Pregnancy weeks 11 to 20...

Many women blossom physically and emotionally in the fourth month. Sickness usually diminishes when the placenta takes over hormone production by 14-16 weeks, you may have more energy, and you'll start to look pregnant instead of feeling fat. Your skin may be clear and your hair thicker so that people comment on how well you look. You may feel more confident emotionally and get on well with your partner (pregnancy hormones often make sex especially rewarding).

Not every woman blossoms, however. Periods of self doubt may persist and some women feel anxious or depressed throughout pregnancy, only feeling better after the baby arrives.

Foetal abnormality tests are offered as a routine part of antenatal care, but having them can make you anxious about your baby's welfare. Try to keep it in proportion so that you can enjoy your pregnancy. Healthy women don't need frequent antenatal checks, but you can contact your midwife if you need advice or information.

At around 16-20 weeks you'll feel your baby move. It may happen a little later if it's your first baby, or earlier if you've already had a child. The sensation may be a flutter so gentle that you're not sure whether you felt it, or a lurch that makes you catch your breath. A rhythmical tapping sensation means your baby has hiccups!

Tips

• Take firmer action now if you haven't managed to give up smoking or if you have concerns about your alcohol or drug use.
• Send for maternity wear catalogues and choose clothes that are easy to wear and will keep their shape. You probably won't want to wear them after the birth.
• Ask your midwife or friends to recommend antenatal classes. Book well ahead if you prefer a small class as they fill up quickly. (see Preparing for the birth).
• Try to improve your fitness and stamina with regular swimming, brisk walking or by joining a pregnancy exercise class, especially if you don't get much exercise (see Fitness in pregnancy.)
• Write the cut-off dates for telling your employer if you want to return to work on your calendar so that you don't miss them. If you want to carry on working after your date for maternity leave ask if your employer requires a letter from your doctor or midwife.
• Plan a holiday to take in mid-pregnancy. You're more likely to enjoy it between weeks 21 and 30.
• Eat a varied diet (see Nutrition) to help to maximise your baby's development.
• Contact your midwife directly or through your GP's surgery at any time. She may be able to suggest remedies for troublesome pregnancy complaints such as backache. (see Common pregnancy complaints)