1. A healthy appetite appears. Symptoms of early toxicosis, which in some people begins immediately after fertilization, disappear. Mommy's menu is expanding significantly. You need to be selective in choosing foods and plan your diet based on the healthfulness of the foods you eat.
2. Rapid weight gain begins. It is not difficult to guess that this is a consequence of improved appetite. If in the first trimester a woman most often notices weight loss due to toxicosis, now the body begins to catch up. The increase can be up to 3 kg from the moment the child is conceived. At the 16th week of pregnancy, the belly protrudes noticeably, and it is already difficult to hide your interesting position from others.
3. Frequent visits to the toilet resume. This is due to the fact that the fetus continues to grow at the 16th week of pregnancy. Together with the child, the uterus also grows, which puts pressure on bladder, forcing the woman to look into the restroom more often.
4. Shortness of breath due to the pressure of the uterus on the diaphragm. It is recommended to remain calm, get plenty of rest and monitor your condition.
5. A so-called physiological runny nose occurs, characteristic of pregnancy. This is a temporary symptom that goes away over time.
6. The baby's first movements are felt. The sensations in the abdomen are still light and barely perceptible, but every week they intensify, and the woman has the opportunity to communicate with the baby using gentle internal touches.

You may experience problems with bowel movements (constipation). This is another reason to pay close attention to your diet, choosing foods containing fiber and vitamins.

Fetus at 16 weeks of gestation

At the 16th obstetric week of pregnancy, the fetus is already fourteen weeks old. The pace of its growth and development is still high. Now, if you measure the belly from the tailbone to the crown, the length will be more than ten centimeters. The fetal body becomes more proportional: the legs grow in length, and the head is no longer so large in relation to the body. The weight of the fetus is now approximately eighty grams. In order for the expectant mother to better visualize how much the baby has grown, obstetricians and gynecologists compare the size of a baby at 16 weeks with an average avocado.

His skeleton is actively being built. The muscle tissue of the unborn child is gaining strength. He moves his limbs more actively. The muscles of his face allow the baby to open and close his mouth and close his eyes. Since the neck muscles have also become stronger, the unborn child can now turn his head left and right.

Internal organs begin to master their functions - contract, secrete enzymes, filter. The ones who are most active in their work for the belly-dweller in the sixteenth week are:

• Liver;
• Kidneys;
• Bladder.

The little man’s heart is already pumping blood regularly. At the 16th obstetric week, it is theoretically possible to establish the blood type and Rh factor of the unborn baby.

The heart beats at a frequency of 150 beats per minute, pumping up to 25 liters of blood per day.

The stomach, intestines, and gallbladder function.

On the face and head the crumbs have already formed:

• ears;
• eyes;
• cilia;
• brows.

At this stage, as before, it is important for the fetus to receive all nutrients in quantities sufficient for growth and development. That is, a pregnant woman should eat right. It is optimal to eat food several times a day, in small portions. Be sure to take high-protein foods, because the belly now needs “building material.” These are meat and fish, dairy products. Vegetables and fruits in sufficient quantities will help improve intestinal function. But spices, salt, smoked meats, and highly allergenic foods should be excluded. They are of no benefit and can provoke or worsen heartburn and constipation in the expectant mother.

What month of pregnancy

The end of the sixteenth obstetric week corresponds to the end of the fourth obstetric month of pregnancy. Let us recall that in an obstetric month there are 28 days, that is, exactly four weeks, while in a calendar month there are 30 or 31 days. If you count by calendar months, then the end of the sixteenth week corresponds to the third week of the fourth calendar month of pregnancy.

Sex

If the pregnancy progresses favorably, doctors do not place restrictions on women intimate life. Sex at this stage is not a contraindication if there are no negative symptoms. A gynecologist can impose a ban only in cases such as multiple pregnancies, low placental attachment, and the likelihood of miscarriage.

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) at 16 weeks of pregnancy

The 16th week of pregnancy is not included in the period for routine ultrasound examination. A gynecologist can send for an ultrasound scan only if the pregnant woman has complaints or test results deviate from the norm. During the examination, the ultrasound doctor can show the woman what her baby looks like at 16 weeks.

