18 Weeks

You are now 18 weeks pregnant (or in your 19th week if that's how you prefer to count it).

This week, you officially begin your fifth month of pregnancy. Your baby may have reached 15 cm from crown to rump by now, and he can both feel and hear. Admittedly at the moment, all he can hear is your heartbeat and the flow of your digestive system but soon he'll be able to detect noise outside the womb and identify your voice.

You're just a week away from the half-way mark. Pregnancy care is much more relaxed than it used to be, so you're unlikely to see your midwife or doctor often unless you need extra attention. But don't chew over things alone if you're feeling anxious.

However, in the next few weeks you'll probably have an anomaly scan, to check your baby's organs. Seeing your baby curled up inside you - or kicking or rolling - is immensely moving so take your partner with you if you can. If your pregnancy is problem-free, this may be your last opportunity to buy a scan photo for your baby's album. In a very small percentage of cases though, the scan shows up problems. If this happens to you and you want to talk about whether to continue with your pregnancy, you can contact Antenatal Results and Choices in the Organisations A-Z.

Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now. Treat yourself to a new pair of shoes also in a bigger size, your feet will swell along with your body, and pick a low heel for extra stability as your bump grows.