Pregnancy - How Big Should I Be?

by Angel
(Palestine, Texas)

I'm 18 weeks pregnant and I feel my baby move all the time, mainly before I go to sleep. But I don't look that pregnant. Is this normal?

Reply from New Baby & Beyond

Hi Angel,

There is no set rule on how big you should be during your pregnancy, although there are standard outlines that your midwife should be looking out for.

It would depend on how you are carrying your baby. Some women tend to carry at the front of their tummy, others will carry further back. Some may carry their baby high up, others quite low. There is no set rule that says 'You should be this big, or look like this by 18 weeks!' :)

It will also depend on how much fluid you are carrying. Some woman have loads of amniotic fluid, others not so much.

If you were very fit when you got pregnant and have managed to stay in shape, then your muscle tone may hold out better than someone who wasn't quite so fit. Also if it's your first pregnancy, your muscle tone may handle the 'stretching' better than subsequent pregnancies.

If you are 18 weeks then you should be due for an ultrasound scan sometime soon? If there are any problems with your baby, if the sonographer thinks that your baby isn't as big as he/she should be, they will discuss with you.

Your baby will now weigh around one pound in weight, (0.5kg) So he/she really is quite tiny still! check out this page to see what your baby will look like at 18 weeks Stages of fetal development - second trimester.

If you are seriously worried then do talk to your midwife. Here in the UK some midwives will measure the mum's tummy with a tape measure (not sure if that happens in the USA?) Or your midwife should be able to feel the rough size of your baby by examining your tummy. Don't fret, If you can feel your baby moving then enjoy your pregnancy, don't put stress on your baby through worrying. Go talk to your midwife and put your mind at rest :)

Hope this helps Angel. Wishing you the very best of luck :)

Julie
New baby & beyond.