The 16 weeks pregnant mark, or 4th month of pregnancy, is often a wonderful time in the life of a pregnant woman. Not only have all the icky side effects present in the first trimester disappeared – leaving you feeling full of energy – but this is also about the time that you will start to develop the beautiful baby bump! Maternity shopping here you come!
It’s also a wonderful time in the prenatal life of your baby. In fact, it is around this time that your baby is first able to see and hear. He or she is still only 4-5 inches long and weighs only 3-5 ounces but is developing at a rapid pace! With the bones in his or her ears taking hold, you can now whisper sweet nothings to your baby and he or she will hear you. This is a great time to introduce your baby to your favorite music as well. Additionally, your baby is able to start seeing the difference light and dark, and may even be making cute little facial expressions. (These are all involuntary at this point.)
Many physicians will also schedule a sneak peek ultrasound around week 16 of pregnancy. And yes, if you choose to find out the gender, the ultrasound at this point will be able to give you a fairly accurate guess of whether you are having a boy or a girl. If you want to find out the sex, you might want to wait until week 18 for the big ultrasound, just in case your due date is off.
As for you, things are probably going well. Weight gain will pick up, which is perfectly normal and okay. You aren’t likely feeling cumbersome and will likely rather enjoy the subtle roundness of your belly. Some of the early pregnancy symptoms which you may be glad to see go, will be replaced by some longer-lasting, but not so annoying pregnancy symptoms. For instance, you might start having some swelling in your feet, may have an increased appetite, nasal stuffiness, constipation, continued breast growth and an increase in vaginal discharge. Bleeding gums and problems with varicose veins may also start developing now. As your ligaments stretch, you may have some light back and abdominal pain, but nothing that will keep you down for long.
Your best bet now is to enjoy this time in your pregnancy. Things are fairly easy as of right now. Your baby is developing well and will soon be hitting rapid growth periods. Take care of yourself by eating well, exercising lightly and getting plenty of fluids and sleep. As you coast through the second trimester, know that the third trimester may not be as carefree and easy, as your pregnancy will probably start feeling more cumbersome.
Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.
