16 weeks pregnant what should be the belly. Intrauterine development of the child at the sixteenth week of pregnancy

In this obstetric week of pregnancy, the fetus is making significant progress in its development: it grows to the size of an avocado, and becomes more and more like a baby in appearance. Let's figure out what the 16th week of pregnancy is: a woman's feelings during this period and possible problems awaiting her

How developed is the fetus at this time?

What happens to the body of a pregnant woman?

• The chest swells and becomes sensitive, due to increased blood flow, a venous pattern appears on it, Montgomery's tubercles appear.
• Centrally located between the pubic bone and the navel, the uterus can cause the ligaments to stretch and thicken as it grows, which can cause pain in the abdomen, back, hips, and groin.
• You should definitely pay attention to rapid weight gain, despite the common stereotype that "all pregnant women gain weight by leaps and bounds." In fact, rapid weight gain may be a symptom of preeclampsia.
• Also at this stage of pregnancy, carpal tunnel syndrome, itching in the feet, palms and abdomen, as well as swelling of the ankles, face, fingers, can be observed.
• The work of the intestines is difficult due to the lethargy of the muscular wall, however, remember that constipation poses a threat of miscarriage, so you should carefully approach the issue of proper nutrition and regular bowel movements.
• Some women experience pyelonephritis at this stage of pregnancy, caused by the hormonal influence of progesterone. Carefully monitor your health - pyelonephritis causes a threat of premature birth. Also be careful with various infections, for example, vaginitis during pregnancy is diagnosed in almost 70% of women.

Feelings of a woman

Be sure to follow the correct diet, this is important not only so that your baby can develop normally, but also in order to improve bowel function and avoid constipation that threatens to miscarry. Doctors recommend that women who are at the 16th week of pregnancy sleep on their side, because when lying on their back, the pressure of the uterus on large vessels makes it difficult for blood to flow to the child, and lying on the stomach causes too much pressure on the uterus itself. At this time, heels should already be abandoned. , as well as from very tight clothing and underwear. It is also recommended to start buying special underwear for pregnant women. It is imperative to pass an AFP test and a triple detailed test (if indicated) to identify a child with a malformation of the spine, as well as Down syndrome.

1. It is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women to observe any strict diets, starvation, as well as fasting.
2. Fans of sushi and other Japanese dishes should forget about dishes with raw or half-cooked fish: they may contain pathogens of dangerous diseases. Also, raw eggs, unboiled milk, poorly fried (“with blood”) meat should definitely be excluded from the diet.
3. The diet must include sources of protein - dairy products, meat, fish (it should be included in the menu at least twice a week).
4. Simple carbohydrates should be replaced with complex carbohydrates, as they take longer to digest and do not contribute to weight gain. Whole cereals, bran, wholemeal bread are rich in complex carbohydrates.
5. Try to reduce the amount of animal fats in your diet by replacing them with vegetable fats.
6. Use salt in a minimal amount, it is also recommended to replace ordinary salt with iodized salt.
7. About 1.5-2 liters of fluid should be drunk per day.
8. Remember that the general advice given here can in no way help you create a menu that takes into account the individual characteristics of your body and situation; the preparation of a menu for a pregnant woman must be dealt with by a doctor.

At the 16th week of pregnancy, many expectant mothers experience one of the most exciting events - they feel the first tremors of the baby in their stomach. The symptoms of the first trimester are in the past, the state of health is excellent. The fruit continues to develop actively. The time for the second screening is approaching: you need to undergo an ultrasound scan and take blood tests.

Signs and symptoms of 16 weeks pregnant

Many expectant mothers feel great at the sixteenth week of pregnancy. Some of the symptoms are disturbing, but some of them are rather pleasant. The woman notices that her hair has become more lush and silky, her skin condition has improved, her libido has increased.

Other possible symptoms at 16 weeks pregnant:

Thus, 16 weeks of obstetric gestation correspond to 14 weeks of fetal, and 16 weeks of fetal - 18 weeks of obstetric.

In the sixteenth week, you are approximately three months and three weeks pregnant.
Calculate what is the gestational age in weeks and calculate the date of delivery by the last menstruation

What happens to the fetus at 16 weeks pregnant?

At 16 weeks, your unborn baby is about the size of an avocado. Its body length is 11.5–12 cm, weight is 100 grams.

The legs of the fetus grow faster than the arms, its proportions are increasingly approaching those of a newborn. His spine and surrounding muscles become stronger, so he can extend his neck more. Facial muscles and oculomotor muscles continue to develop actively. The kid already knows how to build different grimaces, which he constantly does, he can turn his eyes in different directions, reduce them to his nose. The eyelids are still closed, but the eyes can already feel the light.

At the sixteenth week of pregnancy, your unborn baby has eyebrows and eyelashes, nails grow on the fingers and toes. His skin, due to the lack of subcutaneous fat, is still transparent, blood vessels, some bones and internal organs.

In addition to the eyes, other senses are also being improved. The fetus has developed taste buds. In his ear, auditory ossicles are formed, with the help of which he can hear sounds: how your intestines work, your heart beats, how you talk, sing, how someone is talking next to you. Already from this period, the child can begin to be taught to good music: as scientific studies show, newborn children remember the melodies that they heard when they were in their mother's tummy.

The baby is changing not only externally: significant changes are taking place inside his body. His little heart pumps almost 24 liters of blood daily. And this is not the limit - this figure will grow throughout pregnancy. The cartilages that make up the fetal skeleton are actively replaced by bone tissue at the sixteenth week. The baby's bones become denser, but still flexible enough to allow him to successfully navigate through the mother's birth canal during childbirth. If you are pregnant with a girl, then there are already hundreds of thousands in her ovaries oocytes- germ cells, some of which may become your grandchildren in the future.

At the 16th week of pregnancy, the fetus makes many different movements. If you shine a bright flashlight on the stomach, it turns away from the light. The kid squeezes his hands into fists, sucks his finger, yawns, plays with the umbilical cord. By the way, the umbilical cord at the sixteenth week is already fully matured, one vein and two arteries pass through it, which are surrounded by a thick slippery membrane. Thanks to her, the umbilical cord moves freely relative to the fetus.

Ultrasound at 16 weeks pregnant

At 16-18 weeks, the doctor prescribes a second prenatal ultrasound screening. Pictures of the fetus at this stage of pregnancy are as follows:

What happens to the uterus and abdomen at 16 weeks pregnant?

The uterus at the sixteenth week of pregnancy continues to grow: now its upper edge is halfway between the pubic bones and the navel. As it grows, it continues to stretch round ligaments, sometimes this leads to pain in the groin, lower abdomen.

How much weight should the expectant mother gain?

If before pregnancy a woman had normal weight, then during the second trimester she should gain an average of 5.5-6.3 kg. If you were underweight or overweight before pregnancy, your OB/GYN will recommend that you aim for higher or lower numbers. At the same time, weight gain by week can be uneven, sometimes more, sometimes less. You need to see a doctor if the mass began to increase very quickly - this may indicate some pathologies.
Calculate weight gain in mom during pregnancy by week

How to ensure the desired weight gain?

