At 16 weeks the bones of the fetus are hardening. This hardening will eventually help you to feel your baby's first movements (which typically happens around 20 weeks of pregnancy). Fingernails and toenails continue to grow, so much so that some babies require their nails to be trimmed in the hospital after birth. Blood volume increases, and so do pregnancy hormones such as estrogen. The increase in estrogen can cause swelling in the nasal passages which can lead to stuffiness and nosebleeds.
Tips for this week
As the abdomen grows, many pregnant women worry about getting stretch marks. Unfortunately, no diet or cream can stop stretch marks from occurring. If you develop stretch marks, it typically means that you are genetically predisposed to have them. But stretch marks are not horrible! Think of them as a badge of honor for your body growing a life.
Learn More:
Pregnancy: Week 16
All 42 Weeks: Week by Week