Week by week: Pregnancy week - 16

Chances are you've become quite absorbed in all things pregnancy related and not spent much quality time with your partner.

Why not go for a meal at your favourite restaurant or even enjoy a weekend away?

You'll be waving goodbye to a certain degree of spontaneity soon enough, so make the most of your pre-baby time now.

Inside story

Your baby is moving around pretty vigorously, although you probably won't have felt your first kick yet and may not until after week 18. Don't worry – that's perfectly normal.

Your baby is also hiccuping away inside you: if you were to have a scan around now you'd see the hiccups as little 'jumps' made by your baby.

Maybe you'll see it at your second scan, which takes place around week 20.

The average weight of a baby at this stage is around 80g (nearly 3oz), and average crown-to-rump length is 11.5cm (4.5 inches).

Your baby's body is growing to catch up with the head, so he or she will look much more in proportion by your next scan.

On the outside

Your hair and nails might still be blossoming, and this is partly because of the increase in blood volume that happens in pregnancy. Also, normal hair loss slows down almost to a halt in pregnancy, so your hair feels thicker.

Excuse us asking, but are you constipated? It's such a common pregnancy problem that you really shouldn't feel embarrassed about bringing it up with your doctor or midwife.

The hormone progesterone is responsible for slowing down your digestion; plus your uterus is starting to press on your bladder and bowel.

You can help yourself by drinking lots of water (and other non-alcoholic fluids) every day, and stepping up your intake of dietary fibre. That means eating more wholemeal and wholegrain products as well as more fibrous fruit and veg such as apples, pears, plums, broccoli, kale, apricots and sweetcorn.

Things to think about

If you're planning to return to work after your maternity it may be worth beginning to explore your childcare choices.