The course of pregnancy at the 16th week

On 16 weeks pregnant the expectant mother continues to enjoy the improvement in her condition. gradually but steadily loses its position, and appetite improves. Due to this factor, the expectant mother will begin to lose weight, which may increase by 3-6 kg during this period.

At 16 weeks breast the expectant mother most often already increased enough , however, there is no longer any painful sensation that could prevent a woman from falling asleep. True, even now problems with sleep may arise, since due to the expanding belly, it may be difficult for a pregnant woman to find a comfortable position for sleeping.

If the pregnancy is developing normally, during this period it should not be marred by any attacks of pain or serious illness. Of course, the expectant mother will feel slightly weak and tired at the end of the day, but this is normal for her condition.

If a woman is bothered by frequent painful sensations lower abdomen, poor health, frequent fainting and pressure surges - you need to consult a doctor.

What happens in the sixteenth week of pregnancy

On 16 weeks pregnant some expectant mothers can already feel your baby , especially if the woman is “in position” not for the first time. Pregnant women describe this feeling in different ways: as if butterflies are flying in the stomach, fish are swimming, or someone is gently touching the stomach from the inside.

But if this is the first pregnancy, on average baby's movements you can notice at 18-20 weeks, before that the expectant mother thinks that this is the peristalsis of her intestines and nothing more.

Under the influence of hormones, melanin accumulates in a woman’s skin, which can lead to pigmentation. So the expectant mother may notice spots on her face, it is quite possible that a dark stripe will appear on her stomach, from the navel down, and the parapapillary zones will darken. However, all these changes are not dangerous and after childbirth everything will return to normal.

Also, at the 16th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother may experience tired legs . This is explained by the fact that the center of gravity of a woman's body shifts , she also gains weight, which significantly increases the load on her legs. During this period, a woman may develop a characteristic “duck walk”, lower back pain and the first signs.

Future baby

the baby is the size of a small grapefruit: its height is about 12 cm and its weight is about 100 g. The baby’s facial muscles are already quite developed, so he actively makes grimaces, frowns and smiles in the womb.

At the 16th week of pregnancy, the baby's eyes are already located in their place in the front of the head, the ears continue to move, and the body becomes more and more proportional.

The baby's neurons are actively growing, their number increases by 5000 units every second, and the adrenal glands are already producing the required amount of hormones. In girls at this stage, the ovaries descend into the pelvic area, the fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina are formed. In boys, the external genitalia are formed, but the testicles are still in the abdominal cavity.

From now on, the baby’s bone marrow is responsible for hematopoiesis, and during this period his blood composition is already fully formed: red blood cells, monocytes and lymphocytes are present, the blood type and Rh factor can be determined. Fetal hemoglobin is produced in the baby’s blood; normal hemoglobin will appear only six months after birth, and the heart is actively working, pumping about 25 liters of blood every second.

The baby’s bone skeleton continues to strengthen, the legs become more developed, and the toenails are almost completely formed. The liver has begun to perform its digestive functions, and the stomach, intestines and gall bladder are also gradually taking on their direct responsibilities. For example, the first contents appear in the baby’s intestines, which for now consists almost of bile. This is original feces, dark green or black-green meconium.

At this time, the baby’s kidneys and bladder fulfill their purpose: every 45 minutes the baby urinates. Urine enters the amniotic waters, which are renewed about ten times a day during the day, due to which they maintain a stable chemical composition necessary for the successful development of the fetus. Now quantity amniotic fluid(amniotic fluid) is about 250 g.

The umbilical cord connecting mother and baby is strong and elastic, capable of withstanding a load of up to 5-6 kg. Its length by this stage of pregnancy is already 40-50 cm, and its diameter is about 2 cm.

How mom's life changes

By the 16th week of pregnancy, most pregnant women have quite noticeable growing belly . Although it is still quite neat, it is already quite difficult to hide your pregnancy from others, so it’s time to purchase one that will allow the expectant mother to feel comfortable and comfortable. Also don't forget about the special underwear , and it’s worth replacing your heels with comfortable flats.

