16 Weeks Pregnant: How Big Is Your Baby?
At 16 weeks pregnant, you’re well into your second trimester, and things are starting to feel more exciting. Your baby is growing quickly, and this is often the stage where many parents begin to think about finding out their baby’s gender.
How Big Is Your Baby at 16 Weeks?
At 16 weeks, your baby is around the size of an avocado, measuring roughly 10 to 12 centimetres long.
Your baby is becoming more proportionate, with their body growing into their head and limbs becoming more developed.
What Is Happening at 16 Weeks Pregnant?
This is a stage where your baby is becoming more active and developed.
At 16 weeks:
- Your baby’s muscles and bones are strengthening
- The face is well formed, with eyes and ears in position
- Your baby can make small movements, including stretching and kicking
- The heart is pumping strongly and circulating blood
- Your baby may begin to develop facial expressions
Although you might not feel it yet, your baby is moving around more than ever.
Common Symptoms at 16 Weeks
For many people, this is one of the more comfortable stages of pregnancy.
You might notice:
- Increased energy levels
- A growing baby bump
- Reduced nausea
- Possible first flutters of movement (sometimes called “quickening”)
- Changes in appetite
Everyone’s experience is different, but this stage is often when pregnancy starts to feel more enjoyable.
Can You Find Out Your Baby’s Gender at 16 Weeks?
Yes, this is one of the most exciting parts of this stage.
From 16 weeks onwards, it is usually possible to determine your baby’s gender with a high level of accuracy during a scan.
Many parents choose to book a gender scan at this stage to:
- Find out if they are having a boy or girl
- Share the experience with family or friends
- Plan a gender reveal
- Feel more connected to their baby
What Happens at a Gender Scan?
A gender scan is a simple and safe ultrasound, similar to your previous scans.
During the appointment, you can expect:
- To see your baby moving on screen
- Confirmation of your baby’s gender (if you choose to find out)
- A check of your baby’s wellbeing
- Printed scan images to take home
Some parents prefer to keep it a surprise, and we can provide your baby’s gender in a sealed envelope if needed.
A Special Stage for Bonding
At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is becoming more developed, and seeing them on screen can feel even more real.
This is often one of the most memorable stages of pregnancy, especially when combined with finding out your baby’s gender and sharing the experience with loved ones.
Looking Ahead
As your pregnancy continues, your baby will grow rapidly, and you may soon begin to feel stronger movements.
The next stages bring even more opportunities to connect with your baby, including 4D scans from around 24 weeks onwards, where you can see your baby’s movements in real time.
Baby Scans in Consett and the North East
At our clinic in Consett, we welcome parents from across Consett, County Durham, Newcastle and the wider North East for gender scans and other pregnancy scans.
Our aim is to provide a calm, welcoming environment where you can enjoy this special moment and leave with lasting memories.
A Moment Many Parents Look Forward To
Reaching 16 weeks pregnant is a milestone filled with excitement, curiosity, and anticipation. For many parents, this is the stage where pregnancy truly comes to life, especially when seeing their baby move and discovering whether they’re having a boy or girl.
What To Expect
Booking Your Appointment
Start your journey by booking your scan appointment online or over the phone. Choose the scan type that best suits your needs and select a convenient time slot. We may contact you for more information if we feel it necessary.
Arriving at the Clinic
We are located in the main building, Prospect House.
There is plenty of free parking available.
The clinic is on the First Floor, accessed via stairs. Please note there is no disabled access.
Check-in Process
Enter the main reception and take a seat. One of our team members will greet you when it's time for your appointment.
You'll be asked to read and sign your booking/consent form.
Relax in our comfortable waiting area while we prepare for your scan.
Having Your Scan
In the scan room, you'll get to see your beautiful baby.
A female chaperone will be present if a transvaginal scan is required (we will always discuss this with you beforehand).
Feel free to ask any questions at any time - this is YOUR scan appointment!
After Your Scan
After your scan, you'll have the opportunity to chat with our midwives about your pregnancy. Who better to ask than a professional midwife? We're here to answer any questions you may have and provide expert advice and reassurance.