16-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
16-weeks pregnant? Find out all you need to know about nutrition, diet and baby development at 16 weeks in our week-by-week pregnancy calendar.
Baby development
If you haven’t already, it is possible that you feel your baby move for the first time this week (or in the coming weeks). These movements are still very light, so don’t expect massive sensations. Be on the lookout for what feels like butterfly wings or small bubbles inside your belly. It is exciting and wonderful when it happens!
Your body
If you have been experiencing cravings you might be wondering if it’s because you are lacking nutrients. No, it is simply a hormone-related side effect of pregnancy. You've probably noticed that certain foods seem "different" or less appetizing. Others, however, feel like they are indispensable! Welcome to your body while pregnant. No rhyme or reason to it. Just do your best to think “moderation” in all you eat. Try and balance treating yourself with taking care of yourself and your growing child.
Nutrition
Vitamin A is important when you are pregnant but in just the right amounts, neither too much nor too little. Cryptic enough for you? Excessive intake could be harmful to your developing baby. Know that some skin treatments that contain Vitamin A are forbidden for pregnant women. Talk to your doctor if you have questions. Foods to eat that are rich in Vitamin A include milk and dairy products, butter, eggs (the yolks in particular), bright vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, parsley, tomatoes or carrots, and orange and yellow fruits (apricots, melon, mango).
Tips
By around month six, it may be recommended that you and your partner go to a prenatal class to start to prepare for your baby’s birth, especially if this is your first baby (or if your first baby was born ages ago!). You will learn about the birth, and about pain relief, breathing, and relaxation techniques. A visit to a delivery room, exercises for fitness in pregnancy, answers to your questions about breastfeeding and many other really useful things can also be on the program. Prenatal classes are the ideal opportunity to get to know other mothers or couples as well. Who better to share your experience with?
Related articles
39-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You might have felt a few contractions already and were wondering if that was “it”. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the start of labour! Read more about the 39th week of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
22-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
If you could look inside, you may see your baby sucking their thumb. It’s nature’s way of getting them ready to breastfeed from birth.
3 mins to read
Pregnancy weight gain
There are many things you can do to prepare for the delivery of a healthy baby. One of the most important things is eating right to gain the extra weight you’ll need to support another life.
1 min to read
11-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
If you could look inside, you’d see thin little hairs developing on your baby’s eyebrows and above their lip. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
28-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little one is around 35 cm long from crown to toe and already weights about 1.3 kilos, a third of their birth weight. Their feet measure nearly 6 cm – yes, they are tiny!
2 mins to read
They are what you eat
Did you know? Making wise food choices when you’re pregnant can set your baby up for a healthier future.
5 mins to read
6-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby’s growth is in overdrive right about now. So many exciting developments in such a tiny little being! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
23-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby’s feet are now 4.5 to 5cm in length now, and they weigh considerably over 700g. You have got around 16 more weeks to go! Read more to learn what to expect in 23 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
Tips to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy
Did you know? If you’re thinking about starting a family, making small changes to your diet and lifestyle now can have a big impact on your baby-to-be in the future.
2 mins to read
18-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Lots of leaps and bounds happening in week 18, from nerve cells multiplying to the beginnings of fingerprints. Read more to learn what baby looks like at 18 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
34-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Things are slowing down a little in your belly now. That’s because everything is getting close to being developed! Your baby is around 45 cm long and weighs well over 2 kilos.
2 mins to read
12-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You’re coming to the end of your first trimester. Congratulations! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
29-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
As you inch your way towards the finish line – you will be giving birth in about ten weeks! – your baby is still growing by leaps and bounds, and even opening their eyes wide now.
2 mins to read
What exercise can I do and when?
Exercising while you’re pregnant is important for you and your baby’s health. Physical activity can help you control your weight gain, lift your mood, and even help labor go more smoothly.
4 mins to read
7-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is already a pretty impressive 18 mm long. Though you won’t feel it yet, they’re on the move.
Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
24-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Can you feel the baby reacting to noises and your caresses yet? Towards the end of the second trimester is when some women report that this starts to happen, so be on the lookout.
3 mins to read
40-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Time’s up! You are now feeling very ready to meet your baby. Most babies arrive between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Hang in there if your baby hasn’t arrived yet!
2 mins to read
7 simple food swaps to consider before you get pregnant
Eating well now can have a positive impact on your pregnancy, as well as a lasting effect on your baby’s health.
4 mins to read
19-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little lodger weighs between 300 and 400 grams – weigh a grapefruit in your hand and that’s about how heavy they are. Read more to learn how baby looks at 19 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
