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Your Pregnancy: Week 16



Your baby

• From the top of her head to the bottom of her buttocks, your baby is about 10 to 11 cm (4.3 to 4.6 in) long and she weighs about 99 g (3.5 oz).
• Her head is covered with fine lanugo hair and the umbilical cord has moved lower down on her body so it's attached to her abdomen.
• Your baby's fingernails are well developed now and she's able to move her arms and legs. In fact, you may be able to feel her move in the next few weeks.
 
That feels good!
Want to get closer as a couple, involve your partner in your pregnancy and feel awesome? Get your partner to learn these simple pregnancy massage techniques. Mmmmmmm. That’s more like it! (BONUS: these moves will do soothing double duty when you’re in labour.)
 
Getting ready to breastfeed
You might not be thinking about feeding your baby yet, but your body is! During the second trimester, colostrum — a sticky yellowish fluid — forms inside your breasts. In fact, if you massage your breasts some may seep out. Later in your pregnancy, you may find that colostrum leaks out of your nipples.
 
If you decide to breastfeed, colostrum will nourish your newborn until your milk comes in. It's a high-octane mix of nutrients, proteins, immunoglobulins, and antibodies that will protect your baby from infection when she enters the big, bad world of bacteria and viruses.
 
There’s a lot you can learn about breastfeeding now to set the stage for success.
 
Did you know?
Once you've reached this stage of pregnancy the possibility of miscarriage is remote. Now that the placenta is fully developed inside your uterus, it has started to maintain your pregnancy by producing hormones and providing your baby with the nutrients she needs to grow — it is literally your baby’s life-support system. This stabilizes your pregnancy and reduces the likelihood of miscarriage.
 
Looking ahead
If you’re hoping for a last romantic holiday with just the two of you, the second trimester is the perfect time to go. Check with your doctor or midwife about any precautions, and bring on the travel brochures!

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