Your Pregnancy: Week 18

Welcome to week 18 of your pregnancy!

At 18 weeks, your baby is around 14.2cm long from head to bottom - that's approximately the size of a bell pepper!

Your baby is quite active, moving around and even responding to sounds from the outside world, such as music. While you may not yet feel these movements, especially if this is your first pregnancy, they're happening nonetheless. If you do feel them, they'll likely be gentle fluttering or rolling sensations.

While it may be tempting to use a home doppler to check on your baby's heartbeat, these devices are not always reliable. Trust your instincts and seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns about your baby's wellbeing.

Stomach (abdominal) pain is common in pregnancy and can be caused by various factors such as constipation, wind or "growing pains" as your ligaments stretch to accommodate your growing bump. However, it's essential to pay attention to any abdominal pain, as it can sometimes indicate a more serious issue - talk to your midwife if you're ever concerned.

Additionally, you may find yourself experiencing headaches during pregnancy. While this is common, severe headaches could potentially signal something more serious, so it's essential to monitor them and discuss any concerns with your midwife.

⬅️ YOUR PREGNANCY: WEEK 19

➡️ YOUR PREGNANCY: WEEK 17

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