First of all - do not worry and do not force your body, forcing yourself to constantly eat or, on the contrary, adhering to a strict diet. Your diet should be complete and varied. Remember that different women put on weight during pregnancy in different ways. It depends on the initial body weight, physical activity. Experts recommend that a woman consume an additional 300-340 calories during the second trimester of pregnancy.

"What if I put on too much weight?"

In no case do not rush to go on a low-calorie diet and do not skip meals: this may be unsafe for you and the child. If you think that you are gaining too much weight, you should first consult with your doctor. Here are some tips to help you slow down your weight gain:

· Start your day with a hearty breakfast. It should include a large amount of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, a small amount of fat.

· Try to fill yourself up primarily with fruits and vegetables, grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Try to avoid red and processed meats, fast food, sugary drinks, muffins, confectionery.

· Keep fruit, low-fat yogurt, or cheese handy in case you feel like snacking. This way you will be less tempted to eat cake or other unhealthy foods.

Replace all sugary drinks with water.

· Calories that enter your body must be burned. Therefore, physical activity is essential during pregnancy. You should not be surprised at where you get extra weight if you spend all day on the couch.

“What should I do if I am not gaining weight well?”

Do you weigh yourself once a week and notice that the scale needle does not change position very much? You should not start eating everything, including junk food: this way you can harm the child and yourself. Some recommendations will help you:

· Drink a milkshake with natural fruits every day. Your body will receive a triple benefit: missing calories, calcium and vitamin C.

Among plant foods, nuts and avocados are rich in fat.

· Eat more dried fruit. They don't take up as much space in your stomach as fresh ones, so you'll fill up more slowly and eat more.

Have frequent snacks, especially if you have an appetite - no need to limit yourself.

How to eat right?

At the 16th week of pregnancy and in general during the entire second trimester, not only caloric content is important, but also the regularity of nutrition. This affects both the condition of the mother and the health of the unborn child. The rhythm of life of many modern women does not allow you to eat regularly and adhere to a certain diet. Now you have to deal with this issue, because when you skip food, your baby skips it too. Here are a few useful tips:

· Not enough time to cook breakfast? This is not a problem, there are many solutions. For example, you can start setting your alarm 15 minutes early. You can cook food in the evening, and in the morning just warm it up. No time to cook porridge? Eat at least a couple of cheese sandwiches - it's better than nothing.

· Busy work schedule? Try to rearrange it so that you always have time for lunch. If there is absolutely no time to eat normally in the dining room, you can get by with the same sandwiches, an apple. Carry something in your snack bag at all times.

· Forget to eat? You can use an alarm clock or special reminder apps for your smartphone. In the end, there are good old paper stickers - stick them in a conspicuous place.

· Skipping meals due to nausea? Despite this, most expectant mothers at the 16th week of pregnancy have already managed to forget about this symptom, some of them continue to worry. In this case, you should be aware that nausea is often aggravated by long breaks between meals.

· You are not hungry? Try to eat smaller meals more often. Gradually, your stomach will adjust, and you will begin to feel hungry at a certain time.

Physical activity

Pregnancy is not a reason to lie in bed or on the couch all day, to protect yourself from the slightest work. Physical activity is necessary, it is important for both the pregnant woman and the fetus, it improves the course of pregnancy, and has a positive effect on the process of childbirth. In addition, exercise helps burn calories, this is especially true for women who gain weight too quickly.

For future mother physical activity is important in any form, whether it's swimming in the pool, hitting the fitness center, walking in the park, or just doing household chores. The main thing is moderation. No need to go to extremes.

In order to tolerate physical activity well, 30 minutes before visiting the gym or swimming pool, you need to have a light snack and drink. At the sixteenth week of pregnancy, bananas and orange juice are best. They provide the body with potassium, an important mineral that is lost during sweating. Add a source of protein to fruit, such as an egg.

Is it possible to have sex?

You can have sex at any stage of your pregnancy without fear of harming your baby, unless your doctor has found any complications or disorders that may be contraindicated. Intimate intimacy is contraindicated except at the most later dates, in the last weeks, when she can provoke childbirth.

· Do you suffer from back pain? With them, simple physical exercises will help to fight. Consult your doctor, he will recommend the appropriate gymnastics for the spine.

· If you are concerned about constipation, try to eat more foods that contain fiber: fruits and vegetables, legumes, cereals and cereals, nuts. Drink plenty of fluids to help soften the stool and make it easier for it to pass through the bowels. Physical activity will help activate intestinal motility.

With eye symptoms (itching, dryness, hypersensitivity), special eye drops help fight, but you should consult a doctor before using them.

Nasal congestion can be treated with saline solutions. They are instilled into the nose or injected as an aerosol. You can improve your condition if you install a humidifier in your apartment.

· In order to prevent varicose veins, try not to stand for a long time. When lying down, place your feet on an elevation, for example, put a pillow under them.

· There is some evidence that pineapple during pregnancy helps prevent stretch marks. Mushrooms, bananas, meat, whole grains are also useful.

Do not stay under sunbeams Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50.

What research needs to be done?

At the sixteenth week of pregnancy, the doctor will prescribe you another appointment, during which he will assess your state of health, measure your pulse and blood pressure, body temperature, uterine fundus height, and abdominal circumference.

At week 16, the doctor may already prescribe a second prenatal screening (usually carried out at 16-18 weeks of pregnancy, up to 20-22 is acceptable), which includes ultrasound and blood tests.

Ultrasound at 16 weeks pregnant

The survey usually takes 15-45 minutes. It helps to solve important problems:

Determine the gender of the unborn child. As a rule, at the 16th week of pregnancy, it is already possible to tell from ultrasound images whether the fetus is a boy or a girl, unless, of course, he begins to “hide” his genitals from the sensor. Many parents look forward to this moment. Some try to determine the sex of the baby with “folk” methods before it becomes visible on ultrasound images. For example, they are guided by the month in which the baby was conceived, the symptoms of the mother, the heart rate of the fetus (if more than 140 beats per minute - a girl, if less - a boy). All these methods have no scientific justification. If you want to know the sex of the unborn child before the ultrasound, from 9-10 weeks you can go NIPT - non-invasive prenatal test.

Identify congenital malformations. During an ultrasound scan, the doctor determines some indicators that indicate anomalies in the development of the fetus and a possible risk of genetic disorders. Assess the size of the fetus, the condition of the internal organs, the length of the bones, the size of the placenta, the number amniotic fluid.

During the study, the doctor can detect the following pathologies:

Excessive thickness of the collar zone is a possible sign of Down syndrome.

Absence of the nasal ossicle is a possible sign of Edwards syndrome or Down syndrome.

Anencephaly (absence of the brain and cranial vault) and other pathologies of the neural tube.

Pathology of the spine and spinal cord.

