Pregnancy calendar - week 16

Your baby’s development

Your baby is now around 12 cm long, weighs 110 grams and has tiny little fingernails and toenails at the end of their growing hands and feet.

Although it may still be too early to feel your baby inside you, they can now turn their head and exercise all 40 sets of muscles. Facial expressions are visible on ultrasound especially frowning and squinting. Although their eyelids are still closed, they can sense light from outside their cosy little world.

You & your body

Many women say that they get pregnancy food cravings, ranging from hot, spicy curries to fruits that are sour or salty snacks.

If the craving is not too extreme and the food item is safe to eat then it can usually be indulged, without too much concern – although your partner may not appreciate being woken in the night to be told to go out and buy your latest craving. Just try to make sure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet too.

Some women suffer from ‘pica’, a craving for non-food items including plaster and paint chips from walls, clay, washing powder and chalk. So it’s best to resist these urges as it can be harmful! If you feel you have these cravings, do discuss them with your health care professional.