16th week of pregnancy: the expectant mother may notice new feature her body - her nails will grow faster than ever, or, conversely, will become weaker and more brittle. In addition, they may become brittle hair , and for some representatives of the fair sex, on the contrary, the hair will be simply luxurious. This is a temporary phenomenon, which is explained by changes in hormonal levels, and after the birth of the child everything will be the same.

During this period, a pregnant woman may experience runny nose , which can be mistaken for a cold or allergy. This symptom is called rhinitis of pregnancy and occurs in 30 percent of women. Rhinitis in pregnant women is caused by increased levels of the hormone estrogen which causes swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose.

Also, due to an increase in estrogen levels in the body and an increase in blood flow to the genitals, during this period the expectant mother may the number of discharges will increase from the vagina. If the discharge does not have a strong odor, it is liquid, clear or milky - this is normal. If the expectant mother notices that the color, consistency or smell of the discharge has changed, or that it has become bloody, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor.

Mom's nutrition

Nutrition in the 16th week of pregnancy, as in previous weeks, is necessary, with an optimal ratio of all nutrients and nutrients. It is best to eat small meals 4-5 times a day, giving preference to healthy foods.

If the symptoms of toxicosis no longer bother the expectant mother, it is necessary to have breakfast, during lunch, do not forget about the first course, but it is better to prefer a fairly light dinner; you should not overeat at night.

If your appetite has increased between main meals, try to snacks there were not sandwiches and cookies, but fruits or dried fruits. Excessive amounts of rich buns and pies can lead to weight gain and constipation, which are now quite difficult to cope with due to reduced intestinal motility in a pregnant woman.

It is better not to eat salty foods, as salt causes water to be retained in the body, resulting in the development of edema.

If you organize good nutrition problematic, it is necessary to take special vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women, because the body’s need for nutrients has increased significantly. It is better to discuss the choice of medication with your doctor.

Bosyak Yulia Vasilievna, obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive specialist at the Alternative Human Reproduction Clinic, says: This week on ultrasound you can see how the baby moves his eyes. The head is held higher, the neck is well developed. The eyes moved to the center (at first they were located on the sides), the ears approached their final position. The legs lengthened and became more proportional to the body. Nails are already fully formed. The child's weight is 130 g, length up to 12 cm - the size of a small banana. The uterus at this stage weighs approximately 250 g.

At 16-18 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended that a pregnant woman undergo a triple test - a second screening to assess the risk of developing fetal pathology. The triple blood test measures the levels of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estriol (E3).

AFP is a protein that is synthesized by the fetal liver. Deviations in the level of AFP may indicate defects of the neural tube, abdominal wall of the fetus, atresia of the esophagus and duodenum, some anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract, Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome, retardation intrauterine development fetus

HCG is a hormone that is secreted by the placenta throughout pregnancy. A high level of hCG coupled with low AFP is characteristic of Down syndrome.

Estriol is also produced by the fetal organs and placenta throughout pregnancy. The level of estriol in the blood allows us to assess not only the condition of the placenta, but also the fetus.

If there are deviations in the triple test results, you should contact a geneticist.

Possible problems

Although the risk of miscarriage is most likely in the first trimester, for a period of 16-18 weeks it is typical frozen pregnancy which becomes ordeal for a woman.

There are several reasons for missed abortion, among which doctors identify intrauterine infection of the fetus, chromosomal abnormalities, Rh conflict and exposure to negative factors.

A doctor can determine a frozen pregnancy at 16 weeks during an ultrasound examination - the fetus will have no heartbeat. If a frozen pregnancy is diagnosed, it must be terminated in a hospital setting to prevent infection of the female body.

After termination, it is necessary to undergo a thorough comprehensive examination and identify the causes of pregnancy failure. It is recommended to plan your next pregnancy at least 6 months after forced medical intervention.

Necessary tests

A crucial period for a woman, because in addition to traditional analyzes urine and blood, monitoring blood pressure and weight, as well as listening to the fetal heart, she may be prescribed to undergo screening test , which will detect or refute the presence of severe defects in fetal development.

To do this, it is necessary to take a blood test from a vein, which can be used to assess the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (NE) in a woman’s body.

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.

