Week 16 of pregnancy
Updated 25 Oct 2026
Your baby this week
About the size of an avocado
Source: Vinmec – Bảng cân nặng và chiều dài thai nhi theo tiêu chuẩn của WHO
Your baby's development
Your baby measures 10 -13cm and weighs about 90 - 110 grams, as big as an avocado. But of course not green :D. Your baby's heart rate is about 150 - 160 beats/minute.
The back muscles and spine are getting stronger, so your baby looks straighter. Your baby's eyes are starting to work and can sense light, although the eyelids are still sealed shut. Your baby's facial expressions are clearer, such as yawning and smiling, although these expressions are not yet well controlled.
The nervous system continues to mature, and your baby's arms and legs can now move. The hands can now move about and punch in all directions. If this is not your first baby, you may already feel your baby's movements, also known as quickening. If this is your first baby, you usually feel movements a little later. This is a lovely bond between you and your baby. Isn't it wonderful, parents?
Your body
Your baby is now growing very fast, so your bump may grow faster. Your weight also changes significantly. You may gain 2 - 4kg in a month. However, everyone's body is different, so don't worry too much if a friend's bump is bigger or smaller than yours.
At this stage many mums-to-be have a big appetite. This is because you need to take in more nutrients to meet your baby's nutritional needs. You may crave a particular dish, or even many dishes you have never eaten before.
A runny or blocked nose may continue, or get even worse. Your breasts keep getting bigger. Constipation may come back. Vaginal discharge increases. Your back may hurt more. Your gums bleed easily. We have come a fair way already, so keep going. Share more about these things with your partner, so he understands more about the wonderful woman carrying an angel for our world.
Advice for you
Don't douche, as it can cause infection. Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of green vegetables. Choose foods rich in vitamins and minerals. You also need to avoid overeating, as gaining too much weight will affect both you and your baby. Don't overlook keeping your emotions steady with positive things, which will make you feel better too. Practise deep breathing regularly with Doti using the deep breathing tool.
If you haven't had the double test, this is the stage for the triple test and to prepare for the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan. Some conditions are also screened for at this stage, such as gestational diabetes, syphilis, HIV, pre-eclampsia...Book your antenatal appointments in Momby so Momby can remind you.
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Signs that need a doctor now
If you notice any of the signs below, please go to the nearest health facility to be checked by a doctor.
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy
This sign needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now. If the bleeding is heavy or comes with severe pain or faintness, call the emergency number 115.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Convulsions (fits)
A convulsion in pregnancy is an emergency. Family members should call 115 at once, lay the mother on her side in a safe place and get her to the nearest hospital.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Fever in pregnancy
A temperature above 38°C counts as a fever. Please go to a health facility so a doctor can find the cause and advise on safe ways to bring it down; do not take medicine on your own.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Leaking fluid or waters breaking
Fluid leaking from the vagina may mean the waters are leaking or have broken and needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to a health facility soon, lying with your head low while travelling.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling
Headache with blurred vision, or sudden swelling of the face, hands or eyelids, can be a sign of high blood pressure in pregnancy or pre-eclampsia. This sign needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Reduced or no fetal movement
A clear drop in the baby's movements, or no movement, needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now rather than waiting until tomorrow.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Abdominal pain that keeps getting worse, does not ease, or is severe needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now. If the pain is severe with sweating, faintness or bleeding, call 115.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Sources
Content advised by our doctors.
- NHS (accessed 22 Oct 2026)
- Vinmec (accessed 22 Oct 2026)
- Bệnh viện Từ Dũ (accessed 22 Oct 2026)
- Source for fetal size: Vinmec – Bảng cân nặng và chiều dài thai nhi theo tiêu chuẩn của WHO
- Source for the signs that need a doctor: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
This article helps you understand and prepare. It does not replace a check-up. For an answer about your own situation, please ask the doctor who is caring for you.