What is the Average Weight of a 16-Week-Old Fetus?

Update Date: 2024-06-26 Source: Network

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus measures approximately 16cm from head to buttocks and weighs approximately 110g. The average biparietal diameter is 3.62±0.58cm, the average abdominal circumference is 10.32±1.92cm, and the femur length is 2.10±0.51cm. The fetus's arms and legs have developed fully, and the joints have begun to move. Fine hair starts to grow on the fetus's head, the stomach begins to secrete digestive juices, and the kidneys begin to secrete urine.

During the 16th week of pregnancy, the fetus experiences rapid development, with fully developed arms and legs, active joints, the emergence of fine hair on the head, the stomach secreting digestive juices, the kidneys secreting urine, and the circulatory system and urethra entering a fully functional state. The lungs also begin to function. The expectant mother may begin to hear the first fetal movements this week.

Assessing the fetal head circumference can provide insights into fetal development. At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the fetal head circumference is approximately 120mm. A slightly smaller head circumference within two weeks is considered normal and does not typically lead to severe consequences. However, if the fetal head circumference is more than two weeks smaller than expected at 16 weeks, it may indicate malnutrition in the early stages of pregnancy or the influence of radiation, poisoning, or other factors that have affected the fetal brain development. In such cases, it is important to investigate the causes and actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan.

On the other hand, if the fetal head circumference is significantly larger than expected at 16 weeks, it may indicate the presence of hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by congenital thickening of the cerebral cortex or proliferative issues with other neural glial cells. An enlarged fetal head circumference can increase the risk of difficult childbirth.