Assess the overall health and condition of the fetus. The doctor can check how correctly the heart of the unborn child is contracting, calculate the heart rate. This is done using dopplerography- a type of ultrasound that can record the movement of blood in different directions. On the screen of the device, this is displayed as spots of blue and red.

identify some complications. In particular, related to the position of the fetus, the condition of the uterus and placenta. Timely diagnosis helps to take timely measures and prevent more serious complications.

Assess the location of the placenta. The placenta can have one of three positions:

· Front- on the anterior wall of the uterus.

· rear- on the posterior wall of the uterus.

· placenta previa- when it blocks the exit from the uterus. This condition poses a certain danger. During pregnancy, a woman needs increased attention on the part of the doctor, it is necessary to limit travel over long distances to the maximum, physical activity.

Fetal indicators that the doctor can evaluate during the second scheduled ultrasound examination:

Biochemical screening at 16 weeks of gestation

The second biochemical screening is an analysis of the venous blood of the expectant mother, which helps to identify increased risk neural tube anomalies, Down syndrome and other common genetic diseases. The second prenatal screening is prescribed to absolutely all pregnant women, regardless of age, obstetric history, results of the first biochemical screening and other factors.

Blood test is non-invasive and safe method diagnostics. But he is inaccurate. Biochemical screening cannot give an exact unambiguous answer "yes, the child is sick" or "no, the child is not sick." It determines only the probability of pathology. According to the results of the analysis, the doctor maybe classify the woman as a high-risk group and prescribe an invasive study - amniocentesis, chorion biopsy. These procedures carry certain risks. In rare cases, they lead to infection, miscarriage. But invasive diagnostic methods are the most accurate, they help to finally understand the situation and accept correct solution.

As a biochemical screening at 16-18 weeks of gestation, triple or quad test.

During the triple test in the body of a woman, the levels of three substances are determined:

· Alpha fetoprotein(abbreviated as AFP) is a protein that is produced by the liver and digestive system of the fetus.

· Estriol(during the analysis, the level of free estriol is determined) - a minor female sex hormone from the estrogen group, which has low activity and is produced during pregnancy by the placenta, the fetal liver.

· human chorionic gonadotropin(abbreviated hCG) is produced by the placenta. It supports the course of pregnancy, controls the synthesis of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

In the quadruple test, a fourth is added to these three substances - inhibin A, a hormone produced by the placenta.

The accuracy of the triple and quadruple test is approximately 75–80%.

In what cases should you see a doctor?

Self-diagnosis and self-treatment is generally not very good, and especially for a pregnant woman. If you have any symptoms that make you worried, it is best to consult a doctor once again. It may turn out that these are normal manifestations of pregnancy, but it is better to be safe than to miss a disease that can adversely affect the health of the expectant mother and baby. Especially dangerous can be pain in the abdomen and other symptoms that are very pronounced, do not go away for a long time.

Do not take any medications without a doctor's prescription. During pregnancy, many drugs are contraindicated. If you have symptoms of a cold, you can use some home and folk remedies but you definitely need to see a doctor.

Second trimester screening - Video guide

The fetus at the 16th week of pregnancy has a height of about 10-13 cm. The weight of the fetus is from 55 to 100 g. At the same time, the woman herself is gaining weight, plus 2-2.3 kg is considered a normal increase. The shape of the uterus changes, it becomes hemispherical, and its size at 16 weeks - with a small melon.

16 weeks - fetus

The fetus continues to grow actively; on ultrasound, its CTE (coccyx-parietal size) at 16 weeks is about 41 mm. At 16 weeks, it is determined and such as BDP (biparietal size), it is 31-37 mm. This size means the transverse size of the baby's head.

In addition, at 16 weeks of gestation, such dimensions of the fetus are determined as the circumference of its head, which should average 124 mm, the circumference of the abdomen - 100 mm, the length of the thigh - 20 mm, the length of the humerus - 18 mm, the length of the forearm - 15 mm and the length shins - 18 mm.

In addition to size, ultrasound evaluates such factors as the symmetry of the limbs, the appearance of long bones, which should be even and without broken lines. At this time, it is already possible to determine the sex of the unborn child - the genitals are formed and visible quite clearly. Of course, inaccuracies in the process of determining are not excluded, so you should not tune in to expecting a child of a particular gender, so as not to experience disappointment in case of an error.

What does a fetus look like at 16 weeks?

His body is still quite disproportionate. This means that the head occupies a significant part of the size of the embryo. The first hairs are already appearing on it, while they are whitish, but as soon as the skin begins to produce pigment, they will turn into a natural color. Marigolds appear on the fingers, legs lengthen.

The handles are trying to get and grab the legs, the umbilical cord, squeeze them. But you should not be afraid that he will squeeze it and deprive himself of access to oxygen and nutrients - the umbilical veins are protected by a special sheath and the baby is not able to squeeze them.

The embryo at 16 weeks continues to actively develop. The kidneys and bladder, sweat and sebaceous glands begin to work, the coordination of movements is increasing.

At 16 weeks pregnant, a woman can already feel slight fetal movements. They are still quite weak and can be confused with intestinal peristalsis. It is especially difficult to understand a woman who gives birth for the first time. Experienced women in labor may well understand that it is their baby moving.

The size of the abdomen at week 16 is still quite small, especially if the woman has a large physique. In this case, pregnancy may remain invisible. Thin women with narrow hips are undergoing much more changes - their tummy begins to protrude noticeably forward.

As for the general sensations - the second trimester, which you entered from the 13th week, is rightfully considered the most pleasant period of pregnancy. Judge for yourself - you are no longer worried about toxicosis in the morning, your general condition has improved, hormones are not naughty so much, you no longer want to cry and laugh at the same time. Plus, the stomach is still small and the weight gain is insignificant - so walking is still quite easy and pleasant. At this time, edema and varicose veins rarely occur. It remains only to enjoy your condition.

The child already hears sounds outside the mother, so it is useful to listen to classical music with the baby, talk to him, sing songs to him. Emotional and intellectual. Let dad talk to him - the baby will get used to his voice even before his birth.

Not only the uterus continues to grow, but also the chest, a venous network and stretch marks may appear on it. To avoid stretch marks not only on the chest, but also on the abdomen and hips, you need to use by special means and watch the weight without adding too much and abruptly.

AT WHAT TIME THE BELLY BEGINS TO GROW (PHOTO - 16 WEEK OF PREGNANCY)

During pregnancy, the belly grows due to three factors - an increase in the uterus, amniotic fluid and fetal growth.

To understand how long does it take for the belly to grow, it is necessary to refer to the average indicator. Usually gynecologists point to the 16th week of pregnancy, that is, from 4 months.

