16 weeks what a trimester of pregnancy. What happens in the female body? Yoga for pregnant women

Pregnancy is one of the most significant and unforgettable stages in the life of every woman, accompanied by various joyful, bright and emotional moments in general, as well as new, unusual moments of life that lie deep in consciousness and memory. Throughout the entire period of the pregnancy cycle, each woman goes through certain stages of the birth, development and strengthening of a new life in her, gains an unforgettable experience and feels what it is like to raise a new member of human society and give him a chance in this world.

Fetus at 16 weeks gestation

However, the pregnancy cycle takes place under its conditional division into stages, during each of which its own special changes occur both in the life of the baby and the expectant mother. Each of them is extremely important and requires special attention, plasticity, and resilience. Today we will talk about the main aspects of the development of the baby and the condition of the mother for a period of time that is 16 weeks of pregnancy (2nd trimester), which make up the entire first and first two weeks of the second trimester of the entire pregnancy cycle. And representing an important time period, characterized by a number of important processes in the body of a pregnant woman.

So, 16 weeks is the period of the very beginning of the second trimester of the entire pregnancy cycle, namely, its second week, characterized by comparative stagnation and stabilization of the mother's well-being and the most important changes in the development of the baby.

At the time of the 16th week, the embryo is about 130-150 millimeters long and about 80-85 grams in weight. The fetus will receive new opportunities this week with regard to both the superficial muscle tissue of the body and its internal organs, many of which will just begin to function and perform their first tasks.

The main changes awaiting the baby during the 16th week:

Strengthening muscle tissue, especially in the local parts of the body - in the region of the back, neck, due to which the baby will be able to independently turn the head and slightly bend the neck forward, make the first movements with the arms and legs, which will not be noticeable and tangible for several weeks.
A number of the most important internal organs of the fetus are activated - the liver, urinary system, kidneys, the circulatory system is functioning more and more actively, in which there are still practically no constituent elements, except for primary (fetal) hemoglobin.
Lanugo (primary hairline) of the baby appears on the eyebrows, in some parts of the head.
The main organs of sounding the voice are formed, which will be finally formed only at birth.
The primary genital organs of the fetus are formed, which are very mediocre, but can be seen with the help of ultrasound.
The nervous system, the cardiovascular system are developing more actively, the heart is already working properly.
The gastrointestinal tract is lengthened and formed.

We hasten to reassure and reassure you that the feelings at 16 weeks of pregnancy are the most positive. No toxicosis, no morning dizziness, excellent appetite and the first tremors of a baby growing every day.

It remains only to enjoy your position, to walk more, and a small tummy is not a hindrance in this, and the 16th week of pregnancy will pass under the plus sign.

Pregnancy 16 weeks

The 2nd trimester of pregnancy is in full swing, and it is almost impossible to hide your interesting position from others. The fault is fast weight gain, and this can be two or more kilograms, especially if in the previous weeks you were actively losing weight due to toxicosis;
And the waist gives out your position, the centimeters are added. The belly at the 16th week of pregnancy is rounded, but it absolutely does not prevent you from leading an active lifestyle, except that you will feel tired or drowsy faster;
At 16 weeks, you may notice a dark vertical streak on your belly. Do not worry, everything is fine, this is pigmentation associated with your position, you will soon notice other darkening of skin areas, for example, on the areolas of the nipples. You do not need to take any emergency measures, the pigmentation will pass after the birth of the baby by itself;
Along with your physical parameters, the wardrobe is also changing: it's time to put the heels on the top shelf along with tight jeans, and in priority - natural fabrics, loose fit, comfortable high-quality shoes with low heels, special underwear for pregnant women;
A good appetite has replaced early toxicosis, so do not go for a walk without yogurt, cookies or an apple, you should always have a snack at your fingertips. By the way, your baby can also feel hunger, which he will immediately let you know, actively tumbling in his tummy.

