Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 16
More symptoms like congestion, leg cramps, and skin changes may occur during your pregnancy if they haven’t already. Baby’s hair/scalp pattern is forming and may resemble yours or your partner's!
What’s Going on with Baby
At Week 16, your baby is the size of a sandwich!
Your baby’s ears are almost in their final position on the head this week. Their skin is thicker and their eyes can slowly move. We mentioned last week that your baby is moving constantly now, even though you may not be able to feel it. Even so, limb movement can be detected on an ultrasound this week! Last week, we also talked about your baby’s scalp pattern forming. Here’s some interesting facts about that:
Your baby’s scalp has hair follicles forming a pattern they will have for their entire lives!
Did you know that scalp patterning is hereditary? Babies often inherit their scalp pattern from their parents or grandparents.
Your baby’s hair density, thickness, and distribution on the scalp is also a hereditary trait.
What’s Going on with Mom
You might notice new pregnancy symptoms as you get closer to the halfway mark. There’s no specific time when pregnancy symptoms hit for all women, so you may or may not experience them. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
Congestion. Congestion is a common symptom in pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes and increased blood flow.
Skin changes. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause various skin changes. These are also common and usually temporary. This may include dark patches of skin on the face or a linea nigra line that appears on the abdomen, running vertically from the navel to the pubic area.
Leg cramps. These are most common in the second and third trimesters and often occur at night.
What’s going on with Partner
Those leg cramps sound harsh! This is an excellent time to step in if Mom is dealing with leg soreness and harsh pain. Here are some ways to help prevent leg pain and relieve pain when it happens:
Remind Mom to drink water and liquids throughout the day.
If you’re making a meal, make sure it includes leafy greens, bananas, dairy products, or nuts to help Mom get the nutrition she needs to help prevent leg cramps.
Walk around with Mom to get her moving if she’s been sitting too long or encourage her to rest if she’s been walking too much.
Massage her legs to help relax the muscles. A warm compress or warm bath can also help.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
Feeling the second trimester glow and wanting to get out and do some fun things with your partner? Be sure to check out our Pregnant Couple Playbook for some fun ideas to prep for your baby together.
