Small / variable bump 18 weeks

[Reilop]

I know a small bump is normal but find it disconcerting that sometimes I look visibly pregnant and its hard to the touch (usually later in the day) but other times I look no different than I did a month ago and just look like I have a thicker tummy. I do feel flutters at times each day and no worrying symptoms but I expected this stage of pregnancy to have more going on, more obvious signs and it all just feels a bit low key for nearly half way through.

We were planning to tell wider family group in a few days but on some days I don't really feel 'pregnant enough' so wonder if I should wait until 20 week scan to check all is OK? Maybe I'm being irrational but this is first time getting this far after a couple of losses so I probably overthink

It's totally fine to wait as long as you want. I'm still like this at 19+5 and my Anatomy scan has already been done and all looks good. But I don't look pregnant and I only feel pregnant when I'm lying flat on my back feeling kicks after morning OJ! I also have a history of loss and infertility. Dunno when it's going to feel at all safe!

It's normal for your bump to fluctuate, especially in the second trimester. Even later on, your shape can change depending on how the baby is lying, or how bloated you are (very, in my case )

I think I've been extra bloated from Christmas food and now it's worn off I'm wondering where bump went and paranoid it's still too small for this far along. I do feel a lot of fluttering though but even start questioning whether I'm imagining it as not really felt a proper kick yet

I wasn't showing much at 18 weeks either time. Managed to keep it quiet at work until after the 2nd trimester ultrasound (at 22 weeks the first time and 21 weeks the second time).

Hey OP, congrats on your pregnancy and it's totally understandable you are feeling nervous after previous losses.

Fwiw, in my first pregnancy (I had subsequently losses but was lucky to have my son first), it took ages to show properly. At 18 weeks, I wasn't 'clearly' pregnant-looking.

I was paranoid about my small bump with DC1. DD was born weighing near 10lbs. Some people just carry small. You're close enough to 20 week scan to hold off telling people until afterwards if it feels more comfortable to wait. With DC2 I didn't tell anyone until 20 weeks.

I thought it was a generally accepted fact that you dont really show with your first pregnancy until at least 20 weeks. Id say i was obviously pregnant in the evenings as bloat developed throughout the day feom 20 weeks. Obviously pregnant all day from 25 weeks

I didnt show in my 1st pregnancy until about 30 weeks, I carry small. It think its quite normal to not show early with your first.

Try not to worry. 18 weeks is really early for a “proper” bump. I didn’t really show with my 3rd until around 26/27 weeks.