Baby development at 16 weeks

At 16 weeks of gestation, the size of the fetus from head to sacrum reaches 12 centimeters. Just imagine, your child is about the size of an average bull's-eye, weighing 80 grams. During an ultrasound examination, you can see that the baby is already holding his head, moving his arms and legs, he even has marigolds;
By the face of the child, you can determine whether he is good at the moment or he is hungry, for example. He may frown, wrinkle his nose, especially if you have eaten spicy or bitter food, and will smile when you taste something sweet or gently stroke his tummy and sing a song to your baby;
The fetus at 16 weeks gestation is still very thin, since the subcutaneous fat has not yet formed. Vessels are well visible through the pink-red skin, there are hairs and lubricant on the surface, which protects the child well from moisture;
The baby has a higher heart rate than yours - about 150 beats per minute. The digestive and urinary systems are working, the liver and kidneys are included in the work. Interestingly, your baby is already peeing, this happens about every 45 minutes;
At 16 weeks, your child is active, he pulls the umbilical cord with his fingers and turns.

You may hear the phrase that the fetus is floating in the amniotic fluid, but it is not. The uterus grows with the baby, so its walls always tightly restrict the baby. He is just comfortable and cozy in such a cramped environment.

It is not necessary to go to an ultrasound scan to find out what is happening with your baby at 16 weeks of gestation.

The fetus may be too active and push when hungry or he does not like food, he will express his displeasure if you stay in a stuffy room for a long time or in a tense emotional state.

Remember that you are responsible for the two of you, therefore during pregnancy - only positive and favorable conditions.

Mom's well-being

At 16 weeks of gestation, what happens to the mother can be characterized by normal development without pronounced side effects. Both the physical and psychological state are favorable, there should be no pain or heavy discharge.

Uterus size

You can independently feel how much the baby's house has grown by 16 weeks. The uterus at the 16th week of pregnancy is 7 centimeters lower from the navel, its weight is about 250 grams. The size is not too big and narrower to be uncomfortable, but the low position can put pressure on the bladder, so you may notice more frequent urge to use the toilet.

Pain at week 16

Despite the fact that the 16th week belongs to the most favorable period, you may be bothered by some painful sensations, the main thing is to establish the line between permissible inconveniences and danger signals.

Back. Your lower back may be bothering you at this stage, especially after a long walk or wearing heels. Your figure is undergoing changes, the center of gravity is displaced, and therefore there are pulling pains in the back. They should pass after rest. Read more in the article: Back pain during pregnancy >>>;
Stomach. If your stomach pulls a little at 16 weeks of gestation, you should not have any cause for concern. This is a physiological process - the uterus, increasing in size, provokes muscle pain, in addition, your pelvis is gradually preparing for the upcoming birth, the bones expand, which can also cause painful sensations;

Head. No one is immune from headaches, especially you at the 16th week of pregnancy. What happens to mom can be explained. Your circulatory system works for two, the blood is more thinned, so there may be dizziness, pressure surges, nosebleeds;

Headaches can occur due to an increase in vascular tone, provoked by hormonal changes. At this stage, you may also be bothered by migraines, which can cause irritation, stress, or even poor diet. The best medicine is relaxation and fresh air. You will also find a lot of useful information in the article Headaches during pregnancy >>>.

At the 16th week of pregnancy, heartburn or bloating may appear, so it is worth reviewing the diet and removing provocative foods. All information on how to eat properly is in the book Secrets of proper nutrition for a future mother >>>.

Bleeding. Allocations

Normal, permissible discharge at 16 weeks of gestation is transparent discharge, odorless and impurities, without accompanying itching. Their number may slightly increase in comparison with previous periods. This is due to estrogen, by the way, because of it, the secretions themselves become more liquid. Note that all other manifestations are alarms.

Profuse discharge. Transparent discharge at 16 weeks of gestation in large quantities, when the daily pad is simply not enough for the day, can signal amniotic fluid leakage;
Curd discharge. The curd consistency with a pronounced sour smell will tell you about thrush, which often worries pregnant women. Read about this article Thrush during pregnancy >>>.
Yellowish discharge. Pus gives the discharge a yellowish tint, which means there is an inflammatory process. Read the article on this topic: Yellow discharge during pregnancy >>>;
Brown, bloody discharge. Brown discharge at 16 weeks of gestation is unacceptable, blood spots give the color, therefore, there is a threat of miscarriage.

