Pregnancy in 16th week

During the 16th week of pregnancy your baby is likely to be around 11.6 cm from head to bottom. This is roughly the size of an avocado. You are likely to feel your baby kick either from this week or the next, so look out for the sensation.

You obviously won’t be able to see it, but your baby’s facial muscles are now functional, even though not in his or her control. He or she is able to make faces, smile and frown at random now. This is also proof that your baby’s nervous system is now kicking into action, and this is the reason why your baby is able to move his or her arms and legs enough to make you feel the kick soon.

Your baby’s eyes and ears are likely to have settled into their final position. According to the American Pregnancy Association, your baby’s heart pumps around 25 quarts of blood per day around this time. This rate will, however, slowly increase and go up to 1900 quarts per day by the time you reach the end of your term at 40 weeks.

It’s not just your baby who's growing and going through rapid changes. Your body is now likely to have changed drastically since the moment you came to know that you’re pregnant. Your baby bump is not just visible now, but also growing rapidly to accommodate your growing baby. The APA says your uterus could weigh as much as 250 grams right now, and will continue to grow for the rest of your pregnancy. 

Similarly, your placenta is growing and your body is producing more and more amniotic fluid to support your baby in the amniotic sac. You’re unlikely to feel any morning sickness by this time, which means you’re settling into your pregnancy. Because your body is pumping a lot of blood, you’re likely to feel flushed at times and that’s the reason why some might comment about your pregnancy “glow” as well. However, take care of yourself because this is a time when infections are easily contracted and they can have a huge impact on your baby’s development as well.

Just because you’re unlikely to experience any morning sickness and feel more comfortable with your pregnancy and growing belly does not mean that you will be completely symptom-free. In fact, there are a number of sensations you are likely to experience during this week, including the ones mentioned below.

• Round ligament pain: Round ligament pain is a type of pain that pregnant women experience in the lower belly or groin area, either on one side of these areas or across them. This is one of the most common complaints in the second trimester, so it’s quite normal. However, if you cannot bear the pain or it appears to be too much, do consult the doctor immediately.
• Skin problems: Don’t let that pregnancy glow or its expectation make you believe that your skin is or will remain perfect. A lot of women get dark patches of skin on their faces, especially the forehead, during pregnancy. Known as melasma or chloasma, this “mask of pregnancy” will remain until you deliver your baby. That “glow” in your skin is actually due to your oil glands working overtime, which can cause acne breakouts too. Use a sensitive cleanser and keep your skin healthy.
• Constipation: You might have assumed that stomach issues like heartburn, indigestion, bloating and constipation are nothing new. But during the 16th week of pregnancy, you’re likely to suffer more from constipation if you don’t include enough fiber in your diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to alleviate this problem.
• Sore breasts: Your breasts are getting ready for breastfeeding by activating the milk ducts. This suggests that your breasts will naturally feel fuller, and you might observe stretch marks and experience soreness or tenderness in the breasts. You might have some colostrum discharge by the 16th week as well. 
• Swollen gums: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your teeth and gums more vulnerable to plaque formation. This plaque formation in turn can make the gums swell up, and in some cases it can lead to bleeding gums and swollen gums. This is also called pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease. You should consult your doctor if this symptom shows up. 
• Swollen limbs: Your body is pumping more blood, you’re carrying extra weight due to your growing belly and the developing baby inside, and you’re also trying to remain active. All of this can lead to your hands and feet swelling up. Get enough rest, drink enough water and wear loose clothes to alleviate this problem.
• Headaches and nosebleed: Given the amount of blood your body is pumping, experiencing headaches and nosebleed is quite natural. However, if either of these symptoms turn severe and if the nosebleed refuses to stop, call the doctor without any delays.
• Mood swings: Yes, just like every other symptom mentioned above mood swings are quite natural due to hormonal imbalances, pumping of blood, etc. The other symptoms can also cause irritability and discomfort, which can easily exacerbate your mood swings. Try to stay calm, meditate and engage in activities you like to ensure your wellbeing.

Most complications of pregnancy have their own risk factors, which is why knowing about them well in advance and avoiding all risky habits and behaviours is very important. The unfortunate thing is, while you can reduce the risk of most complications, some might still occur, especially if you have a history or genetic predisposition for it. The following are some of the complications that might show up during the second trimester of pregnancy.

