Your baby is getting more active 💛

Week 16 is full of little firsts. Your baby is more active than ever, and you might soon get a hint of it too.

📌 Week 16 at a glance

• Trimester: Second
• Baby's size: about the size of an avocado (around 11.6 cm)
• Still to come: roughly 24 weeks (a typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks)

🌱 Your little one this week

At 16 weeks, your baby is about 11.6 cm long from head to bottom, roughly the size of an avocado, and weighs around 100 g. Your baby is starting to pull faces, although any smiling or frowning is completely random for now, as there's no muscle control yet.

The nervous system keeps developing, which lets your baby move their arms and legs. Your baby's hands can form fists, and they may even start punching around inside you. Hearing is developing too, so your baby may begin to pick up sounds, such as your voice and your heartbeat.

🌷 And how about you, Mum?

You might be able to feel your baby kicking from around week 17 onwards. Many mums first notice movements between about 18 and 24 weeks, and they can feel like bubbling, fluttering or rolling. First-time mums often notice them a little later, because the feeling is easy to mistake for gas.

If you haven't felt anything yet, that's completely normal. Every pregnancy is different.

🍽️ Food for thought: choline

Choline is a nutrient that contributes to normal liver function and normal fat metabolism. It is often mentioned in pregnancy alongside other nutrients.

Everyday foods that contain choline include:

• Eggs
• Chicken and fish
• Tofu and other soy foods
• Peanuts and beans
• Broccoli

You don't need to measure anything. If you'd like personal advice about food or supplements, your doctor, midwife or dietitian is happy to help.

✨ Little things that may feel nice

• Many mums enjoy a few quiet minutes to notice any flutters
• Talking or singing to your bump can feel lovely
• Lying on your side with a pillow can feel comfortable
• Comfortable, stretchy clothes make life easier as your tummy grows

🩺 Coming up

At a routine antenatal visit around now, your doctor or midwife may weigh you, check your blood pressure and ask for a urine sample. The urine is checked for protein, which helps your care team look out for pre-eclampsia. You may also hear your baby's heartbeat, and discuss the results of any blood tests.

A detailed mid-pregnancy scan, often called the anomaly scan, is usually offered at around 18 to 20 weeks, so it may be coming up soon. Your doctor or midwife can tell you the timing at your clinic.

👨‍👩‍👧 Partner's corner

Your voice may already be familiar to your baby. Talking, reading or singing to the bump is a lovely way to join in. Even simple chats about your day count.

❓ Quick questions

When will I feel my baby move?
Many mums notice the first movements between about 18 and 24 weeks. First-time mums often feel them a little later.

Is it okay if I haven't felt anything yet?
Yes. It's very common, and it depends on things like where the placenta sits and how your body feels movement.

💛 A little moment for the two of you

Your little one is listening, moving and growing, and one day soon you'll feel it for yourself.

Hello in there. We're listening. 🦕

Sources & further reading

NHS — 16 weeks pregnant
NHS Week 16 pregnancy guide

Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) — Antenatal care
KKM maternal health and antenatal care

FirstDino shares general pregnancy information for education and comfort. It is not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Please speak with your doctor or midwife about your own health and care.