Feeling at week 16

At the 16th week of pregnancy, such troubles as nausea and vomiting fade into the background, they of course can bother you, but as a result of overeating or eating incompatible foods.

Toxemia can be replaced by morning dizziness and back pain. It's okay, it's just that your body adjusts to a new position, and all these small difficulties, in comparison with the expected happiness, are simply nothing.

The 16th week of pregnancy has started, what happens to mom?

Weight gain by 2-3 kg from the original;
Breast enlargement, breast tenderness and the appearance of colostrum secretions. Related article: Colostrum during pregnancy >>>;
Increase in heart rate up to 80-90 beats per minute;
It is possible that you will feel the first movements at the 16th week of pregnancy;
Be prepared for a change of mood: you can admire the sky for hours and cry if it rains. Hormones are to blame for everything, but if emotions are more positive, both you and those around you will benefit.

You need to enjoy the situation, you know, the child is well protected, he feels good in the tummy, and all the emotions that you are experiencing are felt by your future baby.

Narrow questions of pregnancy

There are circumstances that do not depend on you, and can somewhat overshadow the period of bearing a baby. These are colds, fever, or viral infections. Of course, the best remedy is prevention, but what if an insidious enemy crept close?

Temperature

The normal body temperature at 16 weeks of gestation in a healthy person is 36.6, but in your position even a persistent 37 can be the norm, of course, without the accompanying runny nose or cough.

37.5 for several days is a reason to seek help from a specialist, perhaps it is an incipient cold or inflammatory processes. But a temperature above 38 during pregnancy is dangerous, it can provoke placental abruption, intoxication, even a miscarriage.

Colds at 16 weeks pregnant

You can be assured that the second trimester, which includes the 16th week, is safe in terms of diseases, but, as you know, God protects those who are careful.

Since the list of drugs allowed during pregnancy can be placed in several lines, the best medicine is rest, drinking plenty of water, folk recipes with permitted herbs, rubbing and rinsing the nose. For details on what can and cannot be treated with a cold during this period, read the article Cold during pregnancy >>>;
Aromatherapy and the salt room are good for colds;
But mustard plasters and a steam room are contraindicated during pregnancy. Read the article Mustard plasters during pregnancy >>>;
Paracetamol can be used to lower the temperature, and aspirin is strictly prohibited.

Alcohol at week 16

Alcohol and other bad habits are not compatible with carrying a baby. Just imagine that your little one will taste the glass of wine you are drinking, swallowing amniotic fluid with ethanol.

But if the adult body can cope with the dose of alcohol, then for the tiny kidneys and liver that have just begun to work, this is an overwhelming task. In addition, the systematic use of alcoholic beverages affects the rate of development of the fetus, has a negative impact on the formation of the child's skeletal system.

Regarding smoking, even if you do not smoke, avoid smoky places, ask loved ones not to smoke near you.

Sex

But what you shouldn't give up is an intimate relationship with your sexual partner. Sex at the 16th week of pregnancy brings spouses closer and brings new colors to the relationship;
Your sensitivity at this stage is increased, your figure is beautiful, and your tummy or well-being does not interfere with the process;
The main thing is to find the right postures in which you will not feel pain. And don't forget about increased hygiene.

Mom and baby examinations

By the 16th week of pregnancy, you are most likely registered with an antenatal clinic or a private clinic. By the way, in the Russian legislation there is a monetary incentive for mothers who registered earlier than 12 weeks.

Compulsory tests at 16 weeks are weight measurement, uterine height, urinalysis and blood pressure measurement.

Specific tests that may be prescribed for you are hCG and AFP, which can identify genetic abnormalities in the fetus. But even negative results should not be considered a verdict, without ultrasound and amniotic sampling data, no one will be able to voice an accurate diagnosis. Perhaps your deadline is simply not set, or the baby is growing as a hero, so the indicators do not fall within the normative framework.

