View All Blogs

2^nd Trimester (weeks 14-26)

Week 16

About You

Week 16 is the third week of the 2 ^nd trimester. You may start to experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy - feeling your baby move for the first time (usually occurring between weeks 16 and 22), which is very exciting. These first light movements are known as ''quickening" and typically thinner women tend to feel movements earlier than heavier . What do they feel like? Well some women describe the sensation as a small fish swimming around in their belly, butterflies in their stomach or bubbles popping, with early movements more likely to be felt when sitting or lying down quietly. With the growth of your baby, the top of your uterus is about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel, and the round ligaments that support it are thickening and stretching as it grows. You're probably feeling a whole lot better as you settle into pregnancy, too. Less nausea, fewer mood swings, and "glowing" skin contribute to an overall sense of well-being. This is also a good time to find a more appropriate exercise regime, as for many mums their regular exercise routine may now be too strenuous.

More tests! If you decide to do so, an Amniocentesis can be performed from this week (weeks 16-20). This amniotic fluid test checks for foetal abnormalities (birth defects) such as Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis or Spina Bifida, and gives a definitive answer about the gender of baby. Note that this test is normally performed on women considered to be at higher risk of delivering a child with birth defects (such as a family history), and older mothers aged 35-37+ years.

About Baby

Get ready for a growth spurt, because in the next few weeks, baby will double its weight and add cm to its length. Baby is now about 11.43cm long and is approximately 99.2 grams, so it is about the size of an avocado. By this week baby the developing baby is suspended in about 130ml of amniotic fluid, which the baby constantly swallows and excretes.

Legs are much more developed, the head is more erect and the eyes have moved closer to the front of the head. The ears are close to their final position as well. Toenails are starting to grow and baby's heart is now pumping about 23 litres of blood each day!

This week's activities for the pregnancy to-do list

✔Ensure you get plenty of calcium now, from low-fat dairy foods or supplements

✔ Look at local birth centres

✔Start your baby registry or make a baby gift wish list, if having a baby shower

✔Ask your mother or grandmother about their birthing experiences (remember the positive experiences and forget the negative ones!)

✔Plan a romantic evening or getaway. Once your baby arrives, it will be a while before you and your partner go away for a weekend alone. Don't miss this chance to be together, and don't wait much longer because by the third trimester you may feel too tired and uncomfortable to travel.

Note that this article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.

View All Blogs