Pregnancy Week 16

At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing rapidly. They may measure around 11-12cm from head to bottom and weigh roughly 100g, although there is always some variation.

Your baby’s head and neck are becoming more upright, and the body is looking more balanced than it did in the early weeks. The legs have lengthened and are now much more developed, while the ears are moving close to their final position.

Tiny toenails are beginning to grow from the nail beds. Your baby’s limbs, muscles and nervous system are continuing to mature, so movements are becoming stronger and more coordinated, even if you still cannot clearly feel them yet.

The external genitals are now more developed too. An ultrasound may be able to show whether your baby appears to be a boy or a girl, depending on the baby’s position, the timing of the scan and local policy. Many parents find out, if they choose to, at the mid-pregnancy scan.

At 16 weeks pregnant, you may notice symptoms that do not seem obviously pregnancy-related at first. A blocked nose, occasional nosebleeds, fuller-feeling ears or extra mucus can all happen because pregnancy increases blood flow and can make the lining of your nose swell.

These symptoms are annoying, but they are usually not serious. Saline spray, drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier, and avoiding very dry or smoky air may help. 

Ask a pharmacist, GP or midwife before using decongestants or cold and flu remedies, as some are not suitable in pregnancy.

If nasal stuffiness or ear pressure comes with pain, fever, flu-like symptoms, a persistent cough, or you feel generally unwell, get advice. Do not assume every symptom is “just pregnancy”.

You may also notice:

Week 16 can feel more stable than the early weeks. The first trimester is behind you, the pregnancy may be more public, and you may be starting to think more practically about the months ahead.

You might also find that new questions are replacing the old worries. Do you want to find out the baby’s sex? When will you feel movement? When should you start buying things? How much should you plan now, and how much can wait?

If people know you are pregnant, you may also be getting more comments and advice. Some will be useful. Some will be nonsense. Start deciding what you actually want to hear, and what you are happy to shut down.

This week, focus on symptom relief, safe medicines and one scan-room decision. If you have a blocked nose or mild nosebleeds, saline spray, regular fluids, a humidifier, and avoiding very dry or smoky air may help. Ask before using decongestants or cold remedies, as some are not suitable in pregnancy.

Useful checks this week:

You can be interested in planning without needing to make every decision yet. Names, birth preferences, prams, feeding and maternity leave do not all need sorting this week.