If the screening results are unfavorable, the pregnant woman may be offered amniocentosis - take amniotic fluid to study its composition. To do this, a puncture is performed under ultrasound control; a special needle is inserted into the uterus, which takes amniotic fluid for a sample.

The amniocentosis procedure makes it possible to diagnose about 40 congenital malformations, however, such manipulation, unfortunately, can provoke quite serious pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and premature birth.

Even if the expectant mother does not yet feel the baby’s movement during this period, she will be able to admire his somersaults during Ultrasound , because on the screen you can clearly see how the baby moves and grimaces. Also, if the pregnant woman is lucky, based on the results of the ultrasound, the doctor will be able to tell her the gender of the unborn baby.

Useful tips

The second trimester is perhaps the best time for rebirth intimate life spouses, especially if she previously suffered due to a possible threat of a breakdown or the woman’s poor health. Sex at 16 weeks of pregnancy is absolutely safe, moreover, it can give future parents many new and vibrant sensations.

Some pregnant women even report that sex becomes more enjoyable during the second trimester due to increased blood flow to the genitals. Therefore, if a pregnant woman does not have any contraindications, do not worry, sex will not cause any problems for the baby, except try to choose a suitable position, eliminating pressure on the stomach.

In order not to be ashamed of changes in your body and reduce the risk of stretch marks, you should start actively using special cosmetics for pregnant women: creams, oils, lotions.

If the expectant mother has dyspnea , for example, while walking, you need to restore your breathing, sit and rest until your condition returns to normal.

It seems that only recently a pregnancy test showed that you have become happy parents, and four months of pregnancy have already passed. The most difficult period of pregnancy is behind us - toxicosis is over, a good appetite has appeared, and you can finally feel like a mother and appreciate all the delights of your situation.

The baby is actively developing and growing inside its mother, although those around them may not yet know about it. And you have time to enjoy your position, go out more and devote enough time to your husband - it’s no secret that many men begin to feel unloved and abandoned during their wife’s pregnancy.

How many months have passed? Four obstetric months have already passed (one obstetric month has 28 days).

What happens at 16 weeks of pregnancy?

Your condition improves significantly compared to the first weeks of pregnancy, your appetite increases, and you can eat whatever your heart desires. You should eat in moderation and not be led by your appetite - after all, losing extra pounds during pregnancy is difficult, and they will greatly hinder you during childbirth.

You should know that at the 16th week of pregnancy a mother’s weight may increase by 2.5-3 kg. If you have gained significantly more, feel well and have no swelling, reconsider your diet: most likely, you eat too much sweets, flour and other foods that do not benefit the body of mother and baby.

Many mothers begin to behave too demanding and capricious, terrorizing those around them with constant complaints and requests. If you notice such behavior in yourself, try to change your attitude towards pregnancy and others - after all, in fact, your situation is a miracle and a holiday for the family, and not a reason for whims. Your relatives are just as worried about your health and your baby’s; you shouldn’t quarrel with them because of momentary mood changes.

The fetus and its development at 16 weeks

The baby is actively growing, his organs continue to develop. At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the size of the fetus from the crown to the tailbone is ̴ 11 cm, and the weight is about 80 g. The child is actively growing, his legs are becoming longer than his arms, and soon an ultrasound will tell you his length from the crown to the heels.

The baby's ears gradually move from the neck to the head, and the eyes also move into place. The baby's hearing has not yet formed, but it is able to perceive vibrations on the surface of the skin. The eyes are still closed, but the child begins to slowly move them in different directions. As soon as the eye slits open, the baby will begin to blink actively.

The facial muscles continue to form - the baby frowns, smiles, and makes faces. The baby also begins to train his fingers - he grabs the umbilical cord with his hands, pulls and squeezes it.

The baby's skin is still red and smooth - this appearance is due to the fact that it is very thin and the blood vessels are visible through the skin. But lanugo is already beginning to form on it - thin hairs, which, together with the produced vernix lubrication, protect the baby’s skin from moisture.

Your baby’s other organs are also actively working: the heart beats twice as fast as the mother’s; the digestive tract begins to work; the immune system is formed. The child’s liver stops working as a hematopoietic organ (now the bone marrow takes over this function) and begins to produce bile.

