Week 16

The typical symptoms associated with the first trimester should by now be starting to reduce. However, around 1 in 10 women and birthing people may continue to experience nausea beyond 22 weeks.² If you are experiencing persistent nausea and it’s affecting your ability to eat and drink, speak to your healthcare provider as they may be able to provide additional support.

• Headaches
• Varicose veins
• Backaches
• Round ligament pain
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Bleeding gums
• Breast growth

Your baby now is roughly 10–12 cm, weighing around 91–110 g.¹

The main developmental milestone at this stage is hearing. During week 16, the cell-to-cell communication systems are developing within the inner ear, whilst the ear canal of the outer ear is now open.³ Their hearing should be fully functional by 18 weeks gestation.¹

• Consistently taking folic acid is recommended⁴
• Taking the recommended amounts of vitamin A and D, iron and calcium⁵ will also help support your oral health⁶
• Book your routine dental check up to help support your oral health during pregnancy⁶
• Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health⁷
• Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking – both are known as risk factors for miscarriage^8,9
• Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods (if nausea and morning sickness allow). Try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any type of herbal tea¹⁰
• Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day¹¹ 
  As a guide:  
  1 mug of coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine  
  1 mug of tea contains 75 mg of caffeine  
  1 can of cola contains up to 40 mg of caffeine  
  1 bar of chocolate contains up to 50 mg of caffeine