If you start to notice a feeling of small bubbles in your stomach, or what many describe as small taps from butterfly wings, it may be the first signs that you are now feeling life. If you don't feel it yet, it will likely happen in the next couple of weeks.
Full swing in gymnastics
If you are feeling life now, it could be because the fetus is currently in one of its most active periods during the pregnancy. This is due to both the constantly increasing awareness of its movements and the good space available in the uterus. The uterus is about 2.5 times larger than before you became pregnant and now provides ample room for both somersaults, boxing training, and the first attempts at making a solid soccer kick.
All of these activities that your baby inside your uterus is fully engaged in may be what you feel as small bubbling sensations. In fact, it is also around this week that the baby begins to be able to hiccup. You will surely experience this a few times throughout the pregnancy.
A special layer of fat
Around week 16, a special layer of fat, often referred to as brown fat, is formed. It generates heat and ensures that the fetus maintains a stable temperature throughout the pregnancy, as the fetus's body is not yet able to regulate its own body temperature. The fat layer and the fine little hairs covering the baby's body help keep the baby warm and safe in the amniotic fluid.
Your pregnancy
If you have not yet felt life, that is also completely normal. There are many factors that determine this, including your weight and the position of the placenta. Like everything else regarding pregnancies, it is extremely individual, and you will also start to feel it in a couple of weeks if everything proceeds as it should.
You will likely experience a lot of hiccups and well-placed kicks that ensure you are in no doubt that someone is trying to train for an important soccer or boxing match.
Perhaps you have started to be bothered by nosebleeds or bleeding gums during your pregnancy. This is because your body is now pumping about 40% more blood around your body to supply the baby and the placenta. However, the increased blood volume also puts pressure on your blood vessels and can therefore result in, for example, nosebleeds.
Size of the fetus
The little hard-working baby in your uterus is now about 13-14 cm and weighs 140 grams. If the fetus is lying stretched out, it measures about 17-18 cm from head to toe. In a more tangible description, it can best be compared to the size of a small eggplant.
Advice for partners
It is approaching the time when you as a partner can start to feel the baby kick. There are still a few weeks to go, but until then, it may help you to talk with your partner about how it feels for her if she is feeling life.
Additionally, you can be a great help to your pregnant partner by remembering the snacks or what she often craves and perhaps packing a pack of tissues in your bag or car, so you are prepared if your partner suddenly gets a nosebleed.
