Start sleeping on your side now if you haven
Quickening — the first felt movements — is typically sensed between 16–25 weeks. First-time mothers feel it later; those who
Feeling those first flutters of movement is often emotionally profound. Some women feel guilty if they don
Between weeks 16–22, most pregnant women feel their baby move for the first time — a moment often described as one of the most significant of pregnancy. Knowing what to expect reduces the anxiety of waiting.
What quickening feels like:
Why you might not feel it yet at 16 weeks:
Regular, recognizable movement becomes clearer around weeks 20–24. There is no normal amount of movement at 16 weeks — formal kick counting begins much later (weeks 26–28). For now, if you feel something, enjoy it; if you don't, it's not a concern.
Anatomy scan is typically scheduled 18–22 weeks — book now as appointments fill quickly.
At 16 weeks, your baby is approximately 4.6 inches (11.6 cm) long and weighs about 3.5 oz (100 g) — roughly the size of an avocado. The baby is holding their head erect and eyes are beginning to move side to side, though the eyelids remain fused.
Many women experience a welcome energy boost at 16 weeks as the worst first-trimester symptoms ease. Common symptoms: round ligament pain (sharp lower-abdominal twinges when changing position), visible bump, possible first movements, back pain, increased discharge, and nasal congestion.
First movements (quickening) are typically felt between weeks 16–22. At 16 weeks, it's possible to feel movement but not guaranteed — particularly in a first pregnancy. If you have an anterior placenta, movement may not be felt until 20–24 weeks. This is not a sign of a problem.
16 weeks is in the second trimester (weeks 14–27). The second trimester is often the most comfortable — energy has returned for many, the bump is visible but manageable, and the most intense first-trimester symptoms have usually eased.
The anatomy scan (20-week scan / fetal anomaly scan) is the most detailed ultrasound of pregnancy and checks all major organs and structures. It's typically scheduled between weeks 18–22. At 16 weeks, you're approximately 2–6 weeks away from this appointment. See week 18 for full preparation details.
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