Bump not that big at 18 weeks!

[Ellegirly 74]

Hello
I am now 18 weeks pregnant and my bump is still not very prominent at all - can this be quite normal?
I know everyone is different but it does make me worry that possibly the baby is not growing properly or something?
Some days my bump is big and tender, but some people say that can just be bloatedness or water retention, and that must be the case for me, as the next day my bump can be small again.
I can feel flutters in there so I'm pretty sure baby is okay. Next scan not until September and I just can't wait to see if everything is okay.
By the way, I'm not a skinny girl, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 14/16 already so I really thought my bump would just balloon out straight away, but it's just very slow.

Some people say it just pops out all of a sudden but the more the time goes on the more worried I'm getting.

Some people at work haven't even mentioned anything because I just don't look pregnant!

Thanks all.xx

[redcrx]

every womans different, and if baby is moving about andscan was ok then try not to be concerned.
I know us women like to look pregnant with a neat little bump and some are big by 16 weeks (I was and couldnt fit into clothes) but my friend gave birth this morning and she had no bump at all at 38 weeks.
It depends how strong your stomach muscles are for a start and where baby is lying, some lie close to your back.
18 weeks is still very early on, and you have plenty of time to expand :)

[pixiepie]

with my first pregnancy i was showing at 10 weeks but i was having twins. At first it was exciting but by the end i was really annoyed with it as it so got in my way. With my next 2 pregnancys i didnt show till around 21 weeks and then at about 32 weeks i woke and i was like a beached whale. I was so anxious to show and for people not to think i was just fat. Everyone is different i always wanted a small neat bump but ended up with the wrap a round bump lol. If your uncertain call your midwife. Im sure eveything is fine but reassurance is good. Let us know how you get on xxx

[Preggie_Sam]

I was excatly the same - im not a skinny girl at all, but i didnt "look" pregnant till i was about 22-24 weeks, and it come on slowely - i was worried, but i felt movements all the time and i was born extremely small - so i thought mine might take after me, if u have an anti natal appoitment - speak 2 ur midwife about any concerns. lol Soon u will be wishing u never said anything!! I feel HUGE now im 29 weeks and i find it extemly hard to get up when ive sat down lol.

Take care Love Sam & Bump x x x

[Ellegirly 74]

Thanks all for your replies.

To be honest, since I sent this question I swear my bump has got smaller and not felt any flutters, it's like it knows I am worried and is laying in there all still and quiet!

Think I will give my midwife a call, probably worrying over nothing, but I think it's normal to worry, and see if I can get an appointment to hear the heartbeat ;o)

Thanks girls.xx

[pixiepie]

hi ellegirly74 how are you feeling today

[lilyfrog]

I am about the same size as you and at 18 weeks was feeling decidedly ****** off about my lack of bump. I am now 22 weeks and have a lovely prominent bump I am most proud of and have trouble putting on shoes.

Be patient and the bump will come. Oh, and you can guarantee the minute you start to rely on the flutters for reassurance is when they will go away. Apparently it is not till about 28 weeks that you need to start counting the kicks, so obviously up till then they can be very off and on anyway.

Good luck with it all and remember the best thing you can di is keep calm. Oh and midwife also said to me that as I am tall I will hide the bump well so if you are tall then that is another reason you cant see your bump yet.

xx

[tradey]

like redcrx said,every womans different,i was 25wks and had no bump,and didnt start to show till i was 8mths,and that was a very small bump,i was thinking god is the baby alright and she was a healthy 6lbs 8,try not to let it worry you if something was wrong i sure the hospital would have said something to you.count yourself lucky some women start showing straight away

[Ellegirly 74]

Hi pixiepie and all
I am okay today thank you but I might make an appointment to see midwife, I haven't got my next appointment until the end of September and she did say if I had any concerns to make an appointment.
I know I am probably worrying over nothing but it's just very offputting when one minute I am feeling lots of flutters and then nothing, and my bump, which at one point seemed to be getting there, has shrunk back to almost nothing! (I've almost got my flat stomach back which usually I'd be really pleased about!)
I'd just feel better if I went to see my midwife to have a chat and hear the heartbeat, but I do take on board all you have said and I know you all know what you're talking about alot more than I do!
I am also still waiting for my 16 week blood test results to come through but apparently they can take up to 3 weeks - is this right?
Sorry, I am such a worrier!
Thanks so much everyone.xx