Second trimester
16 weeks pregnant
Baby is about the size of an avocado.
Week 16 of 40 · in your second trimester · Updated
Your baby this week
Tiny eyebrows and eyelashes are appearing. Eyes can sense light through the belly wall.
- Eyebrows, eyelashes, and patches of hair are beginning to fill in.
- Although eyelids are still fused shut, eyes can perceive light through the abdominal wall.
- Baby's heart pumps about 25 quarts of blood a day.
Your body this week
Many women feel the first 'flutters' (called quickening) around now.
- Some women feel the first faint baby movements — called 'quickening.' Often described as bubbles, flutters, or gas. Second-time moms tend to feel it earlier.
- Your bump is showing clearly. Maternity clothes might be needed.
- Blood pressure may dip slightly — get up slowly.
Common symptoms
- Possible first flutters
- Forgetfulness
- Round-ligament pain
- Constipation
- Heartburn
Things to do this week
- Start pelvic-floor exercises (Kegels)
- Switch to maternity bras if breasts have grown
- Plan an anatomy scan (typically 18–22 weeks)
For partners this week
Flutters are coming
- Your partner may feel the first flutters soon, but you won't feel kicks from the outside for a while yet. Hang in there.
- Put the anatomy scan (usually 18–22 weeks) on your radar so you can plan time off.
Typical visits around this week
Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.
Routine check-ups (about every 4 weeks)
Weeks 12–28
Check-ups are often about every 4 weeks until around 28 weeks. Your provider usually checks your blood pressure, weight and urine, listens to the baby's heartbeat and measures your growing belly. Some people need more visits.
Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑
- Is my blood pressure and weight gain on track?
- Is this symptom I've been having normal?
- What should I be doing about exercise, work or travel right now?
- What's coming up before my next visit?
Coming up
Anatomy (detailed) ultrasound
Weeks 18–22
A detailed ultrasound, usually at 18–22 weeks, that looks at the baby's brain, face, heart, spine, organs, arms and legs, and checks growth and where the placenta is.
Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑
- Can my partner come, and can we have pictures?
- Where is the placenta, and does that matter for us?
- When will my provider go over the results with me?
- If we want to know the sex, can it be shared at this scan?
A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Bleeding, fluid leaking, a bad headache or vision changes, or baby moving less than usual all need a call. See the warning signs and who to call →
Follow your pregnancy week by week in MyBabyBase.
A due-date countdown, a mood and symptom journal, appointments, and a safe place for your documents — all in one hub.
Jump to a week
Further reading from health authorities
- Pregnancy — Government of Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- Your pregnancy — Pregnancy Info, from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
- Week-by-week guide to pregnancy — NHS (UK)
- Pregnancy — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)