Week 16 Of Pregnancy

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• QHow will I feel during week 16 of my pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  By week 16 of pregnancy, you're likely to feel more settled into your growing and changing body. You may notice a "glowing" of your skin. Because your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight, it's important to remember to use sunscreen. Overall, at this point in the pregnancy, you're likely to feel better as nausea continues to subside.
  
  Other symptoms related to your growing breasts, including feeling tenderness of the nipples is common. Your libido may also be increasing due to the estrogen and progesterone in your body. If you're concerned about how you're feeling during week 16, talk to your doctor.

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• QHow can I treat my dizziness in week 16 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  During week 16, you may feel dizzy. The dizziness is often the result of increased levels of hormones and your blood vessels expanding. If you feel dizzy, lie down on your left-side. Drink lots fluids, make sure you're getting enough to eat, and avoid sitting or standing too quickly or standing on your feet for long periods. If your dizziness is affecting your daily activities, or is accompanied by fainting, pain in the abdomen, or vaginal bleeding, talk to your doctor.
• QWhat is the size of my baby during week 16?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  During week 16, your baby is five inches long (a little bigger than an orange) and weighs around four ounces. The eyes and ears are closer to their final position. You may be able to see your baby moving, squinting, and frowning during your ultrasound!
• QHow is my baby growing and developing during week 16?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  In week 16 of pregnancy, your baby is growing in length and weight. At this point, your baby weighs around four ounces and is five inches in length (slightly bigger than an orange). Your baby's eyes are more centered and its ears are nearing their final positions! Its toes are growing longer and your baby's feet are more defined. Your baby's heart is developing too -- pumping about 25 quarts of blood a day. During an ultrasound, you may be able to see your baby squinting or frowning or sucking on its thumb and hear your baby's heartbeat!
• QWhat will I look like during week 16 of my pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  During week 16 your belly and breasts are fuller. The uterus is continuing to grow and expand and your baby "bump7quot; is more noticeable. Your clothes may be fitting tighter and your skin is aglow. Don't be surprised if you get questions about being pregnant.

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• QWhat prenatal care do I need during week 16 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  At week 16, you're in your second trimester. During the second trimester you'll be visiting your doctor at least once a month. Your doctor will measure your baby's growth and use a fetoscope or other sound device to listen to its heartbeat. Your doctor may want to measure your sugar and protein levels with a urine test and screen for genetic abnormalities. If you have questions about prenatal care at this point, now is a great time to ask your doctor.

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• QAre there any warning signs I should look for during week 16 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  Most of the warning signs during week 16 of pregnancy are symptoms of your expanding uterus. You may feel slight contractions as your uterus begins to strengthen its muscles. If you have frequent painful abdominal cramping or contractions, see your doctor right away. Dizziness is also common and due to your expanding blood vessels. If you feel dizzy, drinking fluids and lying down on your left side may help. Talk to your doctor if you notice any sudden or irregular symptoms, including fever/chills, severe or persistent headaches, leaking amniotic fluid, swelling of the hands or feet, and blood in your stools.
• QAre there tests or procedures I should have during week 16 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  In week 16, your doctor may want to begin screening your baby for genetic abnormalities using an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test. The AFP test is a blood test that is used to measure your body's alpha-fetoprotein level. Your baby is actually producing alpha-fetoprotein, which then enters your blood stream. If the amount of AFP in your blood is high or too low, it can signal that your baby may have a birth defect. AFP tests are not 100 percent accurate because there are other factors that can affect the results of the test, including your weight, age, family history, race, diabetes, and whether you are carrying multiple babies. The AFP test is part of a triple or quadruple screening test, which will also test for certain hormones in your body. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about genetic screening and the best time to being testing.
• QHow might my actions affect my baby during week 16 of pregnancy ?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  In week 16, your libido is likely to be increased and it's normal and healthy to continue having sex. In fact, some women experience more sensitivity in their breasts and vagina due to the extra progesterone and estrogen in the body. You're also probably feeling more comfortable about being pregnant and the changes that are happening in your body. It's important to keep eating healthy meals and exercising. Taking supplements can help you and your baby get the proper nutrients -- especially calcium, iron, and folic acid. If you have questions about how a particular activity may affect your baby during week 16, talk to your doctor.
• QWhat should I discuss with my doctor during week 16 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  In week 16, you may be seeing your doctor for your monthly second-trimester appointment. At the appointment, your doctor will want to discuss your baby's growth and health. Your doctor may begin routine screening for genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome and spina bifidia. Your doctor will also want to discuss your diet, weight gain, and level of exercise. Don't be afraid to ask about anything you're curious about, including changes in your libido and increased sensitivity.