Welcome to the 16th week of pregnancy! How are you feeling? Some moms refer to the second trimester as the honeymoon period, while other moms just find a whole new group of symptoms and problems. Whichever team you are on, just keep in mind that you are almost to the halfway point! In the weeks ahead-you may have the opportunity to find out the sex of your little one and get an inside view of the miracle that is growing inside you.
What you may be experiencing
Are you feeling a bit stuffy? You are not alone. Rising hormone levels and increased blood volume can cause mucus membranes in your nose to swell a bit, which can leave you feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. If you have suffered from allergies or sinus problems in the past, your condition may be further aggravated. Some mom’s may also experience an occasional nosebleed, which can be a bit frightening if you have never experienced one before. Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot that can be done for you and your aching sinuses. Discuss your options with your doctor- and don’t take anything without getting it approved first. Saline nose drops may help relieve your symptoms temporarily. Nose strips that open up your nasal passages are also helpful to some moms.
Your baby
Your baby is now moving like a well oiled machine! If you could sneak a peek, you may be amazed at what you see this week. Coordinated movements are happening every day- though you may still not be able to feel them for several more weeks. Your little one can now blink and suck their thumb. They even show a preference for a right or left thumb at this point! The external genitals are now recognizable, but very small. Some moms may be able to find out the sex of their baby via an ultrasound, but most doctors will recommend waiting a few more weeks to make sure.
Concerns or points of interest
Are you having trouble getting enough sleep? While you may be super tired, many moms complain that getting to sleep has become a chore. Your growing belly and raging hormones may prove to be a bad combination when it comes to catching some z’s. It is recommended that you sleep on your left side, which allows optimum blood flow to your growing baby. So start training yourself to sleep on your side early on. Use plenty of pillows to help find a comfortable position. Some moms swear by pregnancy pillows and wedges that are designed to cushion growing bellies. Altering the temperature in the room, whenever possible, may also provide some relief for moms-to-be.