Week 16 Pregnancy
You are 16 weeks pregnant and in your second trimester. Your baby is about the size of an avocado. This week's key development: First Flutters. NHS note: Midwife appointment (around 16 weeks) to discuss the results of any screening tests.
Baby's Development
Your baby is about the size of an avocado.
First Flutters — Some mothers begin to feel the first faint movements this week, often described as butterflies or bubbles. Your baby is making coordinated limb movements, and their face is becoming increasingly expressive. The skeleton is hardening from cartilage into bone.
Your Symptoms
- Backache
- Forgetfulness ('baby brain')
- Growing bump
Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms — and that's completely normal. If anything concerns you, speak to your midwife.
NHS Appointments
Midwife appointment (around 16 weeks) to discuss the results of any screening tests.
Practical Advice for Week 16
Nutrition
- Continue vitamin D daily.
- Eat calcium-rich foods — your baby's skeleton is hardening from cartilage to bone.
- Include sources of choline (eggs, lean meats) for brain development.
- Drink enough water — dehydration can cause Braxton Hicks-like tightenings.
Exercise
- If you feel fluttering movements, gentle activity may encourage more.
- Pregnancy Pilates helps maintain core strength safely.
- Walking after meals aids digestion and reduces heartburn.
- Avoid high-impact sports and activities with sudden direction changes.
Wellbeing
- 'Baby brain' (forgetfulness) is real — write things down and don't be too hard on yourself.
- Backache may start — practise good posture and consider a support pillow.
- If you're feeling anxious about screening results, talk to your midwife.
- Spend quality time with your partner — your relationship is changing too.
Preparation
- Midwife appointment around 16 weeks — your screening test results will be discussed.
- Your midwife will check your blood pressure, urine, and measure fundal height.
- If screening shows higher risk, your midwife will explain next steps clearly.
- Start planning any nursery changes or baby-proofing you'd like to do.
Tip of the Week
If you're feeling 'flutters', try sitting quietly to see if you can notice them again.
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