At the 16th week of pregnancy, the uterus, vagina and fallopian tubes are formed in girls, and there are already about 5 million eggs in the ovaries. In boys, the penis and testicles are formed, but the testicles have not yet descended into the scrotum and are located in the abdominal cavity.

The child begins to train his muscular system - he actively moves his limbs, turns over and moves in the amniotic fluid. The amount of amniotic fluid at this stage reaches 250 ml.

Photo of the baby, ultrasound

Proper nutrition

The belly at the 16th week of pregnancy is still practically invisible, although with a second pregnancy its size may be larger due to sprained ligaments and tendons. The uterus still weighs only 250g, so it does not exert significant pressure on the internal organs.

Now is a very important time when active growth and formation of all the baby’s organs and systems is taking place, so the mother must eat well to provide the baby’s body with all the nutrients.

A pregnant woman should pay increased attention quality and quantity of food consumed. The composition of the menu matters - it should contain a sufficient amount of protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. You need to eat 4-5 times a day in small portions, the dishes should be varied and satisfying. Breakfast should be the most nutritious, lunch should include first courses, and dinner should be light so that the expectant mother can sleep peacefully.

Baby movements at 16 weeks of pregnancy

At the 16th week of pregnancy, women who are not carrying their first child and are not overweight have a chance to feel the baby’s movements. Most often, mothers do not immediately understand what exactly they are feeling - after all, the baby’s first movements are very gentle, reminiscent of the movement of gas bubbles or the touch of a butterfly’s wings.

If you haven’t felt your baby yet, don’t worry, because normally women can feel the first movement of the fetus at 22 weeks of pregnancy. During the first pregnancy, fetal movements begin to be felt much later than during subsequent ones.

In addition, all babies develop differently, so every pregnancy is unique. Don't worry if you still haven't noticed your baby's movements - it means this joyful event is still ahead of you.

Mom's feelings

At this stage of pregnancy, the uterus has not yet reached such a size as to cause significant discomfort in the woman. However, the pregnant uterus puts quite significant pressure on the bladder, and therefore there remains a fairly pronounced need to frequently visit the toilet.

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, you can feel the gentle touch of your baby for the first time, and this will give you a lot of unforgettable impressions - it is at this moment that a woman truly understands her motherhood and responsibility for the baby.

The blood supply to the mother’s body increases - after all, from now on she must provide oxygen and nutrients not only to herself, but also to the baby. Due to increased blood circulation and blood thinning, the mother may develop increased bleeding gums and nosebleeds.

The breasts also prepare for childbirth and feeding the baby: they increase in size, swell, and may even begin to secrete colostrum. Under no circumstances should you press on the nipples or try to squeeze out colostrum - irritation of the nipples can lead to increased uterine tone and the threat of premature birth.

You should wear appropriately sized bras made from natural fabrics. If colostrum is released quite abundantly, special absorbent pads can be inserted. It is necessary to carefully observe the hygiene of the mammary glands - after all, colostrum is a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria.

Discharge

Discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy should be the same as before, but its volume may increase - due to increased blood circulation in the genitals, the discharge becomes more abundant and liquid, but the consistency and color should be neutral.

If a yellow or green color appears, unpleasant odor, and also cheesy discharge you should contact the gynecologist who is observing you - it is possible that this is an infection that could pose a threat to your baby.

Discharge with streaks of color, brown, too watery and abundant is also dangerous - all this can be a sign of premature birth and requires urgent consultation and treatment.

Pain at 16 weeks of pregnancy

Pain at this stage of pregnancy is not a typical phenomenon - rather, it indicates the development of some pathological conditions. Of course, divergence of the pelvic bones due to an enlarging uterus is still possible, but it is better to go to the clinic with complaints of any pain.

It is especially dangerous if you have a stomach ache at 16 weeks of pregnancy - of course, at this stage the threat of miscarriage decreases, but this scenario is still possible.

Necessary studies and analyzes

This week of pregnancy is very important in terms of examination: it is at 16-18 weeks that a triple test is performed - determining the level of α-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and unbound estriol. This test can detect up to 40 different fetal malformations.