A woman has always been worried about the question of when the stomach begins to grow strongly during pregnancy. Despite the average figure, at what time does the stomach begin to grow depends on individual characteristics. For many, it becomes noticeable to others only at 5-6 months, and some manage to hide it. until the end of pregnancy . Therefore, when the belly of the expectant mother begins to grow during pregnancy, it is very personal.
The expectant mother needs to pass the second prenatal screening and the triple extended test from 16 to 20 weeks pregnant . The triple extended test includes a blood test for AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) ) and free estriol (unconjugated). Such a test makes it possible to understand the potential risks of having a baby with severe developmental anomalies, Down syndrome, for example.

if the conducted studies revealed a possible pathology;

if parents are over 35;

if there are relatives with genetic diseases.

The amniocentesis procedure is controlled by ultrasound and local anesthesia. : the abdomen is pierced with a special needle above the uterus and amniotic fluid is taken. Then the fetal cells in the taken fluid are grown, their genetic analysis is carried out. It makes it possible to detect 40 infections and congenital malformations of the fetus . With this procedure, the risk of miscarriage is 0.5-3%.

16 weeks of pregnancy, or IV complete obstetric months have come to an end. Calendar date of your pregnancy is a little less than 4 months. Many changes have taken place in the child's body and in your body.

16 WEEKS PREGNANT. THE SIZE OF THE FETUS, THE FEELINGS OF THE FUTURE MOMMY

The 16th week of pregnancy comes and the expectant mother has new sensations. They are associated with an active increase in the uterus and an increase in the amount of amniotic fluid. When 16 weeks of pregnancy are over, a rounded belly will be visible in the photo. After all, amniotic fluid will already be at a rate of approximately 230-250 ml. During this period, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the implementation of Kegel exercises. and include some of them in your daily routine.

The following sensations are characteristic of the 16th week of pregnancy:

breast sensitivity increases due to increased blood flow;

sometimes on the chest begins to protrude venous pattern, and Montgomery's tubercles may appear near the nipple;

there may be constipation due to a weakening of intestinal motility;

pregnant women (repeatedly) can feel fetal movement , reminiscent of gas in the lower intestines.

If you do an ultrasound at 16 weeks of pregnancy, you can see new changes that have occurred with the baby. 16 weeks pregnant means that the size of the fetus gradually increases and further development takes place:

he already holds his head straight, because the neck is well developed;

facial muscles are formed - grimaces, winks appear, the mouth opens;

the auricles are almost located in their place (previously they were close to the neck);

eyes are shifted to the center (previously they were on the sides);

the beginning of the formation of bones;

the girls' ovaries have already descended into the hip area from the abdominal cavity;

progress in the work of the bladder and kidneys - every 45 minutes it releases urine into the amniotic fluid;

legs lengthen, becoming more proportional to the body;

the appearance of nails;

improves coordination of legs and arms;

work sweat and sebaceous glands;

at 16 weeks of your pregnancy, the size of the fetus will be, by comparison, the size of an orange. On ultrasound at 16 weeks of gestation, the length of the fetus from the crown to the sacrum should be 108-116 mm, and the weight should be approximately 80 g.

Ultrasound at 16 weeks pregnant on the picture Gradually, a real person emerges.

HCG DURING PREGNANCY (NORMAL, WITH FALSE AND Ectopic Pregnancy)

HCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone synthesized by chorion cells (embryo membranes). It is he who confirms the pregnancy.

It's important to know hCG levels during pregnancy, since a deviation from the norm may indicate pathological and physiological changes in organism.

3-5 days of delayed menstruation or 12 days after conception, hCG is already being analyzed when determining pregnancy. If hCG shows above 5 units, this will mean the onset of pregnancy. However, the level of hCG during the onset of pregnancy in early period has not yet reached sufficient concentration. An analysis of hCG with the further development of pregnancy is prescribed 2-3 more times before the first ultrasound.

On the eve of the blood test for hCG, any physical activity. He gives up on an empty stomach in the morning. And if at another time - there is nothing for 4-6 hours.

Abnormal hCG results can tell a lot about pregnancy. So, if the level of hCG is reduced during pregnancy, then this may mean:

misplaced gestational age ;

cessation of pregnancy development (missed pregnancy);

the threat of miscarriage;

ectopic pregnancy ;

fetal growth retardation;

dysfunction of the placenta;

delayed pregnancy;

fetal death (in the II and III trimesters).

During pregnancy, an increasing level of hCG is considered normal. In the first trimester, it doubles every 2-3 days. The highest level of hCG is at 10-12 weeks. Then it slowly decreases and becomes constant in the second half of pregnancy.

Elevated hCG

Often an increase hCG levels is not a deviation from the normal course of pregnancy . It may be accompanied by multiple pregnancy or severe toxicosis.

If other tests deviate from the norm with elevated hCG, this may indicate preeclampsia or diabetes. High hCG is sometimes observed when taking hormones. The combination of elevated hCG with low estriol and AFP indicates a high risk of having Down syndrome in a child.

Low hCG

A low hCG level often indicates:

fetal death;

delay in fetal development;

ectopic pregnancy;

the threat of miscarriage;

chronic insufficiency of the placenta;

overbearing a child.

HCG when an ectopic pregnancy is detected:

Causes of an ectopic pregnancy poorly studied. It can only be recognized by ultrasound. An analysis for hCG allows you to detect tubal or ovarian attachment of the embryo during an ectopic pregnancy. The level of hCG in such cases will either be somewhat reduced, or even remain normal at first. But then it drops sharply. But the pathology can be finally judged only after ultrasound.

HCG with a frozen or regressing pregnancy:

A frozen pregnancy means the cessation of the development of the embryo. The death of the fetus most often occurs in the first trimester, but sometimes it happens in the later stages, but there is no miscarriage. There is a false growth of the uterus and the preservation of signs of pregnancy.

HCG recorded during a missed pregnancy , starts to decrease rapidly. Express tests will give a negative result.

OB-WEEKS OF PREGNANCY

The gynecologist sets the gestational age, which exceeds the real one by 2 weeks. Why are obstetric weeks of pregnancy so calculated. This issue is always on the agenda when registering for pregnancy.

Pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube when the egg and sperm merge at the time of ovulation or a day later. Thus, the gestational age can be calculated from the onset of ovulation. This method is not accurate, as ovulation does not always occur in the middle of the cycle.

Obstetric weeks of pregnancy have been counting for a long time. Since the main sign of pregnancy is the absence of menstruation, the beginning of the gestation period is from the date of the last menstruation.

Modern gynecologists calculate obstetric weeks of pregnancy , determining that 280 days after the first day of the last menstruation, a child should be born (9 full months plus 7 days). The obstetric period is a complete cycle of the birth, development and growth of the fetus. According to such calculations, the duration of pregnancy is 40 weeks, or 10 obstetric months. The obstetric week also contains 7 calendar days. Thus, it turns out that the obstetric gestational age is 2 weeks longer than the embryonic period.

