• Increased Energy: Usually by week 16, the fatigue from earlier weeks often fades, leaving you feeling more active and productive. 

• Round Ligament Pain: You might experience some sharp or dull pains in your lower abdomen or hips. This is due to the stretching of ligaments to support your uterus. 

• Nasal Congestion: Hormonal changes and increased blood flow may cause your nasal passages to swell, leading to stuffiness or a runny nose. Staying hydrated and using a saline spray can provide relief.

• Visible Veins: You might notice veins becoming more prominent, especially on your legs, breasts, or abdomen. This happens because of the increased blood volume circulating in your body. 

• Appetite Changes: By week 16, many women find their appetite returning. Cravings or an increased hunger might become more noticeable. 

Baby’s Growth in the Womb

• Organ Development: By week 16, your baby’s organs are becoming more specialised. The heart pumps about 23.5 litres of blood daily, and the liver produces bile to aid digestion. The tiny lungs practice breathing movements by inhaling amniotic fluid, while the nervous system is advancing, enabling more refined muscle coordination.
• Physical Features: Your baby’s features are becoming more defined: ears are fully shaped, eyes (still closed) can move slightly, tiny eyelashes are forming, and soft lanugo hair covers the body, helping regulate temperature. The head is also becoming more proportionate to the growing body, which is taking on a clearer shape.
• Weight of the Foetus: At week 16, your baby is about the size of an avocado, measuring approximately 11-12 cm long and weighing around 100 grams. This rapid growth is preparing them for the exciting milestones ahead.
• Movement of the Baby: Your baby is becoming more active and coordinated, practising movements like kicking, rolling, and even grasping. While these movements are still too subtle to feel for most women, you may start sensing the first gentle flutters in the coming weeks.
   

• Routine Check-Up: During your week 16 visit, your doctor will check your blood pressure, monitor weight gain, listen to your baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler, and address any symptoms or concerns.
• Ultrasound Scan: While a routine ultrasound isn’t typically scheduled at week 16 in many pregnancy care plans, some parents may have a scan if recommended by their doctor. This might be to monitor your baby’s growth, check the position of the placenta, or investigate any specific concerns.
• Quadruple Test (Optional): If you haven’t already done so, your doctor might offer the quadruple test this week. This blood test screens for conditions such as Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. It measures four key markers in your blood and is often combined with earlier screening results to provide a comprehensive risk assessment.
• Checking for Anaemia: Your doctor might recommend a blood test to check your iron levels. Anaemia is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume, so ensuring you have enough iron is essential for your health and your baby’s development.

• Urine Test: Routine urine tests might be carried out to check for protein, sugar, or signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). These tests help ensure your body is managing the additional strain of pregnancy.

   

• Routine Check-Up: During your week 16 visit, your doctor will check your blood pressure, monitor weight gain, listen to your baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler, and address any symptoms or concerns.
• Ultrasound Scan: While a routine ultrasound isn’t typically scheduled at week 16 in many pregnancy care plans, some parents may have a scan if recommended by their doctor. This might be to monitor your baby’s growth, check the position of the placenta, or investigate any specific concerns.
• Quadruple Test (Optional): If you haven’t already done so, your doctor might offer the quadruple test this week. This blood test screens for conditions such as Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. It measures four key markers in your blood and is often combined with earlier screening results to provide a comprehensive risk assessment.
• Checking for Anaemia: Your doctor might recommend a blood test to check your iron levels. Anaemia is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume, so ensuring you have enough iron is essential for your health and your baby’s development.

• Urine Test: Routine urine tests might be carried out to check for protein, sugar, or signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). These tests help ensure your body is managing the additional strain of pregnancy.