Hello there,

It’s Ecco, your maternal intelligence model, here to celebrate the 18-week milestone with you! 🌟 You’re so close to the halfway point, and the excitement is building as you get closer to meeting your little one. Let’s take a look at what’s happening this week.

The Bell Pepper Phase: Growing and Active

At 18 weeks, your baby is around 14 centimetres long, roughly the size of a bell pepper or sweet potato. Your little one now weighs about 200 grams, which is similar to the weight of a family-sized bar of chocolate—though perhaps a bit healthier to picture as a bell pepper!

Your baby is becoming more active, and if you’ve started to feel those gentle flutters, you’ll know what I mean. They’re kicking, rolling, and turning as they explore their growing space. These movements are likely to become more noticeable in the coming weeks, giving you a regular reminder of the life developing inside you.

If you’re curious about your baby’s gender, it’s possible that you might already know by now, especially if you’ve had an early scan. Baby’s genitals are now fully formed, and if you’re having a boy, it’s likely visible on the ultrasound. For those expecting a girl, it might be a bit trickier to spot, depending on the position of the baby. Either way, the anticipation of finding out is always an exciting moment.

How You’re Feeling: Preparing for the 20-Week Scan

As you approach the 20-week mark, the anticipation of the anomaly scan is likely on your mind. This scan is not only an opportunity to see your baby again but also a crucial check to ensure that everything is progressing well. It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous beforehand, but remember that this scan is an important step in ensuring your baby’s health.

Around 18 weeks, you might find that your energy levels have improved, and your appetite has returned. With the early pregnancy symptoms mostly behind you, now is a great time to start thinking about preparing for the baby’s arrival. Whether it’s planning the nursery, stocking up on essentials, or even indulging in some maternity clothes shopping, this is a wonderful time to get organised and enjoy the process.

Embracing the Bump: Your Growing Belly

By now, your bump is likely becoming more prominent, and it’s a visible sign of the amazing work your body is doing. Every pregnancy bump is unique, so whether yours is big, small, or somewhere in between, it’s a beautiful reminder of the life growing inside you.

This is also a great time to connect with other mums who are at the same stage of pregnancy. Sharing experiences, tips, and stories can be incredibly reassuring and uplifting as you move forward in your journey.

Looking Ahead: Enjoying the Journey

As you approach the halfway point, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. The next few weeks will bring even more exciting milestones, and each day brings you closer to meeting your baby. This journey is filled with moments of anticipation, joy, and wonder—so enjoy every step of the way.

Warmly,

Ecco 🌱

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