9 months in terms of obstetric weeks:

2 months = 8 weeks 6 days
3 months = 13 weeks 2 days
4 months = 17 weeks 5 days
5 months = 22 weeks 1 day
6 months = 26 weeks 3 days
7 months = 30 weeks 6 days
8 months = 35 weeks 4 days
9 months = 40 weeks

Consider an example of determining the gestational age.

subtracting 3 months, we get February;
according to the obstetric term - May 1 + 7 \u003d 8th number. So the birth will be on February 8, 2014;
otherwise - May 1 + 9 months + 7 days = February 8, 2014
Later, the period should be clarified by ultrasound up to 12 weeks. But sometimes the embryonic and obstetric periods on ultrasound do not coincide, since on ultrasound the period is determined by the size of the fetus. A 1-2 week time difference is considered normal.

If the menstrual cycle deviates from 28 days or is irregular, it is difficult to determine the exact gestational age. In these cases, the results of ultrasound and the size of the uterus become a guideline.

Pregnant women are often confused in determining the timing. You can practice. So, the 6th week of pregnancy, if it is obstetric, will correspond to the 4th week from conception and the beginning of the second month according to the usual months. 7 obstetric week of your pregnancy , respectively - 5 weeks from conception, from delayed menstruation - 3 weeks and the middle of 2 months of pregnancy. The 5th week of pregnancy, defined as obstetric, is consistent with the 3rd week from conception and the end of the first - the beginning of the second month according to the usual months.

Try to practice yourself in determining pregnancy . Take a piece of paper and write what the 5th week of pregnancy means when she is obstetric, then do the same when she is 7 obstetric week your pregnancy. And finally, test yourself by writing what the 6th week of pregnancy is - obstetric.

HOW TO USE DOPEGIT IN PREGNANCY

Increased pressure, nausea and dizziness very often accompany pregnancy . But there is a drug - dopegyt, which will make life easier for pregnant women. Dopegyt tablets contain cellulose acetate, alpha-methyldop, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, starch and talc.

The maximum effect of dopegit taken during pregnancy reaches 4-6 hours after administration. The duration of its action is one to two days.

Dopegyt is prescribed during pregnancy strictly according to indications. It does not negatively affect the child in the II and III trimesters. Dopegyt lowers blood pressure by 10-20%. If the required pressure reduction does not occur, the drug is prescribed together with heparin, reopolikglucin, etc.

Dopegyt as a safer drug for fetal development during pregnancy , prefer to actually antihypertensive drugs in the first trimester.

Before using dopegyt during pregnancy, carefully read the instructions.

Pregnant women tolerate dopegyt well due to its mild action.

Dopegyt during pregnancy, according to the instructions, in its pharmacological action belongs to antihypertensive drugs of central action.

Dopegyt is taken before or after meals by mouth. The dosage is set individually. The maximum daily dosage is 2 g. When taken with other drugs the maximum dose per day cannot exceed 500 mg.

When a stable result is achieved, the dose should be slowly reduced. In the first days of taking dopegit causes drowsiness, lethargy, lethargy.

ALWAYS consult with your doctor before taking the drug!
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The period of 15-16 weeks of pregnancy is considered the best time of pregnancy. The woman feels well, rejoices at the upcoming motherhood. At this time, the belly is not yet very noticeable, especially under clothes. Although its slight increase is obvious. To ensure a positive attitude for yourself, and a harmonious development for the baby, you can make a musical selection of pleasant melodies and listen to it periodically. Both classical music and instrumental compositions, jazz or funny children's songs will do.

15-16 weeks of pregnancy: mother's condition

The uterus continues to grow actively, pressing on the intestines, so some women may notice that their stomach is pulling. In addition, by the end of the 16th week, the expectant mother may feel fetal movements. Such sensations are due precisely to the growth of the uterus and its approach to the walls of the abdominal cavity. Especially often at this time, fetal movements are felt by women who have already given birth. Sometimes the gentle pushing of the baby can be confused with intestinal motility.

Weight gain by the end of the 16th week of pregnancy is about two to three kilograms.

In the period from 15 to 18 weeks pregnant, it is desirable to do a second biochemical screening to determine the level of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and free estradiol. Based on the results of such a “triple test”, a conclusion will be made about the risk of developing genetic abnormalities in the fetus. But even if the indicators turn out to be not too good, you should not panic, since the test only makes it possible to determine whether a woman is in a high-risk group. Therefore, a consultation with a geneticist and further examination will be mandatory.

Also, at 16 weeks, another ultrasound is scheduled.

Fetal development

At a period of 15-16 weeks, the network of blood vessels in the child's body grows, and the mass of the brain increases. The body of the child and his legs grow most intensively. The skin still has a reddish tint, but the fluff on the head noticeably thickens, the appearance of pigment is noted - the hair acquires the color with which the baby will be born. The circulatory network is clearly visible through the skin of the child. This is due to the fact that a layer of adipose tissue has not yet been formed. The size of the fetus is about 90 grams, and its length is 16 centimeters.

The amount of amniotic fluid increases markedly. The baby begins to swallow them more and more intensively, but after an hour allocates water back. It should be noted that the amniotic fluid is sterile, as it is constantly updated.

At this time, the bones of the fetus are strengthened. And the beating of a small heart can be heard with a regular stethoscope.

The second trimester of pregnancy is traditionally considered the most calm and joyful period of life for the expectant mother.

This is the time to start thinking about updating your wardrobe. From the 15th to 16th week of pregnancy, your belly will begin to gradually increase, habitual clothes can cause discomfort, therefore, as far as possible, it is advisable to replace it with one in which both you and your baby will feel comfortable.

The emotional and psychological state of many pregnant women in this trimester allows you to engage in special physical exercises. If you do not feel unwell, you can do special gymnastics without risk to your own health and the health of your baby. In no case do not engage in hard physical labor, do not lift weights. Try to observe the regime of work and rest.

Is it worth talking about the need for regular walks in the fresh air? This will help your body cope more easily with the increased need for oxygen. At this time, it is advisable to attend a school for young mothers, where they will help you acquire valuable knowledge.

Close attention during this period should be given to a balanced diet. In the second trimester, your body needs vitamins and trace elements as badly as in the first, since not all fetal systems have fully formed. However, you should not overeat, because this will inevitably lead to weight gain.

Following the above tips will help you avoid possible pregnancy complications.

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16 weeks pregnant

At the sixteenth week, everyone knows that a woman is pregnant and, of course, a lot of advice regarding lifestyle, nutrition, and even raising an unborn child cannot be avoided. It is very difficult in some situations to maintain moral balance. However, try not to be nervous, because this will negatively affect the baby, who is not to blame for anything.

What does the baby look like

The child looks like a person, his head is no longer pressed to his chest, and nails grow on his fingers. The movements of the limbs are more coordinated, he can easily reach his mouth with his hand. The skin is covered with fine hairs and a lubricant that protects it from the external environment. Higher nervous activity is already developed so much that the baby begins to worry when the mother is nervous. Most likely, he picks up her heartbeat and voice.

Interestingly, by this time the vocal apparatus has already been formed, so that the baby is able to make sounds. He will need this skill a little later, when he announces his birth with the first loud cry.

The kidneys secrete about half a liter of urine per day, due to which the amniotic fluid is completely renewed. The reproductive system of girls is practically formed, but in boys, the testicles are in the abdominal cavity and will descend much later.

Fruit size: the weight of the crumbs reaches 100 g, and the height is 20 cm. Many women, especially those who have already given birth, feel movements that can sometimes be confused with intestinal motility.

Photo of the fetus at 16 weeks pregnant

What has changed in the body of a woman

At this time, subcutaneous veins may protrude on the enlarged chest and abdomen. This is due to the redistribution of blood in the body. Do not worry, after childbirth and the end of the lactation period, they will disappear without a trace.

Allocations from the genital tract at 16 weeks is usually not abundant, transparent or whitish. The appearance of red or brown streaks is an alarming symptom that may indicate placental abruption and the threat of miscarriage. Therefore, when they appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Another danger may be uterine hypertonicity, which is manifested by pulling or cramping pains in the lower abdomen, it becomes hard to the touch. This leads to intrauterine hypoxia of the child. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid traumatic situations and, if necessary, take no-shpu. Remember that the treatment must be prescribed by a doctor.

Second trimester screening

It's time for your second trimester screening. You can make it from 16 to 20 weeks, but the optimal period is 16-17 weeks. It includes:

1. Ultrasound, in which the doctor carefully examines all the internal organs of the child and his limbs, measures the circumference of the abdomen and head, assesses the condition of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid. During the study, the specialist determines the expected date of birth, but do not think that it is final. Only a small number of babies are born right on time.
2. In a biochemical blood test, the level of hCG, AFP, estriol and inhibin A is determined.

• The level of chorionic gonadotropin at week 16 is normally 10,000-58,000 mU / ml, with an increase in the duration of pregnancy, its concentration begins to decrease. Deviations from the norm upwards may indicate not only chromosomal pathologies (Down and Klinefelter syndrome), but also multiple pregnancies, diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. With a reduced level of hCG, the risk of Edwards syndrome increases.
• The concentration of alpha-fetoprotein begins to increase from the 14th week of pregnancy. Its norm at week 16 is 15-95 units / ml. If the level of AFP is elevated, then this may indicate a risk of anomalies in the development of the central nervous system or a multiple pregnancy. If the concentration is below normal, then there is a possibility of Down and Edwards syndrome.
• The level of estriol is determined by the work of the fetal adrenal glands and may change when taking some medicines(glucocorticoid hormones, antibiotics). At low concentrations, the likelihood of Down and Edwards syndrome increases, at high concentrations, fetoplacental insufficiency, underdevelopment of the adrenal glands and the brain in a child are often observed.
• The concentration of inhibin A is affected by the age, weight, smoking of a woman, so this indicator should be evaluated only in conjunction with the rest.

If, as a result of screening, an increased risk of congenital or chromosomal abnormalities is established, the woman is referred for a consultation with a geneticist, who determines the indications for invasive diagnostics (amniocentesis).

• Second trimester screening should be performed, which includes ultrasound and blood chemistry.
• Women who already have children can feel the first movements of the baby.
• There is a risk of placental abruption and uterine hypertonicity. In case of any deviations from the norm, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
• Maintain a good mood and physical form, visit group lessons for pregnant.

Photo of belly at 16 weeks pregnant

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Interesting on the site

16 weeks pregnant, description of fetal development

How the baby grows, the size and weight of the baby at 16 weeks of gestation

With a length of 11-11.5 cm and a weight of 80 g, at 16 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is the size of an avocado. In the next 3 weeks, he will make a serious breakthrough, doubling his weight and significantly increasing his height. The lower limbs became much more developed, and the neck raised its head higher. The eyes and ears are already close to their final location. At 16 weeks pregnant, the heart pumps about 25 liters of blood daily. Although closed, his eyes can move slowly, and nails have begun to grow on his feet. As for the functioning of the kidneys and bladder, progress is also being made here - almost every 45 minutes the baby makes a “contribution” to the composition of the amniotic fluid.

The liver begins to become a digestive organ, and red blood gradually takes over the functions of hematopoiesis. Bone marrow. In the blood of the fetus, it is already possible to detect all the cells characteristic of the blood of an adult, and it is possible to determine its group and Rh factor. The stomach, intestines and gallbladder begin to perform their specific functions. But for now, their work is just training. In the intestines of the fetus, the first contents appear, consisting mainly of bile. This is meconium - the original feces - dark green or black-green in color.

When conducting an ultrasound scan at week 16, you can see the movements of the fetus on the monitor screen. Perhaps you already feel them. And if not, don't worry. Usually, the first movements, or movements, of the fetus occur between the 16th and 20th weeks of pregnancy: it is different for all women. In addition, one child may be more active, and the other less. Even in one mother with different pregnancies, the timing of the first movements is different.

How do you change, the sensations in your body

Have you been told how wonderful you look at 16 weeks? During pregnancy, a woman really "shines" due to the increased volume of blood flowing to the skin. Now, hopefully, you yourself like yourself, thanks to subsided hormones and receded toxicosis. The feeling of confidence is added by the fact that your pregnancy is already more than 14 weeks old, and this is another period after which the risk of miscarriage is significantly reduced!

Six weeks ago, the uterus weighed 140 g, and now its weight is about 250 g. The volume of amniotic fluid in which the baby swims increases to 250 ml. At 16 weeks pregnant, you can feel your uterus at a distance of 7.5 cm below the navel.

This week you need to donate blood to determine the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and unconjugated estriol (NE).

In some disabling diseases (for example, Down's syndrome, craniocerebral hernia, anencephaly, splitting of the anterior abdominal wall of the fetus, etc.), the levels of these substances in the blood of pregnant women may deviate from the norm. According to the results of the study, it is possible to suspect or exclude the presence of these defects in the fetus.

Sauna and bath during pregnancy

Is it possible to visit a sauna or bath during pregnancy? Your baby needs to maintain a certain body temperature. Research has shown that if your body temperature remains elevated by several degrees for several minutes during critical periods in the development of a child, this can harm the fetus. So it is better not to risk with a bath and a sauna. Hang on for a few more months. Science does not know how the mother's stay in the solarium affects the growing fetus. Until certain results are obtained on this issue, it is also better for you to refrain from visiting the solarium.

What to do at 16 weeks pregnant

Organize something with your partner romantic evening... When the baby is born, it will be quite problematic to find time to be alone. Do not miss the current opportunity to be together, and do not put it off for later. After all, it is quite possible that in the third trimester you will become much lazier and more difficult to get out somewhere ...

Question 16 weeks pregnant:

At what gestational age is a child considered viable?

