Pregnancy: 16 weeks

How the child grows:

Prepare for a sharp growth of the child. Over the next few weeks, he will double his weight. Now the baby has grown to 12 cm and weighs 100 grams, his legs are more developed, the surface of the head is more even, and his eyes are closer to the front of the head. The ears are already located in almost the final location, the formation of the hair growth line begins, and the nails begin to grow on the feet.

Important: the development of each child is strictly individual. Our information is designed to give you an idea of the development of the fetus.

Changes of the future mother

The upper part of the uterus is now concentrated between the pubic bone and the navel. You probably feel much better, because you do not experience any more nausea, mood swings, and skin inflammations, all this contributes to well-being.

Soon you will experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy - you will begin to feel the movements of the child. While some women notice "the first signs of fetal movement" at week 16, most women will still notice them at week 18 or later. During pregnancy, these movements will become regular and stronger.

3 Questions about weight gain

• How many kilos should I dial?

In the second trimester, you need to score 5.5 - 6.5 kg. The doctor who will lead your pregnancy will consult you in more detail.

• How can I control weight gain?

During pregnancy, most women should consume about 300 calories per day more than usual.

If you gain weight too quickly: Some women notice too rapid weight gain. Observance of a low-calorie diet is the wrong approach in this case. Try the following methods to slow weight gain:

• Start your day with a nutritious breakfast, which consists of proteins, complex carbohydrates, fiber and a small amount of healthy fats.
• Eat vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy products, and discard sugar-laden desserts, simple carbohydrates and instant foods.
• Have healthy snacks on hand, such as low-fat cheese and yogurt, carrots and fresh fruit.
• Choose a tasty alternative to fatty foods. For example: Low-fat yogurt instead of ice cream, donut bag instead of donut and popcorn instead of chips.
• Instead of juice, it is better to drink a glass of water.
• Perform regular physical activity (discuss possible options with the doctor). This will help you keep the activity. Even a 20-minute walk per day will make a difference.

If you can not gain the required weight: Some women struggle for the addition of every 100 grams. Here are a few tips to help them with this:

• Drink a milkshake every day (add fresh fruit to it).
• Use avocado and nuts. They contain useful fats and are quite nutritious.
• Eat dried fruits.
• In addition to basic meals, do frequent snacks.
  
• How will these changes affect me?

In connection with the changes in the figure and the increased weight of the uterus, there may be pain in the lower back. Due to stretching the skin on the abdomen and chest, stretch marks may appear.

You may also be concerned with the issue of recovery after childbirth. It may take a while, but it will be easier for you to get in shape if you are active now.

Activity of the week: Plan a romantic weekend. As soon as you have a child, it will be difficult for you and your partner to spend the first time together. Do not miss this chance now, as in the third trimester you can feel too tired and unhealthy to go on a trip. If you can not leave the city, plan local activities: go to the cinema together or have dinner in some romantic place.

[1], [2], [3]