Second Trimester
Pregnancy Week 16
Your baby is about the size of a avocado 🥑 — eyes moving, facial expressions.
🥑
Size comparison
≈ Avocado
Length
11.6 cm
Weight
100 g
Milestone
Eyes moving, facial expressions
About 24 weeks to go until your due date (week 40).
Baby's development at week 16
The eyes, though fused shut, are now moving. The baby makes facial expressions — frowning, squinting, grimacing. Bones are becoming harder. The nervous system is rapidly developing.
Around 16–20 weeks many mothers feel first movements — like butterflies or bubbles.
Common symptoms at week 16
Possible first flutters (quickening)Pregnancy "glow"Skin and hair changes
Eat more of
- ✓Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseed)
- ✓Calcium & Vitamin D (cheese, eggs, sunlight)
- ✓Protein (chicken, legumes, eggs)
- ✓Iron + Vitamin C together for absorption
- ✓Magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds, dark chocolate)
Foods to avoid
- ✕Alcohol
- ✕Raw/smoked seafood
- ✕High-mercury fish
- ✕Unpasteurised cheeses (brie, camembert)
- ✕Processed meats (deli cuts, hot dogs)
- ✕Excess sugar
Medically reviewed by First OPD Medical Team. Last reviewed on .
Based on average milestones from World Health Organization (WHO), ACOG, NHS UK. Educational only — not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
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