This is an ambiguous question. There is no fixed time frame, although experts disagree. The survival rate for babies born after 23 weeks increases with each week of pregnancy. Babies born before 23 weeks of gestation have a very low survival rate and require long-term intensive medical care, including the use of various life support devices. Very immature infants are at risk for cerebral palsy, intraventricular bleeding, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

From the book by W. and M. Sears "All the necessary information for a future mother from the birth of an idea to the birth of a child"

Bleeding gums (pregnancy gingivitis). Have you already guessed the reason? The same pregnancy hormones that affect the lining cells of various organs in your body also cause changes in your mouth. You should be prepared not only for increased salivation, but also for the fact that your gums will become sensitive, swollen and easily damaged while brushing or flossing your teeth. At about the fourth month of pregnancy, a visit to the dentist should be made. Your dentist, oral hygienist, or periodontist can help you avoid inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or various infections that changes in your mouth can cause. Since pregnant women are at increased risk of tooth decay and gingivitis, dental visits and good oral hygiene should be an integral part of medical care during pregnancy. Whether you need a dental cleaning, dental X-ray, or local anesthesia, don't worry. All this will not harm the child. (If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, be sure to inform your dentist, and you will be given a protective apron to cover your belly when you x-ray the tooth.) pregnancy - despite the fact that the antibiotics used in such cases are usually safe for pregnant women.

Here are some home remedies to help prevent gum changes that occur during pregnancy from getting worse and worse.

Eat more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C. Foods high in calcium are also good for teeth.

Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic several times a day. After rinsing, spit out the liquid instead of swallowing it.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles that won't cause your gums to bleed.

Brush your teeth more often, and be sure to brush your teeth after every meal. Carry a spare toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse.

Floss your teeth regularly (at least once a day).

Consider using an ultrasonic toothbrush, which is more effective than a regular toothbrush in removing plaque from your teeth. In addition, it spares gums that have become sensitive.

Give up viscous caramel and other similar sweets. Butterscotch, figs, and other sticky foods gather in the cavities of swollen gums, so try to satisfy your sweet tooth with less sticky foods.

Note: Tiny nodules may form on the gums that are sensitive to touch and bleed when brushing teeth. These nodules, called "pyogenic granulomas" (or "tumors of pregnancy"), should not cause you concern; they disappear shortly after birth. If they make you uncomfortable, your dentist may drain or remove them.

If at the 16th week of pregnancy the stomach pulls or hurts, see your doctor so that he can rule out a possible uterine tone. Drawing pains at 16 weeks pregnant can also mean that you should avoid exercise. Keep in mind, at the 16th week of pregnancy, the discharge may become more pronounced. This is quite typical for the beginning of pregnancy, and before the birth itself, it can be water - be especially careful. On page 16 week of pregnancy, photos of the fetus will help you understand at what stage of development the child is.

At the 16th week of pregnancy, blood will need to be tested to make sure that the baby is absolutely healthy. In addition, we recommend that you monitor the change in the level of hCG and compare it with the normal value at the 16th week of pregnancy. We also recommend visiting our pregnancy forum, which will help you get more information about the development of the fetus and your body at 16 weeks from the moment of conception.

Pregnancy calendar.ru

• Frozen pregnancy

16 weeks pregnant - how many months?

According to the obstetric calendar, the 16th week of pregnancy falls on the fourth month. interesting position" women. The second trimester is in full swing, and if everything goes on as usual, a woman blossoms more and continues to prepare for the inevitable motherhood.

Feel

Feelings at the 16th week of pregnancy, if it proceeds favorably and in accordance with all norms, are not overshadowed by any painful or unpleasant manifestations. Toxicosis is a thing of the past, frequent urination is also. The breast, preparing for lactation, continues to increase, but at the same time, the soreness, as a rule, already disappears. Against this background, the expectant mother seems to “come to life”: the hormonal background has been established in comparison with the early stages of pregnancy, therefore the woman becomes balanced and calmer, full of new strength and joy.

Starting from the 16th week of pregnancy, a woman often begins to feel how her appetite has increased. This is especially true for those mothers who at first suffered from toxicosis: now it’s just time to catch up and eat tasty and full, but at the same time watching the weight.

Surprisingly, but at the same time, it is pleasant that the sensations at the 16th week of pregnancy can be enriched by the first movements of a very tiny baby. Women who are pregnant again are more likely to feel the first movements of the baby: fetal movements in this case often occur 2-4 weeks earlier than during the first pregnancy. Often, the expectant mother at first does not even realize that these were the very first tangible movements of her beloved child: many women compare them with a slight flutter or sensations from air bubbles.

But, even if mom listens sensitively to her feelings, but does not feel any movements, you should not be upset about this. After all, some mothers have a more active baby, some have a calmer one, even with the same woman in different pregnancies, babies begin to noticeably move differently.

ultrasound

But, even if the woman does not yet feel the movements of the fetus, she can observe them during an ultrasound scan at the 16th week of pregnancy. When conducting an ultrasound examination, the monitor clearly shows how the baby moves, and even complements his movements with active grimacing. An ultrasound at the 16th week of pregnancy will show: the baby's facial expressions are unusually active - the baby is already frowning, grimacing, winking. And, besides, it becomes clear who is “building muzzles” in the mother’s tummy: ultrasound at the 16th week of pregnancy is quite capable of determining the sex of the baby.

fetus at 16 weeks pregnant

It’s a boy or a girl, but the fetus at the 16th week of pregnancy already reaches “decent” sizes: it is 11 cm long from the coccyx to the crown of the head, and weighs about 100-120 g.

The bones of the baby continue to strengthen - the legs become more developed, the nails are almost fully formed. The baby already holds the neck straight, can turn the head from side to side. At the same time, ears and eyes are getting closer to their “designated” location.

The baby's heart works at its maximum, pumping up to 25 liters of blood daily. Digestive functions are now performed by the liver, which was previously responsible for hematopoiesis. But gradually, the stomach, and with it the intestines, and the gallbladder, begin their functions, while still only carrying out "training" work. In the intestines of the fetus, for example, the first contents appear, which so far consists practically of bile. This is the original feces, meconium, which has a dark green or black-green color. Both the kidneys and the bladder of the crumbs are already fulfilling their purpose: every 45 minutes the fetus urinates.

From now on, the baby's bone marrow is responsible for hematopoiesis, and the composition of the blood is also fully formed. Now she is characterized by all those cells that are in the blood of an adult, the blood group and the Rh factor of the fetus are determined. At the same time, there is still a place in the blood for a special substance called fetal hemoglobin, or newborn hemoglobin. However, ordinary hemoglobin is already beginning to appear in the blood, only it will completely replace fetal hemoglobin only six months after the baby is born.

Analyzes

Week 16 is a crucial period for a woman who will now have a somewhat extended list of tests. In addition to the traditional urinalysis, pressure measurement, weight control, listening to the fetal heart, tests at week 16 are also desirable, which will detect or refute the presence of severe fetal developmental defects. More precisely, one test: a blood test that allows you to assess the levels in the woman's body of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (NE).

The study of the levels of these substances in the body of a pregnant woman makes it possible with a high degree of probability to assume that the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities and gross developmental defects. So, deviations of AFP, hCG and NE from the norm may indicate the possibility of a baby having Down syndrome, craniocerebral hernia, anencephaly, and a malformation of the spine. However, unfavorable tests at the 16th week of pregnancy can by no means be a reason for making a final diagnosis, but they become a good reason for additional studies and analyzes. For example, for amniocentesis.

