A full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks—and so, at 18 weeks pregnant, you’re not only approaching the halfway point of your second trimester, but the halfway point of your entire pregnancy. You’re almost over the hump—and, at this point, you probably have the bump to show it.
So, what’s going on at week 18? Quite a bit! You’re continuing to grow (again, that bump is probably making an appearance by now!)—and your baby is continuing to grow and develop right along with you.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about this exciting point of your pregnancy:
How You’re Feeling at 18 Weeks
Again, at week 18, you’re approaching the midpoint of your second trimester—and, as such, most of the challenging symptoms you experienced in your first trimester (exhaustion and mood swings and nausea, oh my!) are likely in that past. That means during week 18, you should be feeling better and have more energy that past weeks.
But there are other symptoms and side effects you can expect to navigate this week, which include:
- Increased appetite. You’re growing a baby—and as your baby grows, your appetite will generally grow right along with it.
- Weight gain. As you move through your pregnancy, your baby grows—and as your baby grows, you’ll continue to put on weight.
- More noticeable belly growth. At this point in your pregnancy, you’ll look noticeably pregnant; you’ll have a noticeable growth in your belly—and that baby bump will just continue to grow as you progress through your pregnancy.
- Stretch marks. The more your body and belly grow, the more your skin will have to stretch—which increases the chance of stretch marks, particularly around the belly, butt, thighs, and breasts.
- Dizziness. Your pregnancy impacts your cardiovascular system—which, in turn, could lead to low blood pressure and dizziness.
- Linea nigra. At this point in your pregnancy, you might notice a line down your stomach. This pigmentation is called “linea nigra” (which is Latin and translates to “black line”)—and typically goes away within a few months of giving birth.
And while your baby has been moving around for some time, by week 18, it’s likely that you’ll be able to actually feel those movements (which can feel like a fluttering in the stomach)—which makes this week extra exciting!
What’s New With Your Baby
During pregnancy, your baby can grow and change so much in a week—and week 18 is no different. Here’s what’s happening with your baby:
- At week 18, your baby is about 5 ½ inches long—which is about the size of a bell pepper.
- By week 18, your baby’s face has taken form—and you can see their ears, nose, lips, and eyes on an ultrasound.
- At this point in your pregnancy, your baby’s lungs are starting to form. Some of the sex-related aspects of your baby’s development are also developed by week 18; for girls, the uterus and fallopian tubes are in place—and for boys, their genitals are likely visible.
- By week 18, your baby’s nervous system is rapidly developing—and they’re beginning to develop myelin, a protective covering for their nerves. (Myelin production will continue until the baby’s first birthday.)
- In addition to the physical changes, your baby has also developed a new skill by week 18—yawning!
Week 18 is also a big week for your baby’s hearing! At this point, the baby’s has developed to a point where they should be able to fully hear you!
Your Week 18 To-Do List
Want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep you—and your baby—happy and healthy through week 18? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Add extra food to your diet
As your pregnancy progresses, your caloric needs increase—and, as such, you’ll need to eat more. During the 2nd trimester, you’ll want to eat about 340 extra calories each day—so make sure to schedule in an extra snack or mini-meal to meet that additional caloric need. (Bonus points if you pack that snack or mini-meal with nutrient-dense foods to support you and your baby—like leafy greens, which are rich in folic acid, iron, and calcium.)
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Take your supplements
Eating nutrient-dense foods during your pregnancy is a must. But in order to ensure you get all the nutrients you need—and in the right amount—you’ll also want to add supplements to your daily routine.
To ensure you get all the nutrients you need to support yourself and your baby during week 18, try Perelel’s 2nd Trimester Prenatal Pack. Designed by a team of leading OB-GYNs, this vitamin pack is to deliver the optimal nutrition you need during your second trimester of your pregnancy (including week 18!)—including a prenatal vitamin, calcium, magnesium, and DHA + EPA (omega-3 fatty acids). Perelel’s 2nd Trimester Prenatal Pack:
- Supports relaxation
- Supports brain development
- Builds strong teeth and bones
- Provides optimal nutrition
If prenatals and pregnancy supplements aren’t already a part of your routine, week 18 is a great time to start—so add Perelel’s 2nd Trimester Prenatal Pack to your daily list of pregnancy to-do’s..
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Communicate with your baby
As mentioned, by week 18, your baby should be able to hear you—which makes this a great week to start talking and communicating with your baby (if you haven’t already!).
Talk to your baby and let them know how much you love them and how excited you are to meet them. Read them a bedtime story. Put headphones on your belly and play your favorite songs. Talk to your baby throughout the day and let them get used to the sound of your voice.
Remember, by week 18 your baby can hear you—so give them plenty to listen to!
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Get ready for your anatomy scan.
Week 18 is the earliest most doctors will perform your anatomy scan, an ultrasound which allows them to check in on your baby’s growth and development (for example, physical development and organ growth). Because the baby’s sex organs are developed by this time, it’s also the appointment where you’ll likely find out the sex of your baby.
If you don’t already have an anatomy scan on your calendar, get in touch with your doctor and get the appointment scheduled. And make sure to let them know beforehand if you want to know the sex of the baby; that way, they don’t ruin the surprise if you want to wait until the baby is born!
References:
- NHS, Week 18
- Babycenter, 18 Weeks Pregnant
- What to Expect, 18 Weeks Pregnant
- American Pregnancy Association, 18 Weeks Pregnant
- Cleveland Clinic, Pregnancy: 2nd Trimester
- Cleveland Clinic, 20-Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan)
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
