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Stages of Pregnancy Week by Week

Pregnancy Week 16

You've reached the end of your fourth month! Find out how your baby is developing in week 16 as well as how to deal with stretch marks, changes in your feet, and more.

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Month 4

Watch Your Baby's Growth

Second Trimester Begins: Weeks 13 to 17 of Pregnancy
Second Trimester Begins: Weeks 13 to 17 of Pregnancy

Here's to hoping you're no longer feeling nauseated or exhausted! Right now your baby's brain and eyes are making dramatic strides each day. Learn all about it.

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Your Changing Body

Got butterflies in your belly? It could very well be your baby kicking! Most moms-to-be experience this major pregnancy milestone between their 16th and 20th weeks, but don't expect any big karate chops just yet.

Your Developing Baby

Your baby's delicate skeleton continues to harden from rubbery cartilage to bone. Even so, his bones will remain somewhat flexible for an easier trip through the birth canal. The umbilical cord has fully matured with one vein and two arteries that are protected by Wharton's jelly.

Tip of the Week

Even if you didn't experience constipation in the first trimester, you could experience it now as the hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body including your gastrointestinal tract which slows down digestion and also leads to gas, bloating, and burping. In fact, constipation affects about half of all pregnant women.

pregnant woman drinking milk

Your Week 16 To-Do List

1. Be sure to get plenty of calcium now.

Week 16

An Inside Look

Take a unique look at Baby's development inside the womb this week.

Pregnant woman crossing off the days until the birth

Your Pregnancy Calendar

Organize your doctor's appointments, save your ultrasound photos, and more--all in one place!

Ask Parents About Week 16

We've got answers to your questions from experts and parents who've been there.

See All Questions or Ask Your Own

Everything in Pregnancy Week 16

More About Your Pregnancy in Week 16

Your Baby

Your Body

  • Changes in the Vagina

    You should expect some changes in the way your vagina looks and feels, as well as how often you want to have sex.

  • Your Energy Returns

    You will probably start to gain back a lot of your old energy this week, though you may still be working through complicated emotions c...

  • Foot Changes

    Find out how to deal with foot pain, swelling and other issues.

  • Late Miscarriage

    Learn what symptoms of miscarriage to look for in your second trimester. Though late miscarriages are rare, they do happen.

  • Stretch Marks

    Stretch marks are the natural result of your skin adjusting to your growing belly.

Your Self

  • Questioning Your Identity

    It's natural to question who you are now and what will change once the baby arrives. Here are a few things to think about to prepare yo...

Diet & Exercise

Q & A

First Trimester

Second Trimester

Third Trimester