The bombardment of information and suggestions will increase as it becomes more obvious that you are pregnant. Appreciate the person giving it to you. Keep the information you know is helpful and store the rest in the back of your mind in case it may be helpful in the future. At 16 weeks pregnant you can start leaning to balance new information with your own beliefs. This skill is very handy throughout your baby’s life.
MOM
Your waist should disappear by now and it is a good thing when you are pregnant, it means your pregnancy is progressing and your baby is growing. Your senses may be heightened like your sense of smell and skin sensitivity. Routine blood tests may be done.
Around this time in your pregnancy the movements of the baby will be felt. It is a strange and exciting sensation. If it hasn’t really hit you yet that you are carrying a unique new little person, it will with the first movements.
At your antenatal visit, the doctor will feel your abdomen to check the size of your uterus, which has now risen out of your pelvis. You will have your blood pressure checked and hands and feet checked for swelling at each visit from now on.
BABY
Your baby has grown to about 4.5 inches and at 16 weeks pregnant weighs nearly 3 ounces. A fine downy hair (called lanugo) begins to form over your baby's body and they will begin to develop eyelashes. At this stage, your baby may even find and suck their thumb! The muscles in the baby’s neck are strengthening and can hold the head up straighter. The eyes and ears have settled in their final position. The legs of your baby will lengthen to be longer than his or her arms.
The circulatory system is becoming more complex and your baby will be pumping 25 quarts of blood per day. The umbilical cord is firmly attached to provide lots of nutrients for your baby to continue its development.
If you have a daughter, her reproductive system is developing and she even has primitive eggs in her ovaries so you can be a grandma some day.
LIFE
Though your every thought is beginning to revolve around the baby and being a parent, make time to think about yourself, your partner, and any children you have.
In between purchases for the baby include the following purchases:
• One or two nice looking tops that fit your growing belly.
• A special card or gift to show your partner your appreciation (he is probably feeling neglected and invisible when around you because of the attention you and your growing belly receive).
• Small gifts for the baby’s siblings.
There is no denying life will be different when the baby arrives. Think of ways to keep your love life and friendship alive. Though you may be obsessing (in a healthy way) on the baby and your pregnancy, remember your friends, family, and especially your partner have a life they probably want to tell you about.
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