PREGNANCY
16 Weeks Pregnant: Did You Feel That?
Your baby’s first little kicks started months ago, but now you can definitely feel them.
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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PREGNANCY
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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Bestsellers
This week, the tiny bones inside your baby’s ears have formed—meaning they can now hear sounds, though everything is still quite muffled. By the time your little one is born, they’ll already recognise your voice, and even be able to tell it apart from others.
Your baby’s intestines are beginning to produce meconium—the thick, dark first poo that babies pass in the days after birth. Their face is nearly fully developed now, though they’re only just starting to build up a layer of fat under the skin. This baby fat will help regulate their temperature and provide extra energy after birth.
At 16 weeks, you’re almost 4 months pregnant.
Your baby is about the size of an avocado.
Did you just feel something? Your baby has been moving for a while now, but around this stage many people begin to notice those first gentle kicks and flutters. This milestone is called “the quickening”—and it can feel both magical and surreal.
Alongside your growing bump, you might also spot your first stretch marks. Up to 9 in 10 pregnant people develop them, most often across the tummy, hips, thighs, breasts, or bottom. They usually begin as red or purplish streaks before fading over time.
Stretch marks happen when the skin stretches quickly. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent them, keeping your skin hydrated with creams or oils can ease any itchiness, and eating a nutrient-rich diet with vitamin C, zinc, and collagen-boosting foods (like bone broth or lentils) may support skin health. Remember: tiger stripes are a completely normal part of pregnancy—and many wear them proudly. If you’d prefer to reduce their appearance after birth, treatments like topical creams, peels, or laser therapy may help.
Myth! Strengthening your core during pregnancy can actually help reduce back pain and support recovery afterwards. The key is to choose safe moves. Conventional crunches are off the table once you’re pregnant (they can worsen diastasis recti, where the abdominal muscles separate). But gentle core exercises like planks, side planks, and pelvic tilts are safe in the first and second trimesters. Always check with your midwife or physio if you’re unsure.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
