Week 16 (counting
from first day of last menstrual period) Around 14
Weeks After Conception
Fetal
Development: If you haven't already, you may
begin to feel movement as the baby's bones harden. If
you are somewhat overweight, have a thick uterus, and/or
if this is your first pregnancy, you may not be feeling
baby yet or feeling baby regularly. Don't panic! You
will soon. The legs are now longer than the arms, and
s/he is moving those arms and legs frequently,
especially since there's still lots of room to move
within the uterus.
Fingernails and toenails are
growing too. In fact, some babies need their nails
clipped right after birth!
Multiples:
Each twin is about 4 inches and 120 grams!
Maternal Changes: Do you have a stuffy
nose or nosebleeds? As mentioned before, your blood
volume increases 40% - 50%. This affects your estrogen
levels which in turn swells your nasal membranes. This
increased blood volume also causes your heart to work
harder to support your pregnancy. This isn't a problem
for a healthy heart.
Your ligaments continue to
stretch, and you may be feeling achiness and pain in
your abdomen. If you're planning to have an
amniocentesis, it may be scheduled between 16 and 18
weeks.
Multiples: Breast
tenderness has probably subsided along with the nausea.
Your waistline is definitely a thing of the past, and
your feet may be swelling by the end of the day.
Ideas for Dad: Dad, do you have
a life insurance policy and a will? It may sound morbid
to think about now but this is a perfect time to get
both. If something should happen to either of your
baby's parents, the other shouldn't have to worry about
mortgage payments, college tuition, etc.

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