At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 11.6 cm long, roughly the size of an avocado, and weighs about 110 g. Your baby's heart is pumping strongly, and a provider can often hear it with a handheld monitor.

This is a common time for a routine check-up. This guide explains what happens at that visit, why each check matters and what you might ask, so you can go in prepared.

Your baby this week

Your baby's eyes can move slowly, though the lids are still closed. The nervous system is maturing, and connections between nerves and muscles are getting stronger. The ears have moved into position on the sides of the head, and the tiny bones in the ear are ready to transmit sound.

Your baby is making more coordinated movements, and can grasp with fingers and curl toes. The skin is thin and almost see-through, so blood vessels show underneath. The digestive system is producing meconium, a dark, sticky substance that will fill the bowel until birth.

How it happens. Your baby's heart beats at roughly 120 to 160 times a minute, about twice as fast as yours. A handheld Doppler device uses sound waves to pick up the rhythm, and this is what you hear at a check-up.

Your body this week

Your uterus is now about halfway between your pubic bone and belly button. Your bump may be visible, or it may still be hidden by your clothes. Some people notice small flutters, a feeling like bubbles or a light tap. This is called quickening, and it is more likely in second or later pregnancies. If you do not feel anything yet, that is normal, and most first-time parents first feel movement between 18 and 22 weeks.

Your energy is often better, and your appetite is steady. Some people feel forgetful or foggy, though research on how much this happens has been mixed.

Common symptoms at 16 weeks

  • First flutters, for some. They may feel like a gentle tickle or a fish swimming.
  • A rosy glow. Extra blood flow can flush your cheeks and skin.
  • Forgetfulness. Tiredness, hormones and a busy mind may play a part.
  • Nasal stuffiness. Estrogen swells the lining of the nose. A saline spray can help.
  • Less bloating. As the uterus rises, pressure on your bowel often eases.
  • Vivid dreams. Emotions and changes in sleep can make dreams stronger.

The routine check-up: what happens and why

In the UK, the NHS offers a routine midwife appointment at about 16 weeks. In other places, visits may be spaced differently, and the World Health Organization recommends at least eight contacts through pregnancy. The content of the visit is similar wherever you are.

Blood pressure. Your blood pressure is checked at almost every visit. Normal in pregnancy is usually below 140/90 mmHg. A raised reading, particularly after 20 weeks, can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, so your baseline now helps your provider spot changes later.

Urine test. A dipstick test checks for protein, which can point to a kidney problem or pre-eclampsia, sugar and signs of infection. Urinary infections are common in pregnancy and are easy to treat, even when they cause few symptoms.

Blood test results. Your provider will review the tests from your first visit, such as your blood group, hemoglobin, and infection screening. If your hemoglobin was low, you may be offered iron. If you are Rh-negative, your provider will explain what that means for later in pregnancy.

Your baby's heartbeat. A handheld Doppler may be used to listen. If it is hard to find, it is often because of your baby's position or your body shape. It is usually not a sign of a problem, and your provider may try again or offer a scan.

A talk about how you are. You can ask about symptoms, mood, work, relationships and safety at home. This is your time, and you can raise anything.

The plan ahead. You should leave with dates for your next visits, and details of what will be covered, such as the anatomy scan at 18 to 22 weeks and the glucose test at 24 to 28 weeks.

Questions to ask at your check-up

  • What is my blood pressure, and what is a normal range for me?
  • Were any of my blood results different from normal?
  • When is my anatomy scan, and can I bring someone?
  • Which symptoms should make me call, and what number should I use at night?
  • What are my choices for where and how to give birth?
  • Are there classes or support groups I can join?

Your week 16 checklist

Call your provider

Call your provider if you have a severe headache, changes in vision, sudden swelling of the face or hands, pain under the ribs, bleeding or fluid leaking. Get help the same day for a fever or pain when you pass urine. This guide is general information and does not replace medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What happens at the 16-week midwife appointment?

Your blood pressure and urine are checked, your test results are reviewed and you may hear your baby's heartbeat. You will also have time to ask questions and plan the next visits.

What blood pressure is too high in pregnancy?

A reading of 140/90 mmHg or above is usually considered high. Your provider will interpret it based on your history and repeat it if needed.

Can you feel the baby move at 16 weeks?

Some people can, especially if they have been pregnant before. First-time parents commonly feel movement between 18 and 22 weeks.

Sources

Sources: NHS: 16 weeks pregnant; Mayo Clinic: Fetal development, the second trimester; Cleveland Clinic: Fetal development, week-by-week stages of pregnancy; WHO: Antenatal care recommendations for a positive pregnancy experience