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16 Weeks Pregnant: Coordinated Movements & the Anatomy Scan Ahead

Medically reviewed by

Verena Brehm, Midwife Jul 29, 2026

Line illustration of a halved avocado with its stone: at 16 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of an avocado, roughly 12cm crown to rump

Line drawing of a 16-week foetus with the head held upright on a defined neck and coordinated limb movements

Line drawing of a woman's torso at 16 weeks pregnant, showing the uterus halfway between the pubic bone and the navel

Your baby is the size of a

Avocado

~110 grams

~12 cm / ~4.7 in

Key Takeaways

At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 4 3/4 inches — 120 millimetres, roughly 12cm — from crown to rump and weighs about 110 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. The head is upright, the eyes can move slowly, and limb movements are becoming coordinated.

You may hear some women feel their first flutters around now. The SOGC notes some feel movement as early as 13-16 weeks, while first-time mothers may not until 18-20 weeks — so if you feel nothing yet, that is expected.

Your detailed anatomy ultrasound is approaching. SOGC recommends an anatomic ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks, which looks closely at your baby's development.

Your Baby at 16 Weeks: Development & Growth

At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 120 millimetres (roughly 12cm) long from crown to rump and weighs about 110 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. This week the head is upright, the eyes can move slowly, the ears are close to their final position, and limb movements are becoming coordinated.

Your baby measures about 12cm this week — roughly the size of an avocado, and noticeably longer than a few weeks ago. Mayo Clinic gives it as "about 4 3/4 inches (120 millimeters) long from crown to rump" weighing "about 4 ounces (110 grams)." Length is still measured crown to rump, because the legs stay curled at this stage.

The head has found its posture. Mayo Clinic notes that at 16 weeks "your baby's head is upright," and that "the eyes can move slowly, and the ears are close to reaching their final position." Small placements, quietly falling into order.

Movement is the milestone of the week. Mayo Clinic explains that "limb movements are becoming coordinated and can be seen during ultrasound exams" — the jerky, random motions of earlier weeks are smoothing into something more deliberate.

But there is a caveat worth stating plainly. Mayo Clinic adds that those movements "likely are too small for you to feel." So if a scan shows your baby wriggling while you feel nothing, both things are true at once — the movement is real, and it is simply too faint to reach you yet.

The skin is also thickening this week, Mayo Clinic notes — one more layer between your baby and the world it is being built for.

Your Body at 16 Weeks: Symptoms & Changes

At 16 weeks pregnant, many women are in the steadier middle stretch. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) lists tender breasts, constipation, backaches, headaches, mood swings and leg cramps among common pregnancy discomforts — any of which may still be part of your week. Every pregnancy is different.

The question this week is often about movement — that first flutter you have read so much about. Here is what SOGC actually says: "Some women feel movement as early as 13-16 weeks from the start of their last period." So this is the leading edge of when it can happen.

It is easy to miss, and easy to mistake. SOGC notes that "at first it will be difficult to distinguish between fetal movement and intestinal gas" — the first movements are that subtle. A little flutter, a bubble, easy to dismiss.

And if you feel nothing, you are not behind. The position of the placenta influences, among other things, when those first fetal movements are actually felt. The SOGC states plainly that "first-time moms may not feel movement until 18-20 weeks," and that "by 24 weeks, almost all women will feel their baby's movements in a predictable way." Reliable, consistent movement is a later-trimester thing.

Other symptoms carry on for many women. SOGC lists tender or swollen breasts, constipation, gas and bloating, backaches, headaches, mood swings and leg cramps among the common discomforts of pregnancy. Any of these can still be part of your week 16.

Weight is shifting, and it is not all baby. SOGC explains that "it isn't just the baby that contributes to weight gain. Your placenta, increased blood volume, larger breasts, and fat stores to support breastfeeding, also contribute." A rounding middle is your body doing its work.

Mood deserves naming honestly. SOGC notes that mood swings are common and "not usually severe" — but adds that "depression or disruptive mood swings are not normal and it is important to seek help for these more serious concerns." Persistent low mood is a reason to talk to your health care provider, not to wait out.

And if you sail through with barely a symptom, that is normal too. SOGC puts it simply: "Every pregnant woman is different. Some will sail through pregnancy with very few symptoms, and others will be dogged with multiple discomforts throughout the 9 months."