If the results of the triple test are poor, amniocentesis may be required - sampling of amniotic fluid for analysis. The essence of this method is to isolate fetal cells located in water and grow a culture from them, the study of which will help to accurately determine whether the fetus has developmental defects and set indications for terminating this pregnancy for medical reasons.

Amniocentesis in itself is not a safe procedure - after all, during the study, the anterior abdominal wall is pierced with a needle, which must enter the uterine cavity. Through a needle, the doctor takes amniotic fluid for examination. Despite the fact that the procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance, there is a small likelihood of complications, the most dangerous of which is termination of pregnancy. Therefore, amniocentesis should be carried out strictly according to indications.

In addition, the mother undergoes the following tests at the 16th week of pregnancy:, according to indications,.

An ultrasound scan at the 16th week of pregnancy is performed according to indications - if there is a suspicion of fetal pathology or uterine circulatory disorders. Contrary to popular belief on the Internet, if you are 16 weeks pregnant, it is quite difficult to determine the sex of the child, because the size of the fetus is still very small, and the likelihood of error is very high. It is better to wait until the baby is older and the sex of your baby can be determined with a high probability of success.

If you are pregnant with twins

If nature has blessed you with two babies at once, then now with a high degree of probability you can already feel their presence in your tummy. Babies grow and develop quickly and are quite active. A mother of two babies should be careful and get plenty of rest, but in general the course of pregnancy does not differ from usual.

Sex at 16 weeks pregnant

Sex at this stage of pregnancy is not contraindicated; on the contrary, due to increased blood circulation in the pelvic area, sex can give a woman new sensations. You should avoid sex only in cases of threatened miscarriage, low placentation, and sometimes with multiple pregnancies.

Useful video

Questions - answers

This is my first pregnancy, 16 weeks, and my tailbone hurts very badly. There were no injuries. What is the cause of such pain?

During pregnancy, as the uterus grows, the pelvic bones gradually begin to diverge, and first of all, the tailbone begins to deviate posteriorly. This can cause quite severe pain in the tailbone. However, if you experience severe pain in the tailbone during pregnancy (especially if you are 16 weeks pregnant), experts recommend undergoing additional examinations to rule out other pathologies.

What size is my baby at 16 weeks pregnant? It’s very interesting, because almost 4 months have passed, and the belly is almost invisible.

An embryo at 16 weeks of gestation is the size of an avocado fruit or a newborn kitten - in fact, your baby can fit in the palm of an adult. The weight of the uterus is only 250g, the baby - no more than 100g. That is why the tummy may not be noticeable at this stage, especially in women with trained abdominal muscles.

How should a woman feel at 16 weeks of pregnancy? I constantly feel tired and unwell, although I have no nausea or other manifestations of toxicosis.

Your health at 16 weeks of pregnancy should be satisfactory, so constant fatigue may indicate a lack of vitamins and minerals, little rest, or some pathology that has worsened during pregnancy. If the examination shows that you are healthy, ask the doctor monitoring your pregnancy to recommend a complex of vitamins for pregnant women. Vitamins at 16 weeks of pregnancy will help you feel a surge of strength and energy. Rest more often and visit fresh air, and your health will improve.

The fourth month of pregnancy has come to an end. Left behind are toxicosis and some other difficulties that the woman had to face during her 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.
• Age spots, which could have appeared earlier, are now manifesting themselves 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.

Special attention attention should be paid to normalizing the hormonal levels of a woman 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. Sixteenth obstetric week– this 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. It is very difficult to determine the embryonic period. 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 fruit 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 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. To the reasons 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 particular severe cases You may need tranquilizers and medications that restore metabolic processes in the uterine area.

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, pregnant women's legs (feet, ankles) swell.

Fluid restriction and nutritional correction help cope with edema. For the expectant mother You should avoid 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 – level assessment. 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 grows 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 establish exact date pregnancy, to see whether and on which side the embryo is located normally in the womb, where the placenta is located, 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.

Ultrasound photo of the fetus

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 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 needs medical care, 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 an antenatal clinic and follow 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 breech presentation fetus You can see them in the picture.

Why does the baby take the wrong position? The reasons for this condition include various diseases reproductive system in a woman, fetal pathology, 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 healthy image life, eat healthy food, get more rest, eliminate stress if possible.

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 from 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 previous 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 leave food for a long time. heat treatment.
• It is necessary to give up 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.

. What happens at 16 weeks

Pregnancy is an amazing time. In a very short period of time - just about 9 months - so many metamorphoses happen to a woman that she does not have time to keep track of them. And after this, a completely new period begins in her life: old life will change forever, because a new little creature will burst into her - so helpless, funny, but so dear and loved. By the 16th week of waiting for this event, many women have a moment of realizing the inevitability of change. 16-17 weeks of pregnancy is a great time to psychologically prepare yourself for welcoming a baby into your life (or even two – for those who are carrying twins).

1. 16th week of pregnancy: abdominal sensations
2. 16 weeks of pregnancy: what happens to the baby?
3. Ultrasound at 16 weeks of pregnancy
4. 16 weeks: what you need to know?

16 weeks of pregnancy is how many months?

When you hear the words from the doctor’s lips, “You are in your 16th obstetric week,” don’t be surprised. By your calculations, the fetus should be only 14 weeks old? Everything is correct. Doctors simply consider the week when the expectant mother begins a new monthly cycle, and she still has no idea that conception will soon take place, as the first week. 14 weeks from conception is 16 obstetric weeks, in other words, 3.5 months.

The abdomen increases in volume at the 16th week of pregnancy (especially if it is the second pregnancy). If the expectant mother calmly hid her “interesting position” throughout the first trimester, now this is much more difficult to do: the 16th obstetric week of pregnancy suggests the appearance of a pleasant roundness. The belly is noticeable (in the case of pregnancy with twins, this is especially obvious). True, plump ladies can still convince others that nothing unusual is happening to them.

16th week of pregnancy: abdominal sensations

There are no very outstanding sensations during this period yet (if we talk about the sensations that the fetus gives the mother). The baby is not able to “perform” strong pushes due to its small size, but the expectant mother may feel something like “flying butterflies” or “seething bubbles”: these will be sensations in the stomach, meaning the baby is moving.

If everything is still quiet and, no matter how much the woman listens to herself, she does not feel any extraneous “movements,” this is not a reason to panic: both at 15-16 and 16-17 weeks the child may not bother the mother yet. Everything will definitely start, but a little later - we wait until the 20th week.

Feelings at 16 weeks of pregnancy can sometimes be like this:

• hard belly;
• breasts are not as sensitive as before;
• release of the first drops of colostrum.

A runny nose may appear - “rhinitis during pregnancy”, caused by hormonal changes. There is no need to treat it - it will go away on its own (if there are no other symptoms of ARVI).

If the stomach hardens for a short time and quickly “releases”, while there is no pain or discharge, then this is a variant of the norm. If your lower abdomen hurts or you feel dizzy, you should consult a doctor.

16th week of pregnancy: what happens to the baby?

The development of the fetus and the woman’s sensations during this period may seem to “not coincide”: that is, according to the ultrasound, complete normal is observed, but the woman feels little or no movement at all, the stomach does not grow (at least, it grows weakly). This is not scary, since every pregnancy is different. The main thing is that the tests and ultrasound results are good.

Pregnancy at 16 weeks: the development of the baby’s internal organs gradually begins to change, that is, all the main systems and organs are formed - now they are “gaining weight.”

A fetus at 16 weeks of gestation will no longer frighten its mother with its “unassuming” appearance. appearance: The child looks almost like an ordinary person.

It has a reddish tint, thin skin, a large head, long thin handles and legs (legs longer than arms). Baby at 16 weeks of pregnancy:

• turns his head;
• makes chaotic movements;
• “frowns”, “smiles” - in a word, he grimaces unconsciously in every possible way.

To find out what a baby looks like at 16 weeks of pregnancy, especially curious mothers choose a 3D ultrasound examination. 3D ultrasound will allow not only to determine the gender of the child, but also to obtain a three-dimensional image - the first " real photo"an unborn but already living creature.

Ultrasound at 16 weeks of pregnancy

As part of the tests at this time, the doctor will most likely offer the woman a regular ultrasound. It (together with tests for) is quite enough to determine whether the fetus has serious developmental abnormalities. But for mothers expecting boys and expecting girls, this is sometimes not enough. They want to see their baby as soon as possible. This allows you to do 3d ultrasound.

