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Trimester 2 · week 16 of 40

16 weeks pregnant

The baby is already moving with more coordination and some pregnant women start to notice the first movements — but it may still be too early to feel them.

Translated from the original Brazilian Portuguese content with the help of artificial intelligence. Read the original in Portuguese

Read about your current week or get ready for what comes next.
Visual size comparison at week 16: an avocado
Visual reference: an avocado. Not an individual clinical measurement.
Quick read

In 1 minute

  • Fetal movements become more coordinated.
  • The auditory system keeps developing.
  • Some people start to feel the baby.
Fetal development

How your baby is doing this week

Arm and leg movements become more coordinated. The neck is more defined, the bones keep maturing and hearing enters important stages of development. There's still plenty of room for the baby to change position.

3D artistic representation of fetal development at week 16
Artistic 3D representation. This is not an ultrasound and does not represent your baby's individual development.
Body and routine

What may change in your body

You may feel something like bubbles, butterfly wings or little taps in your abdomen. In a first pregnancy, noticing movements usually happens later. Ligament pain, constipation, heartburn and cramps may also appear.

Possible steps

Care for this week

  1. Don't turn early movements into formal counting before your team advises it.

  2. Adjust your posture when sitting and sleeping as your abdomen grows.

  3. Seek help for pelvic pain that's limiting walking or daily activities.

Prenatal care focus

  • The second-trimester anatomy scan is usually planned for the coming weeks, depending on protocol and availability.
Twin pregnancy

If you're expecting twins

In twin pregnancies, assessment of the cervix and the frequency of ultrasounds may receive special attention depending on the case and the health service.

Support network

For those by your side

If the pregnant woman starts to feel movements, sharing the moment can be lovely — but don't push for other people to be able to feel them from the outside yet.

Common questions

Questions for this week

I haven't felt any movement yet. Should I worry?

At 16 weeks it may still be early, especially in a first pregnancy. Your team takes into account gestational age, the placenta and your history.

Can I sleep in any position?

Comfort and clinical advice matter; as the pregnancy progresses, talk with your team about the most suitable positions.

When to seek care

  • Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should be reported to your care team; how heavy it is, pain and gestational age change how urgent it is.
  • Severe, worsening or persistent abdominal pain deserves evaluation.
  • Fever, fainting, significant shortness of breath, chest pain or feeling very unwell need medical care.

In an emergency, go to the urgent care service in your area. This content does not replace a professional assessment.

Next · week 17

The next chapter

In week 17, the baby starts gradually building up fat and movements tend to become more noticeable.

See week 17

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Sources and transparency

Nilu editorial content, written from the official sources above. Individual clinical review of each week is in progress — this text is for information and does not replace your prenatal care.