Many tests are also performed during 16 weeks pregnancy such as AFP test, which is a blood test to detect abnormalities like Down’s Syndrome. Amniocentesis is done in women above the age of 35 years to detect birth defects, if there is an earlier history of it. This test helps in finding out the chromosomal defects, if any, in the fetus. Ultrasound is also done to check the complete development of baby. Gender detection test can also be performed at this time of pregnancy.

16 weeks pregnancy is the stage of thinking for ‘parents to become’. They have to start preparing their lives by thinking about how to welcome the coming family member, making their wills, getting life insurances and other money saving patterns. They have to also register their name in some hospital for birth and care of the baby. They should start decorating their baby nursery with colorful things.

Healthcare providers recommend a pregnancy health tip that during 16 week pregnancy, women should sleep on one side as lying on the back can increase the pressure on the vena cava, the blood vessel returning blood to heart. She can also use a full-length body pillow which helps in side sleeping more easily. Back pain is the common complaint at this time. So the pregnant woman must take care that the back ache does not aggravate to an unbearable level. In case it happens, one must seek the counsel of an expert medical practitioner.

The details mentioned at the various pregnancy information sites gives week by week growth of the fetus and help the ‘would-be’ parents to know and learn more about the changes and developments in their baby as well as the woman. To get more knowledgeable, the 16 week pregnant woman visit this site and read or surf on the current articles with complete details.

The pregnancy health of a woman entering into 16 weeks pregnancy is termed as second trimester, which has an increase in the growth of the baby size to 5 inches with a weight of 4 ounces. The uterus and placenta of woman has also grown to 8.75 ounces to accommodate the growing baby in it.

The baby, in this stage, can hold his head erect; its eyes and ears have moved to their exact position. The development of circulatory and urinary system has taken place. The amniotic fluid is increasing surrounding the baby. His fingers and toes become more defined and he becomes playful by doing acts of pulling the umbilical cord, sucking his thumb, somersaulting and grabbing in the womb.  He can smile, frown and open his mouth and respond to visual speculation. Muscles in the back gains strength and baby can straighten himself. Baby looks bony as there is no development of a layer of fat. Body of baby is covered with fine hair known as ‘lanugo’.

16 weeks pregnancy brings many changes in the women also. She starts enjoying her pregnancy as it is the most favorite time of pregnancy, energy levels increases, milk glands starts producing milk resulting in tenderness and swelling of breasts, heart beating becomes louder, increased blood flow, frequent urination, constipation, lustrous hair due to increased levels of estrogen, bleeding gums, nasal stuffiness.

As the child shows first fetal movements during this stage, women may feel some fluttering in the stomach which she may confuse it with the gas bubbles. A growing belly with a bump can be observed, but the growth varies from one woman to another. Women have to start buying maternity clothes from now onward. She has a shiny and glowing face due to secretion of more hormones and increased blood flow, but she becomes prone to common cold and flu.