During pregnancy at 16 weeks, the development of the fetus is judged by certain indicators. These are, in particular:

• fetal size (normal – 11 cm);
• fetal weight (normal – 110 g);
• cervical size;
• uterine size;
• amount of amniotic fluid;
• Fetal heart rate (normal 140-170 beats per minute)

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe Doppler testing. This study helps to understand whether everything is okay with the blood flow in the uterus. Since the formation of the placenta occurs until the 16th week, Doppler norms exist only from approximately this period. Until 16-17 weeks, the study is not very informative.

In case of minor blood flow disturbances, doctors choose observation tactics; in case of serious ones, they try to bring the pregnancy at least to the point when the child is already viable, and then cause premature birth.

One of the risks at this stage is low placentation. It is registered in many expectant mothers, and doctors warn of an increased risk of miscarriage. (closer to the cervix, sometimes blocking the exit to it), so premature dilatation of the cervix is ​​possible. In this case, the woman may notice signs of a miscarriage. If measures are taken in time, the pregnancy can be saved.

Another warning symptom is a short cervix. If it begins to shorten too early, this may also indicate that the mother’s body is preparing to reject the fetus. You can read about the tactics of pregnancy management with isthmic-cervical insufficiency in this article.

The ultrasound will also show the tone of the uterus. At the same time, the stomach hardens, nagging pain is felt, and there is brownish discharge. Can this make you feel sick? This is also quite likely. Other signs of trouble will be visible in blood tests. Toxicosis and frequent urination at this stage should not bother the pregnant woman. If you still feel sick frequently, consult your doctor.

Perhaps something is wrong with the fetus if a woman has blood on her underwear, diarrhea, or nausea. There is no need to wait - it is better to immediately call an ambulance.

A variety of unusual discharge can bother a woman throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Pink ones can indicate erosion, abundant curds can indicate thrush, brown ones are a signal of problems with the uterus. Thrush can be dealt with in 1 day, but during pregnancy not all means of influencing the fungus are allowed. Therefore, before buying medicine, you should consult a gynecologist.

Brown and reddish discharge may progress to bleeding. This is very dangerous! We need to go to the hospital.

Quite abundant, whitish or transparent discharge is the norm.

When the pregnancy calendar is open at 16 weeks, the mother’s illnesses are still undesirable for the fetus. The child’s development is not in danger if the mother takes timely measures: she limits her activity and contacts with others for 4 or 5 days, starts drinking warm drinks such as chamomile tea and black tea with honey more often, and puts things aside. can be carried out traditional methods, the temperature, if it is within 37.5 °C, is better not to lower it.

It is better to postpone sex until better times - until your health returns to normal. Eating should be frequent, little by little, but if you don’t want to eat yet, then you shouldn’t force your body. After a couple of days, your appetite will be restored.

In cases where it rises high temperature or the pregnant woman’s health deteriorates significantly, you should immediately call a doctor.

By the way, in the first and second trimesters, some women, having measured their temperature, feel anxious: the temperature on the thermometer is always 37 °C. But if there are no other signs of illness, then it is not a cold. Simply due to increased production, the body releases heat at a slower pace. Hence the deviation from the usual norm.

16 weeks: what you need to know

The mother's diet at this stage of pregnancy should be more varied. Because, firstly, toxicosis, vomiting, and with them the aversion to certain foods recede, and secondly, the growing fetus requires a lot of nutrients. But the weight gain should not be very significant: 3-5 kg ​​is enough for now.

Among the unpleasant sensations, the following can be noted: sometimes it pulls in the lower back, it is possible. But overall this is a favorable and calm period. The size of the belly is still very modest, it does not interfere with leading a normal life.

It is interesting that the mother herself can already understand where the enlarged reproductive organ is located. You can find out where the uterus (and the baby, respectively) is by placing your hand on the stomach about 7 cm below the navel: a bulge will be felt there.

So now you know what it looks like future baby what he can do, and even what gender he is. All you have to do is be patient: in a few months a new person will be born into the world - the closest to you; there is no one closer or dearer than his mother.