Ultrasound at 16 weeks of gestation

One of the most anticipated moments of communication between a mother and an unborn baby is an ultrasound scan. The opportunity to see the child on the screen, examine his pens and fingers, a tiny nose is a touching moment, do not forget to ask for an ultrasound scan for a photo of the fetus in your family album.

Please note that an ultrasound scan at week 16 is not planned, but is prescribed for medical reasons, for example, in case of questionable analyzes for congenital pathologies;
The doctor, in this case, pays attention to the baby's face, his nose and mouth, the size of the neck, counts all the fingers and the size of the internal organs;
An examination can be prescribed after an illness to study the state of the placenta at 16 weeks of pregnancy, fetal development. By the way, the sex of the baby at 16 weeks can already be determined, the organs of the reproductive system are formed and pronounced. Read the current article: Determining the sex of a child by ultrasound >>>.

Lifestyle at 16 weeks pregnant

Walking in the fresh air, positive emotions, alternation of physical activity and rest, gentle work schedule and balanced nutrition;
It's time to go on a seaside vacation and improve immunity. In week 16, you will well endure both ground transportation and air travel (article

16 weeks of pregnancy... By this time, the body of the expectant mother had completely adapted to the new state: the appetite is excellent and the toxicosis does not bother, the mood swings have disappeared, the problems with frequent urging to the toilet cease to torment. The baby continues to grow rapidly and at this time mothers can often feel the first movements of the fetus. At this time, a rounded tummy is already clearly visible and it's time to think about preventing stretch marks.

What happens at 16 weeks of gestation.

On the 16 week, a normally developing pregnancy should not bother you with any ailments or pains. The only exception is slight weakness or characteristic heaviness in the lower back after exertion. If a woman notes any painful sensations in the lower abdomen or feels unwell, she should immediately consult a doctor.

By this time, the chest is enlarged, but it becomes less painful than before.

Some expectant mothers at this time for the first time feel the movement of the child. Sometimes, the woman does not even realize that it is the baby who is moving. The baby's jerks resemble very light movements, as if the fish quickly and gently touched its tail.

Fetus at 16 weeks gestation.

Sixteenth week of pregnancy the size of the fetus in weight is 100-120 g, and the growth from the coccyx to the crown is 11 cm. The baby can already hold the neck straight and turn the head to the side. The baby's heart is working hard. The liver began to perform a digestive function. The kidneys and bladder also begin to work actively.

At this time, the baby's blood composition is fully formed and it is already possible to determine both the child's blood group and its Rh factor. Fetal hemoglobin is also produced in the blood. But already six months after the birth of a baby, ordinary hemoglobin will replace fetal hemoglobin.

We become optimists. The hormonal background in the woman was established by this time. Mood swings were left behind. Fears for the child's life are also a thing of the past, as the second trimester is rarely accompanied by miscarriages. Many moms start looking for little things for the baby. All these pleasant chores create a good mood for the expectant mother and give the opportunity to fully enjoy her situation.

Weight and nutrition at 16 weeks of gestation.

TO sixteenth week of pregnancy, the woman is already gaining weight 2-2.5 kg. From this point on, weight gain will occur at a faster pace, so it should be closely monitored. In order to keep weight under control, a woman should stick to a healthy and proper diet. Meals should be divided into 4-5 times a day. It is better to eat more often, but in small portions. It is imperative to have a full breakfast, but dinner can be quite light. You should limit the consumption of salt, sugar, very spicy and smoked foods.

Additional tests and examinations at 16 weeks of pregnancy.

During this time, your doctor may order a blood test to evaluate the level of alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol, and hCG. The study of these substances helps to determine if the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities. But even if this analysis is unfavorable, it is too early to make a final diagnosis. It is also necessary to additionally carry out the amniocentesis procedure.

Amniocentesis is the collection of a sample of amniotic fluid for analysis. This water analysis allows diagnosing more than 40 possible fetal malformations. This procedure is unsafe, so a woman has the right to refuse it.

