Size Of Baby In Sixteenth Week Of Pregnancy
By the sixteenth week of pregnancy the size of the baby is around four and half inches and its weight is about three and half ounces. By this time the baby begins to pump an average of twenty quarts everyday. The growth of hair also starts this week and it will continue till the end of the pregnancy. The color of the baby’s hair cannot be detected before his birth and the hair color might also change once after he is born. And the same fact holds true for the color of the baby’s eye as well. There are some babies who possess a blue eye color but within a month of their birth the color of their eyes begins to get darker. During this time the umbilical cord also gets attached to the belly of the baby, through which the baby can derive a lot of nutrients. At this juncture the baby’s legs will begin to grow and will exceed the length of the arms. You can also opt for maternity clothes by this time even though your current body size will not fit into the measurements of the maternity clothes. You can choose for maternity clothes which are specifically made for the women in their second trimester.
Baby Movements During Sixteenth Week Of Pregnancy
Women tend to feel light movements made by the baby through this week. Every woman does not feel the movement of their baby by the sixteenth week of pregnancy, and it is considered perfectly normal. So you do not have to get worried if you cannot feel the movement of the baby by this time. It might take a couple of more weeks to feel the movements of the baby completely.
Alpha Fetoprotein Test In Sixteenth Week Of Pregnancy
A test called alpha fetoprotein test in done around this time. Alpha fetoprotein is a type of protein that is present in the urine of the fetus. If the amount of alpha fetoprotein is more than the normal level than it means that there is something wrong with the fetus. Many conditions like spinal cord problems, Down syndrome can occur if abnormal quantity of alpha fetoprotein is found in the test. After getting the results of the test, your doctor might recommend an ultrasound in order to confirm the presence of the condition.
Chromosomal Disorder Test During Sixteenth Week Of Pregnancy
Besides an ultrasound, amniocentesis can also be done in order to find out the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. A certain degree of risk is associated with this kind of test as it can cause miscarriage as well, although the chances are very less. This is also the test which is used in order to find out the sex of the baby. Amniocentesis is generally recommended for women who conceive when they are more than thirty five years of age as the risk of acquiring a condition called chromosomal disorder increases at this age. So genetic testing is deemed necessary by most of the doctors who get pregnant in their mid thirties. Placental problems can also be a problem with these women which can cause complications in the time of delivery.