What to Do at 16 Weeks Pregnant

NUTRITION AT 16 WEEKS PREGNANT

Add about 340 extra calories a day. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) states: "In the second trimester you need about 340 extra calories per day." It notes this "generally equates to 2 or 3 additional servings from any of Canada’s Food Guide’s food groups" — for example a piece of toast and a cup of milk, or an apple and ¾ cup of yogurt.
Get enough iron now. SOGC advises increasing "your daily iron intake to 27mg daily during the final six+ months of pregnancy to support an increase in red blood cells and fetal tissues," adding that most women "may need a good supplement to meet this need."
Build meals around a varied, nutrient-dense diet. SOGC points to Canada’s Food Guide, noting that "a varied, nutrient-dense diet" helps meet the needs of both you and your baby — with attention to fibre (aim for 28g daily), omega-3 DHA (aim for 1.4g daily) and iodine (aim for 250mcg daily).
Include folate-rich foods and foods fortified with folic acid. Note that folate-rich foods don’t replace supplements. The Public Health Agency of Canada lists corn, oranges, beans, lentils and dark green vegetables like peas, spinach, broccoli and brussels sprouts as sources of folate — while stressing that "dietary sources on their own are not enough" to protect against neural tube defects.

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE AT 16 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep taking 400mcg of folic acid daily. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends "a daily multivitamin with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid" for anyone who could become pregnant, and advises: "Continue taking folic acid throughout your pregnancy and while breastfeeding."
Don’t increase folic acid on your own. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises: "You should not increase your dose of folic acid beyond 1 mg per day without talking to your health care provider."
Use a prenatal that covers iron. SOGC notes that, like most women, "you may need a good supplement" to reach 27mg of iron a day — the second and third trimesters are when this matters most.
Consider your supplement combinations carefully. Because all-in-one prenatal products contain varying concentrations of different vitamins and minerals, it is important to always discuss specific formulations and daily dosages with a doctor to ensure they safely meet your individual health needs.

LIFESTYLE TIPS AT 16 WEEKS PREGNANT

Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity a week. SOGC advises that "pregnant women should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week," spread across "at least 3 days a week, and up to 7 days a week." Walking, swimming and stationary cycling are all good options. Reduce activity if you experience physical discomfort.
Start (or keep up) pelvic floor exercises. SOGC notes that "pelvic floor muscle training (e.g., Kegel exercises) can be performed every day to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence" — an easy daily habit to build now.
Keep caffeine to 300mg a day. Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg — so roughly two cups is the ceiling, and that total includes tea, cola and chocolate.
Note down questions for your anatomy scan. SOGC recommends an anatomic ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks; jotting down what you want to ask now means you walk in ready.

When to Contact Your Doctor or Midwife

Most of week 16 is uneventful, and that is the point. But some symptoms should always be checked. Contact your doctor, midwife or other health care provider if you experience:

Any vaginal bleeding. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) advises: "It's important for you to take any vaginal bleeding seriously. Contact your health care provider as soon as you notice any bleeding." It notes that about one-third of pregnancies have some bleeding before the 20th week, and about half of these continue without further issues — but it should always be assessed.
Signs of infection, or heavy bleeding. SOGC advises that if you have "signs of infection like fever or heavy bleeding, you should see your care provider right away." If bleeding is heavy or you feel very unwell, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Persistent low mood or disruptive mood swings. SOGC advises that "depression or disruptive mood swings are not normal and it is important to seek help for these more serious concerns."
Any concern about your baby's movement, once you are feeling it regularly. SOGC advises that "if you ever have concerns regarding your baby's movement pattern, you should have the baby assessed as soon as possible." At 16 weeks, most women are not yet feeling reliable movement — but once you are, a noticeable change is worth a call.
Severe abdominal pain, or any symptom that frightens you. Sudden, severe pain warrants urgent assessment — seek emergency medical care immediately if it is intense or you feel faint. For anything that simply worries you, your health care provider is there for exactly that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is my baby at 16 weeks pregnant?

At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 120 millimetres — roughly 12cm — from crown to rump and weighs about 110 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic describes it as "about 4 3/4 inches (120 millimeters) long from crown to rump" and "about 4 ounces (110 grams)." Length is measured crown to rump at this stage because the legs are still curled.

Will I feel my baby move at 16 weeks pregnant?

Maybe, but not necessarily. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) notes that "some women feel movement as early as 13-16 weeks from the start of their last period," while "first-time moms may not feel movement until 18-20 weeks." Early movement is easy to miss — SOGC says "at first it will be difficult to distinguish between fetal movement and intestinal gas." If you feel nothing yet at 16 weeks, that is expected.

What is my baby doing at 16 weeks pregnant?

At 16 weeks, Mayo Clinic notes that "your baby’s head is upright," "the eyes can move slowly, and the ears are close to reaching their final position," and "limb movements are becoming coordinated and can be seen during ultrasound exams." Those movements are still "too small for you to feel," according to Mayo Clinic.

When is the anatomy ultrasound?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) recommends an "anatomic" ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks. SOGC explains it "looks at your baby’s anatomy," capturing images of the brain, face, heart, spine, chest, major organs, feet and hands, and checking the placenta. SOGC adds that "if the baby’s sex is determined during the ultrasound, you have the right to request this information."

How much caffeine is safe at 16 weeks pregnant?

Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg, so roughly two cups a day is the ceiling — and that total should include tea, cola and chocolate, which also contain caffeine.

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