16 weeks pregnant

You at 16 weeks

Some women start feeling their baby’s movements now. The feeling is often described as being like butterflies in your tummy.

Don’t worry if you’re not feeling anything, though. Many women having their first baby don’t feel movements until somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks. But some women having their second or third baby might feel movements earlier.

pregnancy illustration, week 16

Smoking during pregnancy
Even if you’ve just found out that you’re pregnant, it’s never too late to stop smoking. If you stop, your baby will benefit straight away.

Smoking in pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth or having a baby with lower than normal birth weight. Babies are also more at risk of infections and longer-term health problems like asthma. Smoking in pregnancy and after the birth also increases the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) including SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents.

Ask other people not to smoke inside your house or car, or around you.

If you smoke, it’s a good idea to ask for advice and support for you and your partner to stop smoking. Call the Quitline on 137 848 or talk to your midwife or doctor.

Your baby when you’re 16 weeks pregnant

Your baby is still busy:

Your baby is about 11.5 cm long from head to bottom, and weighs about 110 gm.
Your baby is cushioned by about 180 ml of amniotic fluid.
The umbilical cord is completely mature. It usually contains two arteries and one vein.
Toenails are forming, all the joints are working, and fingers and toes are moving.
Although your baby’s eyes are still sealed, they’re sensitive to light. Your baby can screw up its face and make other facial expressions.