Changes in appearance at 16 weeks of gestation.

On the term 16 weeks pregnant, the woman's belly is already noticeably protruding forward, and during the second pregnancy it is usually more noticeable, because the muscles and ligaments are already stretched.

In some pregnant women, the strip of skin on the abdomen, which leads from the navel to the pubis, begins to darken. Pigmentation on the face may occur, but this phenomenon is not dangerous and after childbirth everything will disappear.

As breasts increase in size, care must be taken to ensure that the underwear does not cause discomfort and is comfortable and of appropriate size.

It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the teeth and gums. If you have any problems, you should definitely visit the dentist.

According to the obstetric calendar, the 16th week of pregnancy falls on the fourth month of a woman's “interesting position”. The second trimester is in full swing, and if everything goes on as usual, the woman blooms more and more and continues to prepare for the inevitable motherhood.

Feel

Feelings at the 16th week of pregnancy, if it proceeds favorably and according to all norms, are not overshadowed by any painful or unpleasant manifestations. Toxicosis is a thing of the past, as well as frequent urination. Breasts, preparing for lactation, continue to increase, but the soreness, as a rule, has already disappeared. Against this background, the expectant mother seems to "come to life": the hormonal background has established in comparison with the early stages of pregnancy, therefore, the woman becomes balanced and calmer, filled with new strength and joy.

Starting from the 16th week of pregnancy, a woman often begins to feel how her appetite has increased. This is especially typical for those mothers who at first suffered from toxicosis: now it’s time to catch up on the "lost" and eat tasty and full, but at the same time keeping an eye on the weight.

Surprisingly, but at the same time it is pleasant that the sensations at the 16th week of pregnancy can be enriched by the first movements of a still very tiny baby. There are more chances to feel the first movements of the baby in women who are pregnant again: the movements of the fetus in this case more often occur 2-4 weeks earlier than during the first pregnancy. Often, at first, the expectant mother does not even realize that they were the very first - the first tangible movements of her beloved child: many women compare them with a slight flutter or sensations from air bubbles.

But, even if mommy sensitively listens to her feelings, and does not feel any movements, you should not be upset about this. After all, some mother's baby is more active, some - calmer, even in the same woman in different pregnancies, babies begin to noticeably move in different ways.

Ultrasound

But, even if the fetal movements are not yet felt by a woman, then she can observe them during an ultrasound scan at 16 weeks of gestation. When conducting an ultrasound examination, it is clearly visible on the monitor how the baby moves, and even supplements his movements with active grimacing. An ultrasound scan at the 16th week of pregnancy will show: the baby's facial expressions are unusually active - the baby is already frowning, grimacing, winking. And, in addition, it becomes clear who is there in the mother's tummy "builds muzzles": an ultrasound scan at 16 weeks of gestation is quite capable of determining the sex of the baby.

Fetus at 16 weeks gestation

It is a boy or a girl, but the fetus at the 16th week of pregnancy already reaches "decent" size: it is 11 cm long from the coccyx to the crown of the head, weighing about 100-120 g.

The baby's bones continue to strengthen - the legs become more developed, the marigolds are almost completely formed. The kid already holds the neck straight, can turn the head from side to side. At the same time, the ears and eyes are getting closer and closer to their "designated" location.

The baby's heart works at its maximum, pumping up to 25 liters of blood daily. Digestive functions are now performed by the liver, which was previously responsible for hematopoiesis. But gradually the stomach, and with it the intestines and the gallbladder, begin their functions, while still only carrying out "training" work. In the intestines of the fetus, for example, the first contents appear, which so far consists practically of bile. This is the original feces, meconium, which is dark green or black-green in color. The kidneys and the bladder of the crumbs are already fulfilling their purpose: every 45 minutes, the fetus urinates.

