You are well into the second trimester of your pregnancy duration, in forthcoming days the movement of the baby can be felt. 

How Big is Your Baby?

In the week 16 of your pregnancy, the baby is 4.6 inches and weighs 3.5 ounces. The baby is now big enough that its heartbeat can be heard.

Baby’s growth and development

The baby can listen to your voice, all due to the tiny bones which are now forming into ears. It's growing hair, eye-lashes and eyebrows. The baby is now also forming the taste buds.

Mother’s development

The body continues getting huge as the previous weeks. The uterus continues to grow and weighs around 8.5 ounces. The mother gains about 2 to 3 pounds this week. Breast size increases as the body prepares itself for breastfeeding. Constipation is a common pregnancy symptom at this stage due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus. Increased vaginal discharge also characterizes this period. This helps in keeping the birth canal free from infection.

There may be a possibility of nasal congestion and even nose bleeding. This is because the mucous membrane of the nose swells due to hormones. Backaches are a common problem because of the growing belly. As the tummy continues to increase in size and weight, it puts extra pressure on the muscles resulting in backaches and cramps. Pregnancy hormones often cause swelling and inflammation of gums, which causes bleeding of gums. They become excessively sensitive.

Some Tips

You shouldn’t compare your pregnancy to others as pregnancies are never the same. The development of a fetus may vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. If it’s your first pregnancy then you won’t feel the baby moves until the 20th week but otherwise you will feel your baby’s first movement in 16th to 18th week.

Sleeping on your side by resting on pillows is very important when you reach your 16th week as it gives your back rest and is must for healthy pregnancy. Feeling good about yourself and your body is very important and will help your get over your mental dilemma. See the dentist at least once, as the problem of bleeding gums may aggravate.

Diet

The diet should be in small portions and must contain all the nutrients. Avoid taking heavy foods like chips, chocolate, spicy foods regularly as it will cause weight gain and constipation. Also drink a lot of water to keep the digestive system clean. 

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