Pregnancy Week 16

Mother:

You may begin to feel the baby move around this point. This is more likely to happen now if you are a multipara (someone who has had a previous child) or if you are very thin. Generally you will feel the baby move about one month earlier than you did in a previous pregnancy, mainly because you know what you are feeling. It is not uncommon for first time mothers to not recognize fetal movements until 22-24 weeks. These first movements are called "quickening." They can also be used in helping to determine your due date.

Baby:

Your baby's nails are well formed, and some babies are even in need of having their nails trimmed at birth. The ears have also moved from the neck to the head.

Your baby is emptying his or her bladder every 40-45 minutes. The limb movements are becoming more coordinated. Your baby is about 3 ounces (85 grams) and 6.3 inches (16 cms). Using an ultrasound you might be able to tell if your baby is a girl or boy at this point, but it's still a bit early.

Twin Tips:

You may begin to feel movement now. Another "sign" that there are multiples is the mom who describes fetal movement like an octopus, or "all over the place." Your practitioner may begin to wonder if there is more than one if they can palpate more than 3 large parts (and several small ones!) in your uterus. If you're pregnant with quadruplets or more you may be asked to stop working at this point.