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Pregnancy week 18

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

You may be waiting anxiously for your baby's first movement, known as ‘quickening’. Many women find this barometer of their baby's well-being very reassuring.

Typically, you will feel the first small rumblings of foetal movement between 18 and 22 weeks (or later, in some cases). If this is your first pregnancy, you may not feel foetal movement as early as in successive pregnancies. Most likely, though, junior will make his or her presence known within this next month.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Your baby has grown to 14cm crown to rump, or seven inches total length. Adding two ounces in just one week, your baby tips the scales at seven ounces. Baby's limbs are lengthening and, at last, body length is catching up to head size. Bones are still malleable but are beginning to ossify.

HEALTHY EATING

To keep energy levels high during pregnancy, here are some suggestions:

• Cold chicken with dried apricots
• Bowl of wholegrain cereal with milk
• Small bowl of bran flakes topped with half a banana and yoghurt
• Dhal or bean curries with raita
• Cup of ginger tea and a scone

An ultrasound scan is usually given around this time. It determines the age of the foetus by taking measurements of the head and body and finds the exact position of the placenta It also picks up abnormalities, such as brain or kidney conditions, and identifies any growths in the mother that might hinder delivery.

Find out what to expect in week 19 of your pregnancy.

For a list of all the pregnancy week by week articles click here

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