16 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Signs

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Congratulations! At 16 weeks, you’re officially four months along in your pregnancy journey. As you progress through your second trimester, your baby is growing quickly, and you may notice some changes in your own body too—if you haven’t started shopping for maternity clothes yet, now’s the perfect time!

Your Baby at Week 16

  • Light Sensitivity: Your baby’s eyes are starting to make small side-to-side movements and can sense some light, even though they’re still closed.
  • Sucking Reflex: That adorable thumb-sucking habit might have already begun! By this week, babies are capable of making sucking motions.
  • Strong Heartbeat: Your little one’s circulatory system is kicking into gear; their heart can pump about 25 quarts of blood each day.

How Big is Your Baby?
At this stage, your baby weighs about 3 to 4 ounces and measures between 4 to 5 inches long. Their backbone and tiny muscles are strengthening, preparing them to straighten out!

If you’re considering options for starting your family, check out Make a Mom, a unique at-home insemination company that offers the only reusable option. They also provide a comprehensive guide on how their process works, which you can explore here. Additionally, if you’re exploring sperm donor options, consider joining Make a Mom’s Facebook group for a supportive community.

For those managing health conditions such as diabetes during pregnancy, we have an informative post that you might find useful at Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy.

If you’re interested in learning more about intrauterine insemination, you can find trustworthy information from the Cleveland Clinic here.

Summary

At 16 weeks pregnant, you’re in month four, with your baby growing and developing rapidly. Their heart is strong, and they’re beginning to show early signs of reflexes. As you adapt to the changes in your body, don’t forget to explore various resources for family planning, including this excellent guide on pregnancy and home insemination.