16 weeks pregnant

You at 16 weeks

You might start feeling your 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. If it’s your first baby, you probably won’t feel movements until somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks. If you’ve had other children, you might feel movements earlier.

pregnancy illustration, week 16

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

Smoking or vaping in pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth or lower than expected birth weight in babies. Babies are also more at risk of infections and longer-term health problems like asthma. Smoking or vaping 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 or vape inside your house or car, or around you.

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

Your baby when you’re 16 weeks pregnant

Here’s what’s happening with your baby:

Your baby is about 11.5 cm long from head to bottom and weighs about 110 g.
Your baby is cushioned by about 180 ml of amniotic fluid.
The umbilical cord is completely mature. It usually contains 2 arteries and 1 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 their face and make other facial expressions.