How Big is a Baby at 16 Weeks? Having a baby at sixteen weeks old is a very big deal for most parents. There are several things to consider when it comes to figuring out how big your baby will be at that stage. You need to consider things such as the size of the baby’s eyes, skin, and hair follicles, as well as the size of its legs, arms, and joints.
Umbilical cord
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord is the lifeline between a mother and her fetus. It carries the mother’s blood, the baby’s sugar and waste products, and oxygen to the fetus. A cord that becomes tangled or knotted can disrupt the flow of oxygen to the fetus.
The umbilical cord is normally about 20 inches long. The length depends on the size of the fetus and the mother. Short cords have been associated with low birth weight and low Apgar scores. It is also associated with an increased risk of complications.
If you suspect that your baby’s umbilical cord isn’t coming off after 6 weeks, call your doctor. It may have an infection or be damaged.
Legs, arms, and joints
During the second month of pregnancy, a baby’s limbs begin to take shape. Tiny buds start to grow into fingers and toes. In the third trimester, the limbs of a baby will become fully developed.
While there is no doubt that the first movements of a baby are impressive, there is no denying that the fetus has been moving around since before conception. The fetus’s body is about two and a half inches long from head to rump.
The first movements of a baby aren’t as obvious as the first kicks. Instead, they are accompanied by uncoordinated flutters. At 12 weeks, a baby will perform a series of flutters, and by the end of the second trimester, he will have performed jabs and flips.
Eyes
During pregnancy, the eyes of a baby develop. At birth, the eyes of a baby can focus on objects at 20cm to 30cm away. They can also detect light and colours. But the visual pathway of a baby’s eye is not fully developed until around eight months. This pathway helps the baby develop his/her focusing and depth perception skills.
The fetus’ eyes develop over the course of the first six months of pregnancy. They start as tiny grooves on the side of the head. Over time, these grooves fold inwards and form two rims. The cornea, the clear window in front of the eye, begins to develop.
Hair follicles
During the second trimester, the fetus is growing in leaps and bounds. It is growing fast enough to have to use an electronic monitor to keep track of its progress. The baby’s heart is pumping an average of 25 quarts of blood per day.
In addition to growing, the fetus is also storing up body fat. At 16 weeks, the fetus is roughly the size of a pear and weighs about 3.5 ounces.
The 16-week fetus is also developing its brain and muscles, which means that it will be able to do things like swallow, suck, and flex its legs. Also, the fetus will begin to produce thyroid hormone and insulin.
Facial muscles
Considering how much time is spent in the womb, it should come as no surprise that a 16 week old isn’t exactly sluggish. The fetus is about one and a half inches long. The crown and rump measure up to 5.3 inches in width. The backbone is gaining strength, as is the ol’ brain.
Fortunately, the 16 week fetus can exercise all forty sets of muscles. The fetus is also able to swallow, although that doesn’t mean the baby has to eat. The ol’ brain is in full effect and the digestive tract is beginning to show its stuff. The fetus is also starting to drool, which is a sign of a growing baby.
Skin
During the 16th week of pregnancy, the fetus grows to be about four to five inches long. It weighs about 3.5 to 4 ounces. At this stage, the fetus can grip the umbilical cord.
At 16 weeks, a baby’s neck is longer, and its head is no longer tilted forward. This allows for more movement, such as eye movement, side-to-side eye movement, and even kicking. These movements are called quickening.
In addition, the baby has defined legs, arms, and facial features. They have developed taste buds, and their ears are ready to hear the mother’s voice. They also have a mouth that opens and closes, and can practice swallowing and breathing.
