At week 16, women enter their pregnancy fourth month. The fetus is big enough to look like a human being, and women would have settled into a new normal of the second trimester. As pregnancy progresses to the end of week seventeen, the fetus continues to develop rapidly, and the gestation is close to its midpoint.
What happens during week 16 of pregnancy?
The pregnancy 16 weeks size of the fetus is about 12.5cm long and weighs close to 110g. The fetus will now enter a growth spurt which will lead them to nearly double their size over the following weeks. Facial features are more distinct as the eyes move closer in the face and the ears are at the side of the head, giving the fetus a more human-like appearance. The skeletal joints are functional, and the fetus can wriggle and turn inside the uterus while flexing the muscles of the limbs. They can also twitch their facial muscles but cannot control them completely. The umbilical cord formation is complete by this time, along with 2 arteries and 1 vein to transport blood and nutrients.
An increase in the hormone levels in the blood can cause some discomfort to women by 16 weeks into their pregnancy. While some develop oily skin and acne, others may experience an increased sex drive. It is also common to experience leg cramps and varicose veins during this time. Having a balanced pregnancy second-trimester diet and a routine that involves gentle exercises and stretching can relieve most of the symptoms. Many women would have a noticeable bump by now, and some can even feel the fetus moving in the uterus for the first time. However, most women cannot fully become aware of the movements of the fetus until 18 to 22 weeks.
What happens during week 17 of pregnancy?
The fetus continues to grow rapidly during week 17, adding more weight much faster than it did before. By the end of the 17th week, they would be about 13 cm long and weigh close to 150g. During this stage, the fetus begins to accumulate a layer of fat called adipose tissue that has a range of functions, from keeping them warm to help them gain weight and define their bodily features. The genitals are fully formed and can be seen in a subsequent pregnancy ultrasound scan. The fetus also begins to swallow the amniotic fluid that helps the kidneys function to produce and pass using once about every hour. The umbilical cord is also becoming thick and strong.
Women will continue experiencing newer symptoms of hormonal increase such as oily skin and the formation of linea nigra- a dark line from the belly button that goes to the pubic bone. Although hormonal levels are high, nausea and mood swings are no longer symptoms that bother most women. It is common to experience a stuffy nose and bleeding gums.
Wrapping up
Weeks 16 and 17 are close to the midpoint of pregnancy. It is the time when women are most comfortable with the changes in their bodies. The fetus is growing rapidly and doubling its weight almost every two weeks. Through the weeks, it is essential to maintain a good diet and gentle exercise regimen to stay healthy.
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