Week 16 went well. I still haven’t gotten back into working out, but I cleaned my house this weekend—so that counts as a workout, right?
How far along? 16 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I have gained a total of 4 lbs so far. My OBGYN told me I should aim for 20 lbs total for the entire pregnancy, which seems low, so we’ll see.
Maternity clothes? Not yet.
Stretch marks? Not yet (still using Belli’s Elasticity Belly Oil at night and Mamma Mio Tummy Rub during the day). I realize they are genetic, but it doesn’t hurt to use creams and oils.
Symptoms: I am having more round ligament pain than before. I am also thirsty a lot.
Sleep: Still using my Snoogle and have been sleeping well. Still going to bed earlier than I used to, but not as early as first trimester.
Best moment this week: Seeing my OB for my 16 week appointment and getting to hear the baby’s heartbeat—it was a strong 156 bpm.
Worst moment of the week: Getting my blood taken for the quad screen that they do in second trimester. I don’t hate getting blood drawn (I donate blood) but I hate waiting for the results of the tests. It always stresses me out and makes me anxious. Praying everything is okay. (update: my screens came back negative, so thankful).
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? The motivation to work out, eggs Benedict
Movement: This was the first week I think I *may* have felt movement, because I have nothing else to explain the sensations. Most of the time it feels like a little piece of popcorn “popping” (lightly) and I have felt a few “flutters” too. It only happens when I am laying propped up on the couch or in bed. Sometimes, it feels like little bubbles in there.
Food cravings: Same as last week- cuties clementines (cannot stop eating them), tomato soup, grilled cheese, gingerbread cookies, cereal with milk.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment.
Have you started to show yet: The day I hit 16 weeks I looked in the mirror from the side that night and my belly was the biggest it’s been so far. It seemed to only last a few days though because it hasn’t stayed that large. Maybe I ate a lot that day. It is growing though—and I can definitely see a difference. But I haven’t “popped” fully yet, ut still tends to fluctuate. You can see a little bump when I wear fitted clothing.
Gender prediction: We will do the big reveal Christmas day! We can’t wait to find out ๐
Belly Button in or out? In, but it’s starting to look less deep than it used to.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Finding out the sex of the baby.
Thank you for reading and for all of my pregnant readers, please feel free to check in below as well and let me know how your pregnancy is going ๐ I also welcome everyone’s advice and comments about pregnancy ๐
Sandy a la Mode says
you look great girl! and i LOVED the snoogle!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Ania says
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I'm currently 37 weeks pregnant with my first. I do the same thing as you – belly oil at night and body butter during the day – and I have yet to see a strech mark. So I think it works for me and will work for you ๐
Lilly says
Aw, you're glowing V! ๐
Alethia says
You look so cute! AND Happy! ๐
Anna says
Sounds like you did experience movements! I'm 24 weeks & it felt like muscle spasms to me (but now you mention the popcorn thing it felt like that). 16 weeks is pretty early, but I think I first felt it around then too. You look gorgeous & good to hear you're feeling better.
hannah says
You're looking absolutely gorgeous! I have read that 26 pounds is the maximum a slim or average woman should gain so your Dr is probably rounding down so you don't go 'what's a few extra' and gain 32…or something. You look fabulous regardless! x
Jennifer says
You look great, love the dress. Looking forward to finding out if you are having a little girl!!! LOL Sorry. I think you may be having one for some reason.
Nicole says
I bet you did feel movement! I felt movement early too, 15-16 weeks I think, and it felt exactly as you describe. I love your pregnancy updates; can't wait to hear if you are having a boy or a girl! I have a 9m old daughter :0).
Emily says
You look fabulous! Enjoy your 2nd trimester, it's by far the best one! I have four weeks to go with my own pregnancy and I am super-uncomfortable right now. I miss the energy I had in my 2nd trimester.
I first felt my baby move around 15-16 weeks too, and it started off as that very light fluttery feeling that you describe. The first time I felt him really kick was amazing!
20 pounds does seem pretty low for a total weight gain, so don't feel bad if you go over that amount as you get further into your pregnancy…I am very petite/thin pre-preggo, and my doctor told me I should aim for about 30-35 pounds of total weight gain. I haven't hit that yet and doubt I will in the next four weeks, but I have definitely gained more than 20 pounds. As long as you're eating healthy and drinking your water, you'll be fine ๐ Best of luck to you!!!!
Lisa says
I think you should add one more question: "How is the hubs doing so far?" I always thought that was important to keep track of and then he would feel more part of the whole experience since it's documented for the both of you!! You look so happy! Congrats!