• Infections: Unless you’re living in a bubble, you might not be able to completely avoid Vaginal infections, viral infections, bacterial infections, fungal infections, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while you’re pregnant. These infections can affect your health as well as the well-being of your baby. This is the reason why taking care of your hygiene is of the utmost importance during your pregnancy. You should also take precautions against disease outbreaks, epidemic and pandemics in your region, especially the highly contagious ones like COVID-19.
• Obstetric cholestasis: Obstetric cholestasis is a type of liver disease that usually shows up during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. Though rare, Indian women are more at risk of suffering from obstetric cholestasis, and it can have some severe repercussions for your baby as well, including premature labour, low birthweight, etc. The main symptom is itching on the hands and feet, especially during the night, so if you observe this symptom get yourself checked immediately.
• Miscarriage: A miscarriage is a sudden loss of pregnancy that can occur before the 20th week of pregnancy. Getting to the 16th week without any hitches might indicate that your baby is growing well and the risk of a has lowered, there’s still a chance that a miscarriage can happen upto the 20th week.A miscarriage can occur due to any number of reasons beyond your control, and once a miscarriage starts, there’s no way to stop it. This can be quite exhausting and traumatic, especially for the mother. This is the reason why psychological counselling is a must for couples who have lost a baby to miscarriage.
• Subchorionic hemorrhage: Bleeding during pregnancy can be a cause of worry because there isn’t supposed to be any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy especially during the second trimester. However, if the placenta detaches from the area where it was implanted for any reason, it can cause a subchorionic hemorrhage or hematoma due to placental abruption. Depending on the size of the hemorrhage, the bleeding can be light or heavy. It’s best to consult your obstetrician if this problem shows up at all.
• Hypertensive diseases: Hypertensive diseases are a group of health issues related to high blood pressure which are likely to show up in the second trimester. These issues include preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational hypertension and chronic hypertension. Most of these disorders can have serious implications for both the mother and child, so consulting your doctor, going in for regular checkups, and getting the treatment recommended by the doctor is very important.

Since you might not have any ultrasound scheduled for this week, you can relax a little and get on with your daily routine. This routine, however, should include the following:

• Make sure you continue to follow a healthy diet and maintain a good exercise routine during this week. These will not only ensure that your baby receives enough nutrition to develop properly, but also help you stay fit and cope with the rest of the pregnancy as well.
• Don’t go silent on your obstetrician. Keep in touch with him or her and follow their recommendations to the T. If you see any signs of infection or any other complications, get in touch with your obstetrician immediately. 
• If you are carrying twins, have any genetic predisposition towards certain pregnancy complications, or are above 35 years of age, your doctor might call you in for extra check ups and ultrasound. You might also have to get an alpha-fetoprotein test, amniocentesis, etc done to detect genetic defects in your baby like spina bifida.
• As your baby bump grows, you’ll need more comfortable clothes. Your breasts also need proper support, so getting fitted for a maternity bra and shopping for comfortable maternity clothes is very important.  
• Make sure that you do not consume any foods that can cause bacterial, fungal or viral infections, including salmonella and listeriosis. This means avoiding raw fish, seafood, eggs, etc. Make sure everything you eat is properly cooked.
• Make sure you keep stress at bay, because this can add to your burden and harm your baby too. Meditate, practice yoga and engage in activities you enjoy to stay content.

If you take enough care - especially where your diet, exercise and other aspects of prenatal care are concerned - you’re likely to experience a hassle-free pregnancy. However, this does not mean that you won’t experience any discomfort or mood swings. You will, and adapting to them with the support of your spouse or partner, friends and family is very important. You might want to keep the following in mind as well:

• Communicate with your partner or spouse about your feelings, emotions and wellbeing and ask them about theirs as well. This is the best way to ensure that you both get the attention you need and are able to keep depression during pregnancy as well as postpartum depression at bay.
• Don’t take any medications unless prescribed to you by the doctor. Sticking to the doses of recommended medications is also very important. 
• Staying active is very important, but strenuous activities and hectic travel or work schedules should be avoided as your pregnancy progresses.
• While it’s natural to get excited about the arrival of your baby and planning ahead is commendable, do not get the baby’s nursery or any part of the house painted during the second trimester. Paint fumes can be toxic, and high levels of exposure to it can also be harmful.
• Avoid wearing heels and opt for comfortable shoes. As your pregnancy progresses, your belly weight will increase and you need proper support on your feet for it.
• Get enough rest and sleep and make sure you keep stress and anxiety at bay. Meditate, go for walks, and make sure you stay happy.