Your Baby at 16 Weeks

A Closer Look at Week 16

Your baby is now the size of an avocado, and their tiny heart is a powerhouse. At 16 weeks, this organ — no bigger than your thumbnail — is pumping approximately 25 quarts (about 24 litres) of blood every single day. The circulatory system is fully functional, with blood flowing through a network of blood vessels that, if laid end to end, would already stretch several metres.

On the surface of the scalp, a pattern is forming that will determine where hair grows and which direction it falls. While the actual hair follicles haven't produced visible hair yet, the blueprint is being laid down. Whether your baby will have their father's curls, their mother's straight hair, or something entirely their own is being decided at a genetic level right now.

Many mothers begin to experience the famous 'pregnancy glow' around week 16. This isn't a myth — increased blood volume gives your skin a rosy, flushed appearance, and higher hormone levels stimulate oil production, giving your face a dewy shine. Of course, that same oil production can also cause breakouts, so don't worry if your skin feels more like a teenager's than a glowing mother-to-be.

This is around the time when some mothers — particularly those who have been pregnant before — might feel the first flutters of fetal movement, known as quickening. These movements are often described as bubbles, light tickles, or a gentle fluttering sensation. First-time mothers may not recognise them until a few weeks later, and both timelines are completely normal. If you have experienced backaches, gentle prenatal yoga or swimming can help strengthen your core and relieve pressure on the lower spine.