From now on, the baby's bone marrow is responsible for hematopoiesis, the blood composition is also fully formed. Now all those cells that are in the blood of an adult are characteristic of it, the blood group and the Rh factor of the fetus are determined. At the same time, there is still a place in the blood for a special substance called fetal hemoglobin, or hemoglobin of newborns. However, even now ordinary hemoglobin begins to appear in the blood, only it will completely replace fetal hemoglobin only six months after the baby is born.

Analyzes

Week 16 is a crucial period for a woman, who now has a slightly expanded list of tests. In addition to traditional urinalysis, blood pressure measurements, weight control, listening to the fetal heart, tests at week 16 are also desirable, which will detect or refute the presence of severe fetal defects. More precisely, one test: a blood test that allows you to assess the levels in a woman's body of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (NE).

The study of the levels of these substances in the body of a pregnant woman makes it possible, with a high degree of probability, to assume the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and gross developmental defects in the fetus. So, deviations of the AFP, hCG and NE indices from the norm may indicate the possibility of the baby having Down syndrome, cranial hernia, anencephaly, and malformation of the spine. However, unfavorable analyzes in no way can be a reason for making a final diagnosis, but they become a good reason for additional studies and analyzes. For example, for amniocentesis.

Amniocentesis is an examination that involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid to study its composition. Analysis of amniotic fluid, the puncture of which is taken when a needle is inserted into the uterus under ultrasound control, makes it possible to diagnose about 40 congenital malformations. At the same time, amniocentesis can provoke quite serious complications of pregnancy - up to and including its termination and premature birth. Therefore, only a highly qualified specialist should conduct this test, explaining to the woman all the dangers of the procedure the day before. A woman, in turn, can always refuse such a procedure at will.

Pain

Despite the fact that the toxicosis has already passed by the 16th week of pregnancy, and in general the woman feels much better than the first weeks of pregnancy, nevertheless, some painful sensations can sometimes bother her. For example, complaints of low back pain at 16 weeks are common. As a rule, they arise due to the increased load on the spine of the expectant mother. With this in mind, heels should be discarded and the spine should be allowed to rest as often as possible. Also, it will not be superfluous to find a suitable sleeping position. It is now impossible to sleep on the stomach a priori - the pressure on the stomach must be excluded. But now you can't sleep too much on your back either: this position can provoke pain at 16 weeks in the lower back. From now on, the most preferable for sleeping is the position on the left side, with one knee slightly pulled up to the chest.

Uterus

The uterus at 16 weeks of gestation continues to increase due to the constant growth of the fetus: now its weight can reach 250 g. During the examination, the doctor always measures the height of the uterus, which at 16 weeks already reaches the level of half the distance to the navel. Such measurements are necessary to ensure the normal course of pregnancy and the normal development of the fetus. A woman can already feel the "house" of her baby: the uterus at 16 weeks of pregnancy is felt at a distance of about 7-7.5 cm below the navel. Gradually increasing in size, the uterus inevitably begins to put pressure on the intestines, which can provoke bloating, heartburn and constipation.

Belly at 16 weeks pregnant

Along with the increase in the uterus, the abdomen also increases at 16 weeks of gestation: at this time, the abdomen is already clearly protruding forward. Moreover, if the pregnancy is the first, then the belly does not protrude as much as in repeated pregnancies - the muscles and ligaments of the abdomen and uterus are still in good shape and not stretched.

As the abdomen grows, a dark stripe can appear on it more and more clearly, which stretches from the navel downward, dividing the abdomen into two halves. This is a consequence of the accumulation of melanin pigment in the skin, a temporary phenomenon that will pass on its own after childbirth. By the way, age spots can also appear on the forehead, on the cheeks, around the eyes and even on the bridge of the nose throughout pregnancy. They will also disappear after the baby is born - along with a brown stripe on the belly.

Allocations

The nature of the discharge at this time may change slightly: discharge at 16 weeks of gestation may be somewhat abundant and have a whitish color. Do not be afraid: this situation is normal if the discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy has a uniform consistency, is not accompanied by itching and burning, and does not cause pain in the abdomen. It is enough just to keep the perineum and genitals clean and resort to regular hygiene procedures to prevent the development of infection.

Which will be indicated by a change in color (greenish, gray, with an admixture of mucus), consistency (heterogeneous and cheesy, bubbling discharge) and an unpleasant odor of discharge. If the discharge at 16 weeks of gestation has any of these signs, you should definitely consult your doctor: changes in discharge may be due to the appearance of thrush, colpitis or vulvitis. In this case, the pregnant woman will be prescribed appropriate treatment.

You also need to sound the alarm if, at the 16th week of pregnancy, suddenly bloody or brown discharge appears, accompanied by a pulling sensation in the abdomen. Such signs indicate an increased risk of premature termination of pregnancy.

Sex at 16 weeks pregnant

The second trimester is perhaps the most appropriate time for the revival of the intimate life of the spouses, if it was interrupted due to the poor health of the woman in the first weeks of pregnancy. Sex at the 16th week of pregnancy, in the absence of any contraindications, is absolutely safe and can bring many new and vivid sensations to future parents. But when having sex, it is imperative to exclude pressure on mommy's stomach, choosing the most suitable positions for sex at 16 weeks of gestation.

Weight and nutrition

Weight at 16 weeks of gestation usually already exceeds the “original” weight: in general, a woman during this time often gains about 2.5 kg. And in the future, the weight must be monitored in order to avoid its excess by the end of pregnancy and difficult childbirth for this reason.

Among other things, proper nutrition will help with this - special attention should be paid to the choice of food while carrying a baby. Nutrition at the 16th week of pregnancy, as in the previous weeks, must be complete, with an optimal ratio of all nutrients and nutrients. If this has not been done before, it is advisable to develop a diet at 16 weeks of gestation, which in the future will have to be strictly adhered to. The most optimal diet: 3-5 times a day in small portions, but the most nutritious and healthy food. Breakfast is compulsory, as is the first course at lunchtime, but a light dinner should be preferred. Snacks between meals are best avoided as they contribute to unwanted weight gain.

It also makes sense to think about the additional intake of vitamin-mineral complexes: the need for nutrients has increased significantly today. At this stage, calcium and vitamin D are especially needed - you need to take this or that vitamin-mineral complex, having previously discussed this step with your doctor.

Frozen pregnancy

A frozen pregnancy, which is more often characteristic of early pregnancy, can still overtake a woman in the second trimester. Moreover, just a period of 16 weeks, or rather a period of 16-18 weeks, is the most dangerous in this regard.

A frozen pregnancy at 16 weeks becomes a tragic event in the life of a woman who already cherishes dreams of meeting her unborn child. Fading of pregnancy - intrauterine fetal death and further underdevelopment of pregnancy - can occur for many reasons: this is intrauterine infection of the fetus, and the chromosomal abnormalities formed in it, and the Rh conflict between the mother and the baby, and the impact on the fetus of negative factors. Pre-fertilization abortions provoke intrauterine fetal death and pregnancy fading - such interventions lead to a significant change in hormonal levels, injure and often infect the cervix.

A frozen pregnancy at 16 weeks is determined by observing the growth of the uterus, confirmed during an ultrasound examination. So, ultrasound makes it possible to accurately establish the absence of a fetal heartbeat: at 16 weeks, the baby still does not always make itself felt with a tangible movement, therefore, accurate confirmation of the absence of a heartbeat is necessary.

Unfortunately, a diagnosed frozen pregnancy at 16 weeks must necessarily be terminated in a hospital setting and on an emergency basis. Otherwise, dangerous complications are possible - infection of a woman (a dead fetus provokes inflammatory processes in the uterus), bleeding due to detachment of the ovum, which is difficult to stop. After the planned cleaning, a comprehensive and thorough examination will be needed to identify the cause of the pregnancy fading, as well as some time for the woman's rehabilitation and recovery. It is not recommended to plan the next pregnancy for another half a year after the forced medical intervention due to the fading of the pregnancy.

