What may change in your body
The first flutters may become clearer. Back pain, heartburn, cramps and trouble finding a comfortable position may start to bother you more. Increased blood volume can make you dizzy when you get up quickly.
Care for this week
Get up slowly and stay hydrated.
Strengthening and appropriate exercise can help your posture, when cleared.
Note movements without pressure: at this stage it's not yet time to expect a rigid pattern.
Prenatal care focus
- The second-trimester anatomy scan usually assesses fetal anatomy, the placenta, amniotic fluid and other aspects according to protocol.
If you're expecting twins
In twin pregnancies, the anatomy scan needs to assess each baby individually and take into account the placenta(s), sacs and growth.
For those by your side
Going along to the anatomy scan can help the partner or companion better understand the baby's development and the care plan.
Questions for this week
I don't feel the baby every day. Is that expected?
At this stage movements can still be irregular, especially in a first pregnancy.
Does an anterior placenta change anything?
It can cushion how you perceive movements at first; the interpretation should be made with your team.
When to seek care
- Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should be reported to your care team; how heavy it is, pain and gestational age change how urgent it is.
- Severe, worsening or persistent abdominal pain deserves evaluation.
- Fever, fainting, significant shortness of breath, chest pain or feeling very unwell need medical care.
In an emergency, go to the urgent care service in your area. This content does not replace a professional assessment.
The next chapter
In week 19, the senses and movements keep maturing and the pregnant woman may start to recognize the baby's routine better.
See week 19Was this helpful?
Sources and transparency
- Brazil's Ministry of Health — Brazilian Pregnancy Booklet, the official prenatal record (Caderneta Brasileira, updated in 2026)
- Brazil's Ministry of Health — Prenatal care (Ministério da Saúde — Pré-natal)
- Brazil's Ministry of Health — High-Risk Pregnancy Manual — Multiple pregnancy (Manual de Gestação de Alto Risco — Gestação múltipla)
- NHS — Week-by-week guide to pregnancy
- ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
- Brazil's Ministry of Health — Prenatal tests and vaccines (Ministério da Saúde — Exames e vacinas no pré-natal)
Nilu editorial content, written from the official sources above. Individual clinical review of each week is in progress — this text is for information and does not replace your prenatal care.