics.
Rinse your breasts with cool water and leave them bare for 1-2 minutes. It is good for the skin and muscles.
Try to avoid smoking areas. You should give up your own cigarette habit, if you had one, long ago.
Sleep on your side with a pillow under your stomach. This is the best position for sleeping.
Forget about heels for the coming months.
If you have ever had kidney problems, be careful. It may be worth further examination. Sometimes pyelonephritis (kidney disease) occurs during pregnancy.
Monitor your blood pressure. If it is low, your baby may receive less oxygen, and if it is high, you may feel unwell.
Even if you feel well, do not visit the sauna and/or bathhouse.
Walk every day when the weather permits.
During the hot season, do not stay in the sun for long.
For sex, choose positions in which you can control the depth of penetration yourself.
If you're still forgetful and distracted, start a journal.