16 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development and Mom Symptoms

16 weeks pregnant baby development mom symptoms

By Fatima Virrey , Parent Herald Sep 17, 05:36 pm

At 16 weeks pregnant - that is four months along - the mother's bump is starting to show, and it may be noticed that she's expecting her baby. During these weeks, mothers will also begin to feel their baby's first movements, and witness their baby's development. Also, they will experience mommy symptoms during this time.

In this article, we'll tell you your baby's development, and the symptoms that an expectant mother will experience.

How big (or small) is your baby

At 16 weeks pregnant, the measurement of your baby is just under 5 inches or 12.4 centimeters from the top of their head, down to the bottom of their buttocks. This is known as the crown-rump length. The crown-heel length, on the other hand, is the height of the baby measuring form the top of their head down to their heels. During this time, the baby will most likely weigh 5 ounces or 144 grams.

Baby development

Your little one's heart at 16 weeks pregnant is beating around 150 to 180 times per minute, and it is pumping approximately 24 liters of blood per day. Also, during this time, baby development consists of taste buds and taste pores. Your baby can taste the amniotic fluid as it enters your mouth, and your little one can now start to develop their taste preferences while inside your womb.

Your baby's head and body

Muscles and bones are also continuing to grow at this point in your pregnancy. Your baby's head is now more erect or straight and in line with the body. Hair is also beginning to appear on their eyebrows, upper lip, and chin. Their hearing is still developing at this time, although your baby may start to hear limited sounds. Your baby's development also includes their first eye movements as they are seen beneath the eyelids. Once these eye motions start, your baby starts to move and touch their eyelids.

Symptoms this week

Being at 16 weeks pregnant, you may still experience some second-trimester mom symptoms. You may have occasional bleeding gums, dizziness, gas, headaches, heartburn, and nosebleeds. Along with these mom symptoms, this week may also bring a growing belly and food cravings.

Food cravings

During your first trimester with symptoms like nausea, you may have gone through food aversions. However, now that your stomach can endure the sight and smell of food again, you may find yourself craving for food.

(Photo : Janko Ferlic from Pexels)
16 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development and Mom Symptoms

At 16 weeks pregnant and having mom symptoms, food cravings are certainly common. According to studies, between 50% and 90% of expecting mothers experience them. Although it is unclear why pregnancy brings cravings, it could be because of hormones, as the body seeks certain nutrients that mothers need for their baby development.

At 16 weeks pregnant, a lot of amazing things are happening with your baby's develoment. Senses are developing, and babies are also starting to taste, hear, and even touch. During this time, your symptoms are continuing as well. Because of this, you need all the support that you can get, and rest well, as you wait for the birth of your little one.

READ ALSO: How to Cope with Bedrest During Pregnancy