Week 16: I’ve Got a Feeling

Welcome to week 16, Mama! This is a very exciting week as your baby’s movements can now be perceived, though most first-time moms feel their baby move for the first time closer to 20 weeks. Most often, these movements are perceived as a flutter in your stomach or gas bubbles moving, which is difficult to distinguish from the likely bloating and excess gas in your abdomen. The first time you feel your baby move is wondrous! When you feel that distinct fist or foot push against the wall of your uterus, it adds an extra layer of reality of what is happening inside of you. For many women, this helps to further bond them to their baby, and they anticipate with joy all the kicks and movements felt. Others may not like the feeling of their baby moving inside of them; as your baby gets stronger, their kicks can be uncomfortable. Either way, it is evidence of the miracle that is growing inside of you!

Your baby is 16 weeks old, and this week is starting to make more intentional movements! Your baby’s arms and legs are more proportional in length to the body, and the hands and feet are well-developed. When you get closer to your third trimester, you will start to rely on these movements to indicate that your baby is happy and healthy. For now, you can enjoy the feeling of your baby’s first kicks or the anticipation thereof.