16th week of pregnancy

Hard to believe, but with the completion of the 16th week of pregnancy, you have already reached the end of the 4th month of pregnancy. Your baby would still fit in the palm of your hand – but not for much longer, as it is growing rapidly. Here you will learn what its development looks like this week and why you might already have butterflies in your stomach.

How big is your baby in the 16th week of pregnancy?

Your baby is about 11 centimeters long this week, comparable to an avocado.

16th week of pregnancy: What's changing for you

Now, as the 4th month of pregnancy comes to an end, your body has finally adjusted to the pregnancy and the new hormone levels have stabilized. Your belly can no longer really be hidden: your uterus is growing steadily and is about the size of a honeydew melon in the 16th week of pregnancy. From the outside, your belly is starting to feel firmer. This is because the uterus is growing closer to the abdominal wall and is also becoming firmer to best protect your baby from the outside.

You may now feel a pulling sensation in your lower abdomen. These are the so-called round ligaments, the muscle fiber strands that hold the uterus in position and are now being stretched. Feeling them now is completely normal. It may also be that this week you will first notice your baby's acrobatics as a gentle flutter in your stomach when it touches the uterine wall. But don't worry if you don't feel anything yet: your baby still has enough space to move, and the amniotic fluid provides additional cushioning. Especially women who have been pregnant before feel the movements early on, but by the 20th week of pregnancy at the latest, most expectant mothers will experience it.

16th week of pregnancy: Development of your baby

During this pregnancy phase, especially the thyroid of your child is active. It produces more and more hormones that promote their development. For this, it needs iodine, which you intake through your diet.

Your baby's head, which was still tilted towards its chest not long ago, begins to stretch out more and more. At the same time, your child's body is steadily growing, so the size ratio between head and body gradually equalizes. The joints and muscles are now in their final positions. Your baby still has enough space to kick vigorously in all directions, and it takes advantage of this. It also practices breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid – which can sometimes cause hiccups. Its organs continue to mature and grow, and the sweat glands are already present this week. This week, fine lines also begin to form on the fingertips and toe tips – these will develop into
develop the unique fingerprint of your child.

Maternity wear

Your belly is getting rounder, and your breasts are already larger than at the beginning of your pregnancy. When your usual clothes become tight, you can now prepare for the rest of your pregnancy (and possibly also for breastfeeding). You can browse the maternity wear section, but it doesn't always have to be special pregnancy clothing. Sometimes, comfortable, loose-fitting pieces from the regular collection are enough. Whatever you choose, keep the following points in mind when selecting:

• Choose wide cuts or stretchy fabrics that you can "grow into" – after all, your belly will get a lot bigger. ;)

• Prefer to invest in a few high-quality pieces that can be easily combined.

• Pay attention to natural materials like cotton or silk. You sweat less in them, and they feel comfortable on the skin.

• When you get new tops, make sure they open in the front or can be pulled down. This way, you're prepared for breastfeeding right from the start.

• Avoid tight bands, for example on socks. These hinder blood circulation and promote water retention and varicose veins.

• Some well-fitting (nursing) bras are definitely worth the investment. Here you choose the preferably those made of soft material so that the sensitive breast is not additionally irritated. Wide straps and simple adjustability are essential.

This is now important

• For the healthy development of your baby, you should ensure adequate iodine intake. Iodine is found, for example, in iodized table salt, fish, dairy products, broccoli, or lamb's lettuce. It is best to discuss with your doctor whether taking iodine supplements is beneficial for you. Learn more about which foods are especially good for you right now in the article “ Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy “.

• Do you feel a pulling in your lower abdomen? That is completely normal, you are probably feeling the stretching of the uterine ligaments. Only in case of severe or persistent pain should you contact your doctor or midwife for safety.

• The first Maternity wear doesn't have to be expensive: Just go through your wardrobe and see which pieces are comfortable now and offer space for your growing belly. Maybe some friends also have some pieces from their pregnancy that they can pass on to you.

With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, which also in exchange with our
LILLYDOO experts are being created. Nevertheless, the ones listed here can still
Never replace personal consultation with your doctor or midwife with advice. Always contact your healthcare professional for questions and professional care.