20 weeks and not showing...

[duvetfan]

I am sorry as I know this has probably been covered a million times already. I am 21 weeks tomorrow with my first baby and I have had my 20 week scan so I know I am being irrational and silly, but I am not showing, to be honest just look heavier than usual (size 14 pre pregnancy). I think my worries are being compounded by the fact I can't feel anything yet. I keep meeting people who are due after me but have big bumps. I know I am being neurotic, I just need a wee bit of reassurance.

Thanks in advance....

[Winkly]

My aunt had a very very healthy (9 pound) baby boy last September. End of last June we went to a wedding and NOBODY could tell she was pg. She really only started showing at about 8 months, healthy size 10 -12. If scans ok, don't worry and enjoy not being massive and uncomfortable. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

[TejasGal]

Don't worry - my belly didn't "pop" until I was about 30 weeks...then had my baby at 35+5 and he was already 3.2 kilos! My appearance had very little to do with his size.

First pregnancies don't show as quickly, I'm told. Also, if you are tall (like me) there is a lot of room for the baby to spread out.

And when I would get nervous that I hadn't felt my baby in a while, I drank a coke and that usually did the trick. If that didn't work, I shone a flashlight on my belly. The only time that didn't work, I went to hospital for a scan - don't hesitate if you're nervous, they were lovely about it.

[Mimmee]

I didn't really show till about 30 weeks and then all of a sudden there was a belly! So don't worry about that it's quite normal.

Agree with TejasGal see your midwife or go to hospital if you ever get really worried just to put your mind at ease BUT loads of people don't feel anything till later than 20 weeks. Depends on position of baby etc and I think with your first you don't realise what it's supposed to feel like IYSWIM, so you may have missed some small movements.

Totally normal to feel anxious aswell!

[duvetfan]

Thank you all for your lovely replies. You have made me feel a lot better now. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I am a lot less anxious now. I really must try to relax. Had a miscarriage in June and I am also a natural worrier so I guess I just need to try hard to relax.

Many thanks and I hope you have a lovely Christmas.

[toddlerama]

Glad you're feeling better OP. I knew a lady who didn't show AT ALL throughout pregnancy 3 times! And she was about a size 10 so I could never understand where the baby was hiding! It used to really upset her because some people accused her of faking a pregnancy to coincide with adoption (weirdo friends eh?) and evey dr she saw would send her for a scan from about 7 months. But all was well every time. Count your blessings - I am lumbering around like a beast from about 10 weeks.

[duvetfan]

Thank you toddlerama. I was a bit worried about posting as I have been assured that I will regret complaining about this!!

[dreamfeeder]

I didn't show at 20 weeks with my first pg- I am a small ish size 8-10. I think it suddenly 'popped' about 25-26 weeks for me, only then could people tell!!!

Different story this time (twins!).

Plus first time I had an anterior placenta, so also wasn't feeling much at 20 weeks- again, differnet entirely this time!!