Sixteen Weeks Pregnant
During this week, your doctor may recommend that you undergo some prenatal testing, especially dependent upon your age, health, and any other outlying factors. The most common test at this stage in the pregnancy is an amniocentesis, which can determine birth defects, genetic conditions, and chromosomal abnormalities. This test is highly recommended for women who are 35 years of age or older, women with irregular screening results (blood and other tissue samples), women with children who were born with such complications, and families with a history of a genetic condition.
It is important to discuss the risks involved with these tests and their necessity for your particular pregnancy.
Now is an exciting time in your pregnancy (not that the whole thing isn't full of surprises). This week could be the first time you experience your baby's movement. These light movements, also called quickening, may feel more like butterflies than a 3-5 inch baby wiggling around, but they are enough to send your heart soaring. Although it is uncommon for women to feel these movements this early in pregnancy (usually they don't start until around week 20), they are possible, especially if this is not your first full-term pregnancy.
You may also be noticing a heaviness in your body you haven't until now. Your torso is becoming plumper, preparing to make more room for baby in the womb and milk for baby out of the womb.