18 weeks Hardly no bump

[Add11]

I'm 18 weeks pregnant and am worried as I don't really have much of a bump, as the day goes on it gets abit harder but most of the time it's still quite soft, also havnt felt any movement yet really but I think it's still early days. I have felt what feels like flutters or bubbles.

[GingerAcorns]

Hi Add11,

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Please try not to worry about the size of your bump or not feeling movements at this moment in time as what you've written sounds perfectly normal. The size of the bump varies dramatically depending upon your body type, your size and if you've been pregnant before. If this is your first pregnancy then 'showing' your pregnant is often much later than in subsequent pregnancies as your muscles and tissues need to stretch out for the first time. It is not uncommon for very fit women to not look pregnant until beyond 20 weeks.

Also, the size of the abdomen at your gestation doesn't really indicate anything. It does however become important at 25 weeks when your midwife will begin measuring the top of your uterus to your pubic bone at each appointment. These measurements should then approximately equal the number of weeks pregnant you are; so at 25 weeks pregnant your abdomen should measure 23-27cm and at 31 weeks pregnant your abdomen should measure 29-33cm. This indicates the growth of your baby in utero and deviations from this would prompt your midwife to refer you for an extra ultrasound scan.

Movements are often felt much later than expected too at around 20 weeks (although some women do feel them earlier). During the first pregnancy women often find that the movements are really subtle because they've never experienced them before. Women often mistake the first movements for gas or flutters and bubbles as you've described. I wouldn't be surprised if what you're feeling is in fact your baby's movements but you won't know for certain until your pregnancy develops further and you get to know your baby.

Everything sounds perfect at the moment. Make sure you're taking care of yourself by eating well, drinking plenty and getting plenty of rest. Try not to worry and enjoy your pregnancy.

Hope that helps.

[Mariahann]

I didn't get a noticeable bump until at least week 23. I first felt baby movements at around 20 weeks. Sounds as though your pregnancy is going absolutely fine! Good luck for the rest of your pregnancy

[ReBeCcA-90]

Hi congrats! As others have said its all about your body shape, I'm a bigger girl and 28 weeks and if I am honest I don't look much bigger than I was when I first got pregnant. And I have had super skinny friends that only start showing in the last few months. I don't feel many movements either but I have a anterior placenta. If you live in England you should be offered a scan at around 20 weeks, this will put your mind at rest! Don't worry I an sure all is fine. Becca x

[ChrisWest1983]

By the week 18 I have had put 4lbs and 1lb of that weight was in my boobs, so I have not had much of a bump either but since then I am blooming!

Enjoy the moment as soon flutters will turn into kicks!

I am week 21 now and last night at 4am the baby was digging in my side that it was actually painful 😢 Another 19 weeks to go...

[Zoe310798]

Don't worry sweetheart I'm 28+4 and still haven't got a big bump! We're all different. Things such as your muscle tone, build etc can all affect how much you show. I imagine it will all come on at the end!! Xx

[Hidden]

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Please don't worry you are one of the lucky ones! I am massive this time and get loads of hip and SPD problems in pregnancy because of the huge tummy lol.. As long as you and baby are happy and healthy that's the main thing x

[Mels27]

I agree with everyone here.

I'm fairly slim, Uk size 10 and generally fairly petit and I didn't show at all till 6 months at least. I'm now 34 weeks and bump is fine but it still hasn't really popped. Obviously I show but with some clever dressing you couldn't tell and people constantly tell me I'm tiny for 7 months. But it measures about right, currently 2 weeks smaller but the midwife and doctors all say that's fine.

Big bump definitely doesn't equal big baby and same for small bump, it doesn't necessarily mean baby is too small or not growing properly. It can be about your muscle definition, the way the baby is lying, just you and you're shape anything!

[AlyM86]

Don't worry up until I was 6 months pregnant with my first I just looked like I had a beer belly then it kinda came out of no where and started to feel her kicking properly.