Second Trimester
Week 16: You may feel the first flutters of movement — called quickening.
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is the size of a
Avocado
Length
4.6 in
Weight
146 g
Week
16 / 40
💡 Expert tip
Start sleeping on your side now if you haven
🌱 Baby's development this week
- Eyes moving, though fused shut
- Hearing developing — can hear muffled sounds
- Toenails growing
- Circulatory and urinary systems fully working
Science fact
Quickening — the first felt movements — is typically sensed between 16–25 weeks. First-time mothers feel it later; those who
🤰 Your symptoms this week
Braxton Hicks contractions may begin
irregular, painless tightenings; practice contractions
Practice contractions — normal from mid-pregnancy. Stay hydrated, change position, rest.
Back pain beginning as posture adapts to shifting centre of gravity
Prenatal yoga, a support pillow, and swimming all help. Avoid standing for long periods.
Increased vaginal discharge
normal as cervical mucus increases
💛 Changes in your body
- First movements possible (quickening) — feels like bubbles or flutters
- Uterus halfway between pubic bone and navel
- Back pain may begin as posture shifts
- Skin pigmentation changes accelerating
💙 Mental health this week
Feeling those first flutters of movement is often emotionally profound. Some women feel guilty if they don
🥗 Nutrition focus
- Iron absorption tip: take iron supplements on empty stomach with orange juice
- Avoid calcium supplements within 2 hours of iron — they compete for absorption
- Continue DHA supplementation throughout pregnancy — brain development accelerates
📅 Appointment / test
Anatomy scan is typically scheduled 18–22 weeks — book now as appointments fill quickly.
✅ This week's checklist
Book anatomy scan for 18–22 weeks NOW
Start sleeping exclusively on your side (not back or stomach)
Ask partner to research Doppler home monitors if anxious between appointments
Track your pregnancy week by week
Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips
Open Week 16 in Interactive Guide → →