In the early stages of pregnancy, babies normally grow at an enormous rate. At 16 weeks pregnant, the baby has developed greatly from the ten week fetus to about four point four inches and three point five ounces. As time goes it will continue growing fast you may notice change in the size of your belly almost everyday.
The baby at 16 weeks pregnant has developed muscles of the face and can surprisingly make faces Yes, at this stage, it can frown, grim and even squint. These expressions are not done voluntarily because it has not control of the facial muscles, however, it can be due to a reaction to the emotional or physical situation of the mother.
The baby’s heart can pump blood smoothly through out its tiny body and progresses as time goes. This is a good improvement to celebrate because then you will know that the baby is alright. The head of the baby at the earlier stages of development is usually bigger than it’s body, however, at 16 weeks pregnant, it has become smaller and more proportion to the rest of the body. The lugs can perform properly and it can exhale and inhale the amniotic fluid without any obstructions.
Another very vital development for babies at this stage is the baby movements. If you are very keen you will start noticing them at 16 weeks pregnant but it is not always common. Others may feel the movements later on. First time mothers mostly fail to recognize the movements at 16 weeks pregnant. The limbs of the baby are usually of the same size in length but the legs begin to grow longer than the hands into a considerable size of the legs.
The fingers of the baby cannot be distinguishable and may look just like palms, at 16 weeks pregnant it has developed the fingers and have separated so that you can see all the five fingers. The y may appear shorter but will also grow with time.
It is advisable that at 16 weeks pregnant, the mother should not strain her back and try as much as possible to sleep in a good position. Morning sickness has disappeared at this time.
An interesting thing about a baby at this time is that it can control the movement of its fingers. You may find that it folds or even suck the thumb or fingers though it is always accidentally because they are not conscious of it. The 16 week pregnant mother to be also grows day by day and has already gained about two point five kilograms and can be more if it is twins.
The women are usually advised at this time to start making shopping for maternity clothes that are bigger in preparation for the months to come. At this stage too, is when mothers have screening to ensure that all is well with the baby. It shows what chances the baby has of developing normally or having a defect.