Your pregnancy week-by-week: Week 18

Your pregnancy week by week | Your pregnancy in week 18

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You are now 18 weeks pregnant or in your 19th week if that's how you're counting it

How is my baby growing?

Your baby weighs 8oz, is 21 cm long.

The soft bones are beginning to harden, the chest is moving up and down to mimic breathing, although no air is being taken in, only amniotic fluid. Male babies are developing their prostate gland.

How are you feeling?

Are you feeling a fluttery sensation in your bump? That's your baby kicking! These early movements feel like soft tapping, butterflies or even indigestion above the pubic bone and they're not strong enough for your partner to feel. But don't worry if you haven't felt anything yet... you may have several more weeks to wait.

You might also be feeling a bit dizzy this week because your growing uterus is shifting your centre of gravity. Wear low-heeled shoes to stop you falling over.

Top tips

If pregnancy is making it difficult for you to do your normal job (perhaps it involves standing up for long periods of time or lifting) you are entitled to special help or even alternative employment. Talk to your employer.

If this doesn't work, go to acas.org.cuk or workingfamilies.org.uk.