Pregnancy Development on Week 16

Embryo growth

How is the development of the fetus at 16 weeks' gestation?

In the development of the fetus 16 weeks of pregnancy, it is likely that the fetus has been about the size of an avocado, weighing about 100 grams and about 12 centimeters from head to toe.

At the age of 16 weeks of fetal development, your baby can now hold his head straight. Babies also can express emotions with a series of expressions such as squinting and frowning.

Changes in the Body

What are the changes in the body of a pregnant woman on week 16?

In the development of the fetus aged 16 weeks of pregnancy, you can also feel the little kick. Yes, when you feel there is an upheaval in the stomach, that means the person is kicking in your stomach.

Most mothers will feel this sign between the 16th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. But don't imagine a strong kick from a little angel inside you!

The baby's first kick is usually very weak, you might even mistakenly think that it is a sign of digestive problems, especially if this is your first pregnancy.

Maintain a pregnancy that runs 16 weeks

In the development of the fetus at the age of 16 weeks of pregnancy, sometimes you may feel a little gasping. Don't worry, shortness of breath is a very common phenomenon and many pregnant women experience it in the second trimester of pregnancy.

The cause of dyspnea or difficulty breathing is pregnancy hormones in your body. This hormone stimulates the respiratory center, causing the frequency and depth of your breath to increase. As a result, you may experience difficulty breathing even if you only do simple activities like bathing.

Pregnancy hormones also make the capillaries in the body including the respiratory system become swollen, making your breathing more difficult. Another cause of the phenomenon of breathing difficulties during pregnancy is that as the size of the fetus increases, it becomes larger. Yes, increasing the age of the fetus, your uterus will push the diaphragm to close the lungs, so that your lungs will be difficult to fully expand when you breathe.

Visit to Doctor / Midwife

What do I need to discuss with the doctor on week 16?

If you visit a doctor and find that there is sugar in your urine, don't be worried first. Your body is doing something important, which is to ensure that your baby gets enough glucose sugar.

Because the baby depends entirely on you to get the necessary nutrients. So the hormone insulin will adjust the level of sugar in the blood and ensure that your body has enough blood sugar levels in the body.

However, sometimes the body misjudges the blood sugar levels needed, so eventually the excess sugar in the blood. Finally, sugar will be released in the urine. Therefore, sugar in urine is quite common, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy.

For the best results, consult your doctor and ask for advice to equip yourself with sufficient knowledge about the condition.

Tests that may be needed to support fetal development 16 week of pregnancy

Between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may take a test to measure alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, namely proteins produced by the fetus, HCG pregnancy hormones, and estriol in maternal blood. In addition, your doctor will also measure inhibin-A levels in your body.

If you have done a blood test and / or ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy, the results of these tests will help you to find out if your baby is at risk for neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or chromosomal aberrations such as Down syndrome.

You must understand that if your test results are abnormal, it does not mean that the fetus has a problem. However, this means you need to do a more complete test to ensure your own health. Talk to your doctor to find out about the risks and benefits of undergoing this test to support the development of the fetus 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Health and safety

What do I need to know to maintain health and safety during pregnancy?

1. Rules for swimming during pregnancy

In the development of the fetus 16 weeks of pregnancy, you must continue to actively exercise and move. One good and safe sport for pregnant women is swimming. But please consult your doctor or midwife before exercising.

If you always swim before becoming pregnant, you can continue the activity. However, if you are not used to exercising regularly, you can start swimming gradually and slowly. Adjust the intensity of swimming to your abilities, not to force yourself.

Take it easy, this one sport is quite safe for you and the fetus. From various studies that have been conducted, there is no risk for pregnant women who swim regularly.

However, be careful if you swim or soak in hot water. Because the extreme water temperature can affect the development of the fetus 16 weeks of pregnancy.

2. Chicken pox

Ideally, pregnant women like you should stay away from children who have chickenpox. If you are exposed to chickenpox during pregnancy, the baby can be born with microcephaly, a condition in which your baby is born with a smaller head circumference than normal, and limb malformations.

This risk will most increase when pregnant women are exposed to chickenpox in the first two months of pregnancy. Please note that abnormalities can occur at any time during pregnancy, so if you are exposed to chickenpox within five days of giving birth, your baby can get chickenpox in a serious and even life-threatening form.

So, next week, what will your fetus grow like?

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment