{"id":1307,"date":"2022-02-01T20:40:11","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T02:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?p=1307"},"modified":"2023-04-21T13:39:21","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T19:39:21","slug":"16-weeks-pregnant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/healthy-pregnancy\/week-by-week\/16-weeks-pregnant\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Weeks Pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"

16 Weeks Pregnant<\/h2>\n

Only four weeks until the half-way mark! Here is a list of pointers to help you through pregnancy week 16. Get the Fetal Life App for Apple<\/a> and Android<\/a> endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.<\/p>\n

What changes are occurring with your body at 16 weeks pregnant?<\/h3>\n

Your uterus is continuing to grow and weighs approximately 8 \u00bd ounces (\u00bc kg)<\/strong>. Your placenta is also growing, and your body is producing an increased amount of amniotic fluid that helps protect your baby during your pregnancy. Right now your body has about 7 \u00bd ounces (.2 kg) of amniotic fluid<\/strong> surrounding your baby. When you are pregnant, your blood volume increases by 30- 50%<\/strong>, resulting in more blood circulation through your body.* This increase in blood circulation causes your face to be brighter. Your body is also producing hormones that cause your oil glands to work in over-drive, leaving your face shiny. Both of these things can result in a “pregnancy glow<\/a>.” If your skin becomes too oily, you can use an oil-free cleanser to clean your face. Other than that, just smile and enjoy your glow!<\/p>\n

How big is your baby?<\/h3>\n

By the end of week 16, your baby is approximately 5.31 inches (13.5<\/strong> cm)<\/strong> (CRL) and weighs 2 \u00bd ounces (.07 kg)<\/strong>.*<\/p>\n

What is happening with your baby?<\/h3>\n

Your baby is preparing for a growth spurt over the next several weeks. Your baby\u2019s head is more erect now than it has been in previous weeks. The ears and eyes are also situated in their final positions, giving your baby a more identifiable appearance. Several of the more complicated body systems are also beginning to function, including your baby’s urinary and circulatory systems. Your baby\u2019s heart pumps around 25 quarts of blood per day<\/strong>. However, by week 40<\/a> this amount will increase to 1,900 quarts per day<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

What should you plan for pregnancy week 16?<\/h3>\n

Your next prenatal appointment may be in the next several weeks. During this visit, your health care provider may recommend some screens or tests including:<\/strong><\/p>\n