Jennifer says
As a fellow pregnant woman, my advice to you is don't get too hung up on the 20 lb guideline. Most doctors will say that anywhere from 20-40 lbs is normal for a pregnancy. I'm currently 27 weeks and have gained 24 lbs and my doctor says its completely normal and healthy. Just a little something I wanted to share.
Audra says
Oh yeah, that's definitely baby movement! It'll get stronger in the next few weeks- the best part of pregnancy!
We had our big scan on Monday, but we're waiting for Christmas to do our gender reveal too – so excited! ๐
Angela Marie says
Best of luck, you look amazing ๐
Angela @ The Lovely Cup
Marion Green says
I love reading your weekly updates Veronika! You are looking just gorgeous…
And 20 lbs is on the lower side. I know that every woman's body is different, but I have gained a little over 30 lbs so far (36 weeks). It's a little difficult to see the numbers on the scale…but just have faith that you'll have the work ethic and fortitude to lose the weight.
Can't wait to find out the gender!
xo – Marion
Rachel Jensen {Da Paura โฅ} says
You are gorgeous!
Diana says
I really hate the "20-25 lbs" rule that most gynecologists use today. I gained 63 pounds with my son even with eating well and constantly being up and about. But, I started out as underweight, had a lot of swelling that started early on and retained a lot of fluid…and he was also a massive baby. It really varies from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy how much will be gained, and for medical professionals to sit there and make a woman feel like she is failing by gaining more than that is awful I think. As long as you are taking care of yourself and your growing baby, and the two of you are healthy, it shouldn't matter how much you gain.
There are gentle stretches you can do to ease the round ligament pain. It won't make it completely go away, but it will help to make it a little less painful.
Aww I remember the first flutters…I used to come home from work and lounge on the couch just to feel movement. Try a little bit of juice, too, when you are relaxing, or something sweet – my little guy used to go crazy even early on when I relaxed on the couch or lay down after having some sugar. Soon you will be feeling movement almost all of the time!
You look great, I can't wait to read what you are having! I think it's a boy ๐
CHAS says
I'm voting girl because that's a quick heartbeat! 20 lbs does sound really low, especially since you are so tall. I think my dr told me 25.
Unknown says
20 pounds? Seriously? hahaha… Sorry, that just made me laugh. In my opinion, that's completely unrealistic so don't put too much pressure on yourself. It's more important that you're healthy, regardless of the number. I'm currently 37 weeks (officially full term today), and I've gained about 40 lbs. The weight gain was difficult for me to deal with at first because I've always been thin (my body type is similar to yours except I'm only 5'5") and normally my body doesn't put on weight easily but as soon as I got pregnant, that completely changed. I'm a firm believer that our bodies are going to do what they need to do. Apparently by body has decided that it needs to put on more weight, and I'm ok with that now (I can worry about losing it later- I hear breastfeeding does wonders). Also, for me, I gained weight in spurts (i.e., I'd go for weeks without gaining anything, then I'd gain a ton all at once, and then plateau again). What's funny is that despite the gain, most people tell me I look small and my stomach is measuring right on track. All that matters in the end is that you have a healthy little baby :). Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
Vee says
So exciting! I'm 22 weeks with my first (it's a girl!). She moves around a lot and it also feels like popcorn popping, bubbles and muscle spasms. I definitely felt this same sensation around 15 weeks but thought it was too early so I didn't give it much thought. I've always been a reader of your blog and am excited that you're sharing your pregnancy with us. Congrats and enjoy pregnancy!
Francis says
With that heart rate I vote girl. Yay!
Chrissy Doucet says
Wow! Congrats! I'm 38.5 weeks right now and I know everyone says it but it went by soooo fast! I started blogging at week 30 and I'm still getting the hang of it. Make sure to write everything down because even though you think you will remember, you won't! I wish I started my blog sooner!
http://chrissycdoucet.blogspot.com
Kristen says
you look so cute! we really do have the same cravings, how funny! can't wait for your gender announcement! so happy for you two!
Schnelle says
Those little flutters are the best feeling, aren't they? Wait until they pregress into little kicks… I'm going to really miss feeling her moving around. Can't wait to find out the gender! I'm guessing girl!
Lizzy says
I predict a girl!!!! (old wives tale about higher heartbeats!) Excited for you to find out ๐
Andrea Clare says
you look beautiful!! and I love your tree! So pretty and classic!
-Andrea
Jennifer of JennySue Makeup says
Congrats on the upcoming bambino!! You look fab. And yes, house cleaning counts as a workout while pregnant:)
Jennifer | https://www.jennysuemakeup.com