pregnancy by week

Week 16

BABY

Baby is now “breathing” amniotic fluid. The ears are developing, and so is baby’s sense of hearing.

MOM

You soon may detect a kind of fluttering in your tummy — like there’s a butterfly in there. That’s baby moving around; it’s called “quickening.” Be sure to tell your partner, and make an entry in your JOURNAL!

PARTNER

Being involved in your child’s life is of paramount importance; why not begin now? Start talking and singing to mom’s bump. Your baby will recognize your voice at birth, so don’t be shy.

2LIFE

If you haven’t decided on your birthing plan, it’s time to get that settled (use the JOURNAL tool to write it down); consider including instructions about clamping and cutting the umbilical cord (not only who will do it, but when). Also, look into prenatal classes and get yourselves signed up. Visit the RESOURCES tab for our “Childbirth preparation” picks.

LEARN MORE

Quickening (Wikipedia)
What about childbirth classes and birth plans? (Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota)
What to include in your birth plan (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Video: newborn baby recognizes father’s voice (Michael Jr)
Video: 90 seconds to change the world: TEDx talk by Dr. Alan Greene about benefits of delaying umbilical cord clamping by 90 seconds