Your baby's development in Week 16

What’s happening this week?

Over the last few weeks, your baby has been practicing his or her motor skills and he or she can now make coordinated movements that can be detected in an ultrasoundⁱ. Your baby can now close his or her hands into tiny little fists!

Your little one’s facial muscles are forming as wellⁱⁱ. He or she can squint, grimace and frown. Now, his or her head and neck are held straighter and the eyes have moved to the front of the faceⁱⁱⁱ. Your baby measures about four and a third to two-thirds of an inch (10.8 to 11.6 centimeters) and weighs about 2.75 ounces (80 grams) this week^iv.

What can you expect? 

Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the body could produce more hair. While you may love the lush growth of hair on your head – which will fall out three to six months after you give birth^v -- you may not feel the same way about excess body hair

Use these tips to help you feel good about your changing body and pregnancy:

• Shave or wax. These are safe methods for hair removal during pregnancy^vi.
• Stay away from chemical hair-removal products, such as depilatory creams. The chemicals can be absorbed into your bloodstream.

What can you do to support your pregnancy?

Keep your baby’s cognitive and overall development healthy and on track by consuming adequate DHA (found especially in fatty fish like salmon and sardines).

Mums-to-be, soon your baby will be able to hear your voice, so keep singing and talking to him or her; knowing that in a few weeks, he or she will actually respond to you with excited movements!

Your baby is also developing the sense of taste during this period^vii.

Continue to eat a healthy diet containing a variety of foods. Not only will this nourish your baby’s development, the food you eat during pregnancy will also influence the food that your baby will like for years to come.

As your pregnancy progresses, you will increasingly enjoy interacting with your baby. Without even noticing, you are strengthening your bond.