Amniocentesis is an examination that involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid to study their composition. An analysis of amniotic fluids, the puncture of which is taken when a needle is inserted into the uterus under ultrasound control, makes it possible to diagnose about 40 birth defects development. At the same time, amniocentesis can provoke quite serious complications of pregnancy - up to its termination and premature birth. Therefore, this test should be carried out exclusively by a highly qualified specialist, explaining to the woman on the eve of all the dangers of the procedure. A woman, in turn, can always refuse such a procedure at will.

16 weeks pregnant photo

pain

Despite the fact that toxicosis has already passed by the 16th week of pregnancy, and in general a woman feels better than the first weeks of pregnancy, some painful sensations can sometimes bother her. For example, complaints of pain at 16 weeks in the lower back are common. As a rule, they arise due to the increased load on the spine of the expectant mother. Given this, you should abandon the heels and, if possible, give the spine a rest as often as possible. Also, it will not be superfluous to choose a suitable position for sleeping. It is now impossible to sleep on the stomach a priori - pressure on the stomach must be excluded. But now you can’t sleep much on your back either: such a position can provoke pain at 16 weeks in the lower back. From now on, the most preferable position for sleeping is on the left side, with one knee slightly pulled up to the chest.

Uterus

The uterus at 16 weeks of pregnancy continues to increase due to the constant growth of the fetus: now its weight can reach 250 g. During the examination, the doctor always measures the height of the uterus, which at 16 weeks already reaches the level of half the distance to the navel. These measurements are necessary to ensure normal course pregnancy and normal fetal development. A woman can also already feel the "house" of her baby: the uterus at 16 weeks of pregnancy is palpable at a distance of about 7-7.5 cm below the navel. Gradually increasing in size, the uterus inevitably begins to put pressure on the intestines, which can provoke bloating, heartburn and constipation.

Belly at 16 weeks pregnant

Along with the increase in the uterus, the stomach also increases at the 16th week of pregnancy: at this time, the stomach already clearly protrudes forward. Moreover, if the pregnancy is the first, then the belly does not protrude as much as in repeated pregnancies - the muscles and ligaments of the abdomen and uterus are still in good shape and not stretched.

As the belly grows, a dark stripe can appear more and more clearly on it, which stretches down from the navel, dividing the belly into two halves. This is a consequence of the accumulation of melanin pigment in the skin, a temporary phenomenon that will pass on its own after childbirth. By the way, dark spots can also occur on the forehead, on the cheeks, around the eyes and even on the bridge of the nose throughout pregnancy. They will also disappear after the baby is born - along with the brown stripe on the abdomen.

Allocations

The nature of the discharge at this time may change somewhat: discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy may be somewhat plentiful and have a whitish color. Do not be afraid: this situation is normal if the discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy has a uniform consistency, is not accompanied by itching and burning, and does not cause pain in the abdomen. It is enough just to keep the perineum and genitals clean and resort to regular hygiene procedures to prevent the development of infection.

Which will be indicated by the changed color (greenish, gray, with an admixture of mucus), consistency (heterogeneous and cheesy, bubbling discharge) and bad smell secretions. If the discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy has any of these signs, you should definitely consult a doctor: changes in the discharge may be due to the appearance of thrush, colpitis or vulvitis. In this case, the pregnant woman will definitely be prescribed appropriate treatment.

Also, the alarm should be sounded if, at the 16th week of pregnancy, bloody or brown discharge suddenly appears, accompanied by a pulling sensation in the abdomen. Such signs indicate an increased risk of premature termination of pregnancy.

Sex at 16 weeks pregnant

The second trimester is perhaps the most suitable time for the revival of the intimate life of the spouses, if it was interrupted due to the woman's poor health in the first weeks of pregnancy. Sex at the 16th week of pregnancy, in the absence of any contraindications, is absolutely safe and can bring many new and vivid sensations to future parents. That's just when having sex, it is imperative to exclude pressure on the mother's stomach, choosing the most suitable positions for sex at the 16th week of pregnancy.

Weight and nutrition

Weight at the 16th week of pregnancy already usually exceeds the “initial” weight: in general, a woman often gains about 2.5 kg during this time. And in the future, weight must be monitored in a mandatory manner in order to avoid its excess by the end of pregnancy and difficult childbirth for this reason.

Among other things, it will help proper nutrition- the choice of food during the bearing of the baby should be approached with special attention. Nutrition at the 16th week of pregnancy, as in previous weeks, must be complete, with the optimal ratio of all nutrients and nutrients. If this has not been done before, it is advisable to develop a diet at the 16th week of pregnancy, which in the future will have to be strictly adhered to. The most optimal diet: 3-5 times a day in small portions, but the most nutritious and healthy food. Breakfast is a must, as is the first course at lunchtime, but dinner should be lighter. Snacking between main meals is best avoided - they affect unwanted weight gain.

It also makes sense to think about the additional intake of vitamin and mineral complexes: the need for nutrients has now increased significantly. Calcium and vitamin D are especially needed at this stage - you need to take one or another vitamin-mineral complex after discussing this step with your doctor.

Frozen pregnancy

Frozen pregnancy, which is more common in early pregnancy, can still overtake a woman in the second trimester. Moreover, just a period of 16 weeks, more precisely, the interval of 16-18 weeks, in this regard, is the most dangerous.

A frozen pregnancy at 16 weeks becomes a tragic event in the life of a woman who is already cherishing dreams of meeting her unborn baby. Pregnancy fading - intrauterine death of the fetus and further non-development of pregnancy - can occur for many reasons: this is intrauterine infection of the fetus, and chromosomal abnormalities that have formed in it, and the Rhesus conflict of the mother and baby, and the impact on the fetus of negative factors. Pre-fertilization abortions provoke intrauterine death of the fetus and the fading of pregnancy - such interventions lead to a significant change hormonal background, injure and often infect the cervix.

A frozen pregnancy is determined at 16 weeks when monitoring the growth of the uterus, and is confirmed during an ultrasound examination. So, ultrasound makes it possible to accurately establish the absence of a fetal heartbeat: at week 16, the baby does not always make itself felt with tangible movement, therefore an accurate confirmation of the absence of a heartbeat is necessary.

Unfortunately, a diagnosed missed pregnancy at 16 weeks must be terminated in a hospital and on an emergency basis. Otherwise, dangerous complications are possible - infection of a woman (a dead fetus provokes inflammation in the uterus), bleeding due to detachment of the fetal egg, which are difficult to stop. After a planned cleaning, a comprehensive and thorough examination will be needed to identify the cause of the pregnancy fading, as well as some time for the rehabilitation and recovery of the woman. It is not recommended to plan the next pregnancy for another half a year after the forced medical intervention due to the fading of the pregnancy.