Week 16 Guide For Wellness When Pregnant

Your Body

Week 16 - What to expect

Your uterus is growing fast and you can’t hide your pregnancy anymore! You are likely to have nasal congestion and sometimes nose bleeds. This is because of pregnancy hormones. You may feel flutters – gentle kicking by your baby! Don’t worry if you can’t feel them. They often go unnoticed. You should be offered many tests by your doctor – blood and urine.

Baby size

What to expect

In week 16 your baby is the size of a Pear (about 11cm long and 90 – 100 gms in weight).

Your Baby

What to expect

Baby in week 16 can do a lot – eyes make side to side movements, thumb sucking motions and starting to pull faces. Hand forms fists and starts punching around in your belly! He/she can hear your voice. Sing to him/her your favourite songs!

Taking care

Tips

Some wellbeing tips for week 16 -

Put a little petroleum jelly like Vaseline under your nose if you feel dryness and congestion.
Eat foods that are high in fibre, such as wholemeal bread, fruit and veg, beans and dhal.
Drink lots of water and eating these foods can ease constipation.
Be sure to get lots of Calcium from low fat dairy foods
Get a gentle back massage to ease low back pain.
Brush your teeth twice a day to maintain oral hygiene.

Kushal workshops are conducted once a week to help pregnant women learn how to stay physically and mentally healthy.

Ask your doctor

Questions

What are the vaccinations I need to get and when?
What are the blood and urine tests that I need?
Can you please show me the development of my baby on the ultrasound? Can I hear my baby’s heartbeat?
Am I gaining enough weight?

Your to do list

Action points

Schedule an antenatal check-up, blood and urine tests and ultrasound.
Explore local options for giving birth including maternity centres and hospitals. Visit these centres to objectively identify your preference.
Plan for baby shower
Ask close and trusted friends to share their birthing experiences

Questions you may have

What kind of tests will I be offered by my doctor?

“I had a blood test to find out my blood type and find out if my Iron levels were low. I was also tested for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis. I also had a urine test to check levels of protein and find out if I am at risk for pre-eclampsia, which can be a dangerous condition.”

Blood tests are offered as a part of routine antenatal screening. These should be carried out as early as possible in pregnancy and is recommended for every pregnancy.

Tests carried out for screening can help you make choices about further tests and care or treatment during your pregnancy or after your baby's born.

Learn about screening for hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis.

Do I have to have a caesarean section?

“My doctor advised me that C-sections are major operative procedures and carry risks of anaesthesia. She said only if there are risks to me or my child because vaginal birth is too risky that it will be carried out as a safer option. I suggest you ask your doctor find out more about C-sections – why, how and when it is carried out.”

If for any reason you can't deliver vaginally, C-section allows the fetus to be delivered surgically, that is, through an operation. Cesarian's are planned or sometimes have to be carried out as an emergency procedure when there are problems in labour.

There are some good resources available to learn about c-section.

Disclaimer

Kushal's services and website offers health, fitness and nutrition related suggestions for informational purposes only. The information provided does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.