Week 16 of Pregnancy

FACTS:

Your baby can now co-ordinate its own movements. You may feel fluttering in your abdomen, like bubbles bursting, as your baby moves around. This sensation, called “quickening” usually occurs between 16 and 20 weeks. At first you may think the movement is your own digestive wind.

The baby may now measures 15cm long, weighing up to 135g. Its legs are now longer than its arms and the remaining time in the uterus will be spent growing and maturing until it is able to survive independently.

Because it has no layer of fat under its skin it will look fragile and thin. Through its transparent skin layers the intricate network of blood vessels are visible.

TIPS:

Unless your pregnancy has been categorised as high risk, sexual intercourse is considered safe throughout pregnancy. You need have no fears of dislodging or infecting the foetus or instigating premature labour as your baby is securely protected in the womb.

Sex is not advisable if there is a threat of miscarriage, a history of premature labour, a low-lying placenta, or if at any stage there has been bleeding from the vagina.

Your appetite for sex may fluctuate. You may feel uninterested, especially if you are tired or nauseous. Or your desire may be greater than usual. It is important for you and your partner to discuss your feelings and for neither to feel rejected. For further advice on pregnancy and sex click here

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.

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