A healthy appetite appears. Symptoms of early toxicosis, which in some begins immediately after fertilization, disappear. Mommy's menu is expanding significantly. It is necessary to remain selective in the choice of products and to formulate a diet based on the usefulness of the foods consumed.
Rapid weight gain begins. It is easy to guess that this is a consequence of an increase in appetite. If in the first trimester a woman most often notices a decrease in weight due to toxicosis, now the body begins to catch up. The increase can be up to 3 kg from the moment of conception of the child. The belly at 16 weeks of gestation noticeably protrudes, it is already difficult to hide your interesting position from others.
Frequent use of the toilet resumes. This is due to the fact that the fetus continues to grow at 16 weeks of gestation. Together with the child, the uterus grows, which presses on the bladder, forcing the woman to look into the toilet more often.
Breathing spirals due to the pressure of the uterus on the diaphragm. It is recommended to stay calm, get plenty of rest and monitor your condition.
There is a so-called physiological rhinitis, characteristic of the period of pregnancy. This is a temporary symptom that wears off over time.
The first movements of the baby are felt. The sensations in the abdomen are still light and barely perceptible, they intensify every week, and the woman has the opportunity to communicate with the baby with the help of gentle internal touches.

Problems with bowel movements (constipation) may begin. This is another reason to carefully consider your diet, choosing foods that contain fiber and vitamins.

Fetus at 16 weeks gestation

At 16 obstetric week of pregnancy, the fetus is already fourteen weeks old. Its growth and development rates are still high. Now, if you measure the belly from the tailbone to the crown, the length will be more than ten centimeters. The body of the fetus becomes more proportional: the legs grow in length, and the head is no longer so large in relation to the body. The weight of the fetus is now approximately eighty grams. In order for the expectant mother to better visualize how much the baby has already grown, obstetricians-gynecologists compare the size of a baby at 16 weeks with an average avocado fruit.

His skeleton is being actively built. The muscle tissue of the unborn child is gaining strength. He moves his limbs more actively. The muscles of his face allow the baby to open and close his mouth, close his eyes. Since the neck muscles have also become stronger, the unborn child can now turn the head to the left and right.

Internal organs begin to master their functions - to contract, secrete enzymes, filter. The most actively accepted for their work at the sixteenth week are:

Liver;
Kidneys;
The bladder.

The heart of the little man is already regularly pumping blood. At the 16th obstetric week, it is theoretically already possible to establish the blood group and Rh factor of the future baby.

The heart beats at a frequency of 150 beats per minute, pumping up to 25 liters of blood per day.

The stomach, intestines, gall bladder function.

On the face and head, the crumbs have already formed:

auricles;
eyes;
cilia;
brows.

During this period, as before, it is important for the fetus to receive all the nutrients in sufficient quantity for growth and development. That is, a pregnant woman should eat properly. It is optimal to take food several times a day, in small portions. It is imperative to take high-protein food, because the belly-liver now needs "building material". These are meat and fish, dairy products. Adequate vegetables and fruits will help keep your bowels healthy. But spices, salt, smoked meats, highly allergenic foods should be excluded. They are not beneficial, they can provoke or intensify heartburn and constipation in the expectant mother.

What month of pregnancy

The end of the sixteenth obstetric week corresponds to the end of the fourth obstetric month of pregnancy. Recall that in the obstetric month - 28 days, that is, exactly four weeks, while in the calendar - 30 or 31 days. If you are counting calendar months, then the end of the sixteenth week corresponds to the third week of the fourth calendar month of pregnancy.

Sex

With a favorable course of pregnancy, doctors do not place restrictions on women in their intimate life. Sex at this time is not a contraindication if there are no negative symptoms. The gynecologist can only impose a ban in cases such as multiple pregnancies, low attachment of the placenta, and the likelihood of miscarriage.

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) at 16 weeks of gestation

The 16th week of pregnancy is not included in the schedule for a planned ultrasound examination. The gynecologist can send for an ultrasound scan only if the pregnant woman has complaints, or the test results deviate from the norm. Through the examination, an ultrasound doctor can demonstrate to a woman what her baby looks like at 16 weeks.