18 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Growth, Belly Size & More

At eighteen week pregnancy, your baby is growing rapidly, and you may notice exciting changes in your body, from a more visible bump to the possibility of feeling those first tiny movements. Your baby is now around 14 cm long and weighs approximately 190 g, while important developments continue in the brain, nervous system, hearing, and bones. You may also experience symptoms such as backaches, leg cramps, increased appetite, or changes in your skin and sleep. In this guide, we’ll explore 18-week pregnancy symptoms, your baby’s growth and development, belly size, movements, common body changes, and what to expect in the weeks ahead, so you know what’s normal and what deserves a little extra attention.

Your Baby’s Growth During Pregnancy – Week 18

In the 18th week of pregnancy, your baby can now yawn. Your baby can also hiccup now and by the end of the 18th week, you can feel your baby kicking or simply flexing its body around your tummy.

By the 18th week, your baby’s nervous system is working fine and maturing. Your baby’s nerves are covered by myelin that is taking on more complex tasks such as the interconnection of the nerves. Your baby can now recognise and hear voices and is sensitive to certain noises. The nerves in the brain are rapidly forming the basics to develop into the 5 senses that your baby should have (1) (2).

18 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?

At 18 weeks pregnant, you are about 4 months and 2 weeks pregnant, which means you’re in your fifth month of pregnancy and well into the second trimester.

What Is the Baby’s Size?

To put it in a line, the 18 weeks baby size resembles that of a capsicum. Nevertheless, your baby packs some good organs that have matured and successfully looks more like a fully formed human being.

If expressed in numbers, size of an 18 week fetus is around 185 to 187 grams heavy and is around 5-6 inches long. For most of you, you can now feel your baby moving around and if you schedule a scan you can see your baby’s sensitivity toward light and sound (3).

Common Body Changes

As your baby is rapidly growing, it is but obvious that you can expect body changes during pregnancy for week 18. For starters, you may see some remarkable changes in your waistline as it may expand quite a bit.

You should also be able to feel your uterus just below your belly as it starts jutting out a bit from your pelvis. You should already have put on around 6 kilos, but it may differ from mother to mother. At any rate, you should not be losing any weight at this stage of your pregnancy.

You can also expect some stretch marks around your belly as well as other areas in your body.

Symptoms of Pregnancy at Week 18

The saga of symptoms continues at the 18th week of pregnancy, where you will probably add a few new symptoms while retaining some of your old symptoms. Here are a few signs of 18 weeks pregnancy to look for (3):

• Sleep troubles: Since you should start practising sleeping on your side this week, it is possible that this may make you uncomfortable thereby interrupting your sleep (4).
• Cramps and aches: Now that your body is working hard to make room for your baby, you can expect some aches as your baby grows rapidly and gets heavy.
• Swelling: There might be some swelling in either your hands or your legs due to the increased production of fluids by your body.
• Nosebleeds: These are caused by increased pressure in your blood vessels
• Baby Movement: Baby kicks can be felt from this point on as your baby gets more active
• Pee troubles: You may have the urge to urinate frequently as the enlarged uterus may be applying pressure on the bladder.

Belly at 18 Weeks of Pregnancy

Though every pregnant mother reading this will have different signs attached, you will show a bit of a pregnancy 18 weeks bump any which way. Your belly is obviously expanding as your baby is quickly growing inside your system.

Sudden drops or gains in weight should, however, be consulted with your doctor. Besides that, your pelvis should look different and your belly should continue to grow.

18 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

The biggest news that you will find in your ultrasound is that your baby has grown some muscles. There is a good chance you will also be able to feel your baby flexing, not to mention punch, twist, roll, kick as well.

Other activities that your baby is mastering inside your tummy are sucking, yawning and a few hiccups as well.

Tests Around 18 Weeks Pregnant

Around the 18th week of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend or discuss a few tests to check your health and monitor your baby’s growth and development. The exact tests can vary depending on your pregnancy, medical history, and whether you have already completed earlier screening tests.

• Anatomy ultrasound: A detailed ultrasound, often performed between 18 and 22 weeks, checks your baby’s organs, growth, placenta, and overall development (5).
• Quad screen: This blood test may be offered during the second trimester to assess the baby’s risk of certain chromosomal conditions and neural tube defects.
• Maternal blood pressure and urine tests: These routine checks help monitor your health and look for signs of conditions such as high blood pressure or protein in the urine.
• Additional genetic testing: Depending on your screening results and medical or family history, your doctor may discuss additional genetic tests or diagnostic procedures.

Exercises At 18 Weeks Pregnant

At 18 week gestation, choose comfortable, low-impact exercises and adjust the intensity as your body changes. Here are some pregnancy-friendly exercises you can consider at this stage.

1. Walking

Walking is a simple, low-impact way for an 18 weeks pregnant woman to stay active. Start with a comfortable pace and duration, and gradually increase activity as you feel able.

2. Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Choose pregnancy-specific poses and avoid positions that feel uncomfortable or put pressure on your abdomen (6).

3. Swimming

Swimming and water-based exercise can provide a gentle full-body workout while reducing pressure on your joints. The buoyancy of the water can also make movement more comfortable as your belly grows (7).

4. Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. Practice them regularly using the technique recommended by your healthcare provider or a pelvic health specialist (8).

5. Light Strength Training

Light strength exercises can help maintain muscle strength during pregnancy. Use manageable weights, focus on controlled movements, and avoid holding your breath while exercising.

What to Eat?

Food will probably continue to be a point of contention for quite a few of you throughout your pregnancy. The 18th week should not be any different. As a suggestion for eighteen weeks pregnancy food, it is probably best if you stick to healthy choices.

Split your meals throughout the day to not go hungry. Add a lot of proteins, vegetables, fruits, vitamins in your diet to strengthen yourself and in turn your baby. Fish that are rich in oils must be made a part of your diet as they are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Folic acid foods must be added as well (9).

Tips & Care

By this time, you should have a hang of what to do with your pregnant body and your baby that needs nutrition care and a safe environment. The trick is to take care of yourself and not fret too much. But if you feel something is not right, by all means, contact your doctor and trust your instincts.

Do’s

• Stay hydrated at all costs as this will help ease your cramps and aches.
• Stay safe and fill yourself with positive thoughts as that will go a long way in beating the pregnancy blues.
• Exercise because it will help relieve some of the aches that you are bound to be having (10).
• Keep your surroundings bright and cheerful as your mood swings may get the better of you.
• Invest time in some yoga sessions and book some massages that will help you relax and rejuvenate. However, consult with your doctor first if it’s safe for you to get a massage or do yoga (11).
• Eat proper meals at proper times in proper portions to maintain a good blood sugar level.
• Ask for help in case you are freaking out or feeling low.

Don’ts

• Indulge in alcohol as it could reduce the pace of development of the brain and spine cells.
• Starve yourself as you will end up starving your baby as well.
• Compromise on personal hygiene as you are susceptible to infections.
• Expose yourself to questionable conditions.
• Exhaust yourself, especially with heavy workouts.
• Stress yourself out in any manner.
• Take medications that are not approved by your doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor at 18 Weeks Pregnant

Your 18-week prenatal visit is a good opportunity to discuss your symptoms, your baby’s development, and any concerns you may have about the rest of your pregnancy. To make the most of your appointment, consider asking your doctor these important questions:

1. Is my baby’s growth and development on track for 18 weeks?
2. When should I have my anatomy ultrasound, and what will it check?
3. Are the symptoms I’m experiencing normal at this stage of pregnancy?
4. What types of exercise and physical activity are safe for me?
5. Are there any foods, medications, or activities I should avoid?
6. What warning signs or symptoms should prompt me to contact you or seek immediate medical care?

What You Need to Shop For?

By this time, you should have already stocked up the basics that you will require for your 18th week of pregnancy and the coming weeks. If you are lagging, here are some ideas about 18 weeks pregnancy shopping. Comfortable shoes should be your priority now because your swollen feet need some time off, and some padding will restore your centre of gravity. Maternity wear, preferably in cotton, should be another thing you would like to invest in. In casual wear, you can opt for free-flowing knee-length dresses or maternity jeans with tummy bands. When it comes to undergarments, Bella Mama has a good range of nursing bras and maternity panties. Get yourself a roomy handbag because you will need to carry a bit of stuff around for yourself. Buy some moisturisers, as your skin might also crave some nourishment.

FAQs

1. How can I ease discomfort or back pain?

To relieve back pain, maintain good posture, wear supportive footwear, and use a pregnancy pillow for sleeping. Gentle prenatal yoga or stretches can also be helpful (12).

2. Should I feel concerned if I haven’t felt baby movements yet?

Not necessarily. While many women feel movements by 18 weeks, others may take a few more weeks, especially in first pregnancies. Talk to your doctor if you’re worried (13).

3. Can the baby hear at 18 weeks?

Yes, your baby may be able to hear some sounds at 18 weeks, particularly sounds from inside your body, such as your heartbeat. Hearing will continue to develop over the coming weeks, and your baby will gradually become more responsive to sounds from outside the womb.

4. When should I contact my doctor at 18 weeks pregnant?

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, leaking fluid, severe headache, vision changes, or significant swelling. If something feels unusual or concerning, it is best to seek medical advice rather than ignore it.

Week 18 is close to the halfway mark of your pregnancy. You may face some problems such as swollen feet and insomnia but irritants such as morning sickness should no longer be there. However, proper care by not overexerting yourself and buying comfortable shoes can go a long way in helping you feel better.

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Sources References

1. Nemours KidsHealth – Pregnancy Calendar: Week 18

2. NHS – You and your baby at 18 weeks pregnant

3. NHS – Week 18

4. Sleep Foundation – Sleeping While Pregnant: Second Trimester

5. Cleveland Clinic – 20-Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan)

6. The Art of Living – Yoga for Pregnant Women

7. Tommy’s – Swimming in pregnancy

8. Cleveland Clinic – Kegel Exercises

9. NHS – Have a healthy diet in pregnancy

10. March of Dimes – Exercise during pregnancy

11. Tommy’s – Yoga in pregnancy

12. Tommy’s – How can I reduce irritable back pain?

13. Tommy’s – 18 weeks pregnant: baby’s development, back pain and antenatal classes