16 Weeks Pregnant: First Movements, Check-Up & Symptoms

16 Weeks Pregnant: First Movements, Check-Up & Symptoms

At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of an avocado, with stronger muscles and more coordinated movements. From around now, you might start to feel their first flutters, though many people don't notice them until closer to 20 weeks.

Baby's size
About the size of an avocado (around 11 to 12cm, 100g)
Big development
Stronger muscles and scalp hair patterns forming
Common symptoms
Back pain, headaches and round ligament pain
This week
Your 16-week check-up, and maybe first flutters

What's happening this week

Your baby has been growing fast, roughly doubling in weight over the past few weeks.

Muscles

Getting stronger

Your baby's muscles are strengthening, so their movements are becoming stronger and more coordinated. Soon, you'll be able to feel them.

Hair

Setting the pattern

Hair follicles are forming on your baby's scalp, setting the pattern their hair will grow in for life.

Face

Busy expressions

Your baby may squint, frown and make other faces. These are random for now, as they're not yet in control of their expressions.

Feeling your baby move

Feeling your baby move for the first time is called quickening. The first movements are often so gentle that they're easy to mistake for wind. It can take longer to feel them in a first pregnancy, or if your placenta is at the front of your uterus, where it cushions the kicks. Here's how movements usually change as your baby grows.

  1. Flutters and bubblesWeeks 16 to 22

    Light fluttering, popping or bubbling sensations low in your tummy.

  2. Taps and kicksWeeks 20 to 24

    Movements become more obvious, and your partner may be able to feel them from the outside.

  3. Rolls and stretchesWeeks 24 to 28

    Stronger kicks, jabs and rolls, and you may even notice hiccups.

  4. A regular patternFrom 28 weeks

    Your baby develops their own pattern of movements. Get to know it, and contact your hospital straight away if movements slow down or change.

Symptoms at 16 weeks pregnant

With more energy, many people notice glowing skin, shinier hair and a higher sex drive around now. Your bump may be obvious, or you may barely be showing yet. Both are normal, as bump size depends on your body shape and whether you've been pregnant before. Some symptoms to watch for:

  • Back pain. Your growing uterus and loosening ligaments put extra strain on your lower back. Supportive shoes, good posture and sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help.
  • Headaches. Hormones, stress, dehydration or cutting back on caffeine can all cause them. Drink plenty of water and rest when you can.
  • Round ligament pain. Sharp, brief pain on one or both sides of your tummy as the ligaments supporting your uterus stretch. It usually eases with rest.

See your GP or go to your nearest emergency department if you have bleeding, strong or ongoing pain, a gush of fluid from your vagina, or a severe headache that won't go away.

Your 16-week check-up

Many people have an antenatal appointment around 16 weeks. It's usually shorter than your first visit, and it's a great chance to ask questions.

Checks
Your blood pressure, and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor or midwife will usually listen to your baby's heartbeat with a handheld doppler.
Results
A chat about any screening test results. If you were offered further testing, such as amniocentesis, your doctor will explain what's involved. Here's how screening and diagnostic tests differ.Amniocentesis is usually done from 15 weeks and carries a small risk of miscarriage
Planning
Booking your morphology scan for 18 to 20 weeks, and talking about vaccines and antenatal classes.

Eating well this week

A healthy, varied diet helps you and your baby, and a few nutrients are especially important now:

  • Iodine. Keep taking 150 micrograms a day throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding for your baby's brain development.
  • Folic acid. Most important in the first three months, but many people keep taking a pregnancy multivitamin throughout. Check with your doctor or midwife.
  • Iron. Needed for your extra blood supply. Find it in lean meat, legumes, leafy greens and fortified cereals. Here are more tips for boosting your iron.
  • Calcium. For your baby's growing bones and your own. Dairy, calcium-fortified alternatives, tofu and tinned fish with bones are good sources.

Start talking to your baby

Your baby will soon begin to hear sounds from inside your body, like your heartbeat and breathing, and eventually your voice. Talking, reading or singing to your bump is a lovely way for you and your partner to start bonding. It's also a good time to start planning what you'll need, and our pregnancy checklist is a great place to begin.

Your to-do list for week 16

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need to feel comfortableSee the list Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books Pregnancy pillowsSupport for side sleepingShop pillows

Week 16 FAQs

When will I feel my baby move?

Most people feel their baby's first movements between 16 and 22 weeks. In a first pregnancy, it's often closer to 18 to 22 weeks, and it can be later if your placenta is at the front of your uterus.

What does quickening feel like?

Early movements often feel like gentle flutters, bubbles or tiny taps low in your tummy. They're easy to mistake for wind at first. They'll become stronger and more obvious over the next few weeks.

What happens at the 16-week antenatal appointment?

Your doctor or midwife will usually check your blood pressure, go over any screening results, listen to your baby's heartbeat and talk about the morphology scan at 18 to 20 weeks. It's a good time to raise any questions.

Should I still take folic acid after 12 weeks?

Folic acid is most important in the first three months, but many people keep taking a pregnancy multivitamin throughout. Iodine is recommended for your whole pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Check with your doctor or midwife about what's right for you.

How can I ease back pain in pregnancy?

Stand tall, wear flat, supportive shoes, bend your knees when you lift and sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. Gentle exercise like swimming and pregnancy yoga can help. See a physio if the pain is ongoing.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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