7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 16
Week 16 has arrived full of wonder and promise. With so many changes occurring daily it can be difficult to keep track of your baby's progress. Rely on
our pregnancy timeline to mark this special journey with informative information and helpful hints for you and your baby.
Overview
Your favorite fetus is steadily growing and developing day by day. All the parts are in place, they just have to get larger, strengthen and improve their functioning. Calcium deposition or ossification of the skeleton has progressed rapidly and would show clearly on an x-ray film of your abdomen. Scalp hair patterning is determined during this period. All organs and structures have been formed and a period of simple growth begins. The placenta has begun producing the hormone estrogen. The umbilical cord is attached to the abdomen, this attachment has moved lower on the body of the fetus than before. The fetal heartbeat can now be heard through an amplified stethoscope.
Your uterus and placenta are growing as your baby grows. Six weeks ago, your uterus weighed about 5 ounces. Today it weighs about 8.75 ounces. The amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is also increasing. There is now about 7.5 ounces of fluid. You can easily feel your uterus about 3 inches below your bellybutton.
Baby's Physical Development
- Baby weighs about 3 ounces and is 5 1/2 to 6 inches long.
- Baby can blink and swallow.
- Baby can move eyes.
- Ears have moved from neck to head.
- Baby has his preliminary toenails.
- Baby empties bladder every 40-45 minutes.
- Limb movements are becoming more coordinated.
- Baby's legs are longer than arms.
Time to Start Thinking About...
An ultrasound may be performed between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy, and can determine the gender of the baby. Ultrasound uses sound waves above the range of human hearing to produce an image of the fetus on a TV-like screen. During the test, the woman lies stretched out comfortably. Her abdomen is exposed, and water-soluble jelly or mineral oil is applied to the skin of the abdomen to insure good contact between the scanner and the skin. The scanner is placed on the abdomen and moved around until the area to be viewed appears on the monitor that looks like a television screen.
The entire procedure takes between 5 to 45 minutes depending on what information is being sought and what kind of equipment is being used. The final scan is then read and interpreted. Now you have your very first picture of you baby!!! If you haven't yet picked up a baby book or baby album now is the time!
Tips for Mom
Having trouble falling asleep? Try a warm bath or talk your partner into a foot massage before bed. Insomnia is a common complaint of pregnant women. Also, exercise, a comfortable bed and room temperature, and perhaps a light snack are conducive to a good night's rest. To find a comfortable sleep position, try using a body pillow to support your belly and legs. Sleeping on you side may feel a bit strange at first but it relieves the pressure on your back and intestines that is caused by sleeping on your back - and is certainly better than attempting to sleep on your swelling belly.
Why not play some soothing music as you snuggle? Music can help you relax, fall asleep, or perk you up if you are feeling a little down. When you're relaxed baby indirectly reaps the rewards. Amniotic fluid is actually a good conductor of sound so there's no need to pump up the volume.
Tips For Dad
Hey dad, why not show mom how excited you are by the approaching birth by buying a present for the baby? Have the present gift wrapped and delivered to your home. Mom will be thrilled and surprised by the thought put into it!
Does the sight of your pregnant wife excite you like never before? Introduce her to the healthy aspects of sex during pregnancy and keep that lovin' feeling alive and well.
Prenatal Care Checklist
- Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
- Try a body pillow.
- Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
- Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
- You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
- Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
- Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
- Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
- Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505