At pregnancy week sixteen the foetus is about 3 ounces in weight and 4 1/2 inches in length. The woman by now will be visibly pregnant and most probably dressed in maternity wear. Movements made by the baby known as “quickening” are more noticeable now and though these slight movements must have been there earlier, they are not really enough for a new mother to be aware of them. However, in those mothers who have had children earlier and this is not their first pregnancy, the movements will be more pronounced.
The baby’s development is at a steady and swift speed. The neck has become stronger and is able to hold the head up straighter and the ears and eyes are also in their proper places. There is hair developing on the baby’s head and the tiny heart is pumping 2 quarts of blood every day through the fetus body. There are further developments in the foetus with the bladder working and passing urine once in 45 minutes, nutrients are provided through the umbilical cord, the arms and legs are stronger and longer now, and the eyebrows, eyelashes and nails are growing. However, the baby has not developed any fat as yet and looks bony because of this. The skin is still translucent and the body temperature is maintained with the janguo until layers of fat develop. The baby can now make out sounds and can hear.
Also at pregnancy week sixteen several tests have to be conducted to find out the levels of AFP or alpha-fetoprotein which is to find out the levels in the blood of this chemical. In case the levels of the AFP are high then an ultrasound or amniocentesis will have to be done as per the instructions of the physician. This is done to see if there are any genetic defects and this is usually done as a last resort to ensure a healthy baby. There is a certain amount of fluid retention during this stage of pregnancy and the skin becomes taut giving the woman a glow to her. There is also increased blood flow adding to this healthy look.