Your Pregnancy - Week 16

You’ve hit the four-month mark and things now start to change quickly.

Your uterus is above your pelvis so you’ve probably got a bit of a bump. And you might start to feel your baby move, it can feel like flutters or twitches at first. Don’t panic if it doesn’t happen this week as it depends on lots of factors including where your placenta is.

You might see the midwife this week as a follow up from your scan. They check how you’re getting on and weigh you and measure your bump. They’ll also talk through your blood tests results and if you need to do anything. Finally, you’ll do a wee sample and a blood pressure check so they can watch for signs of pre-eclampsia.

What does my baby look like?

We’re moving on to exotic fruits after Week 15, your baby is just over 11cm now, the size of an avocado.

And you might start to feel those movements because their nervous system is developing and they can move their arms and legs more. They can even form a fist to have their own little boxing match inside you.

On their tiny face, you can see frowns and smiles and their eyes begin to move. And if you’re a music lover crank up the volume as this is the first week your baby can hear sound.

Youch, my pelvis is killing me!

If you’re struggling with pain in your pelvis, back or legs affecting your ability to walk or go up and downstairs you might have Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) also called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).

Read: What's Pelvic Girdle Pain & SPD?

The name sounds a bit scary, but it’s usually nothing to worry about, apart from being a literal pain in the bum. If you’re struggling to move around, it hurts to get in or out of the car or turn over in bed or going up or down the stairs makes you want to weep it could be PGP. And that means it’s time to chat to the GP or midwife.

Sadly there’s no quick fix. It’s a case of managing the symptoms. Your midwife or doctor might refer you to see a physio and if your pelvis is already a bit wobbly it’s best to avoid: