18 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, and Baby Development

August 11, 2023
Queens
Management Pregnancy, Overall Health, Pregnancy Week By Week
0

Welcome, soon-to-be, mom! Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of your 18th week of pregnancy?

Congratulations on reaching this milestone, as you are now almost halfway through your pregnancy!

At 18 weeks pregnant, your body will undergo some remarkable changes. One of the most remarkable highlights of this week is the potential to feel your baby’s movements inside your growing bump.

Join us as we explore the incredible development of your baby and discuss the common symptoms you may experience during the 18th week of pregnancy.

In this Article

1 18 Week Pregnant – Baby Development
2 18 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?
3 18 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
4 18 Weeks Pregnant – Tips to Follow
5 18 Week Ultrasound
6 Takeaway at Eighteen Weeks Pregnant

18 Week Pregnant – Baby Development

During the 18th week of pregnancy, here are some fascinating developments happening within your baby’s body:

Your little one has reached a length of approximately 5.5 inches from head to bottom and weighs around 7.1 ounces, similar to the size and weight of a bell pepper.
Your baby is beginning to practice their napping and yawning skills.
Your baby’s lungs continue to undergo development. At this stage, the bronchioles, which are the smallest tubes within the lungs, start forming at the tips of the lung branches.
Around 18 weeks, your baby’s ears will become more prominent and stand out from the sides of their head. Additionally, their sense of hearing begins to develop.
An intriguing development taking place during this week is the formation of fingerprints.
The formation of myelin, a protective substance composed of fat and protein, is underway.
Myelin acts as insulation for nerve cells in the nervous system, involving the brain and spinal cord.
Although the reproductive system is still developing, it is now possible for doctors or ultrasound technicians to visually determine your baby’s sex with a high degree of accuracy at this stage. (Please note that due to rules and regulations in place, they are not allowed to disclose it.)

18 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?

At 18 weeks pregnant, you are in the middle of your fifth month of pregnancy. Pregnancy is generally split into three trimesters, each lasting approximately three months. Therefore, at 18 weeks, you are nearing the end of the fourth month and entering the fifth month of your pregnancy.

18 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Baby Movements

You may feel gentle flutters or kicks as your baby moves inside your belly.

Lightheadedness

Circulation changes can cause low blood pressure, leading to lightheadedness.

Swollen Feet

Water retention and hormone changes can cause foot swelling. Raise your feet and soak in cool water.

Dizziness

Increased heart effort and pressure on blood vessels may result in occasional faintness. Rest and eat to stabilize blood sugar.

Baby’s Movement

You’ll feel gentle flutters rather than forceful kicks at 18 weeks pregnant.

Nasal Problems

Hormones and increased blood volume can cause nasal congestion and nosebleeds.

Back Pain

Hormonal changes and growing bumps can cause lower back aches.

Leg Cramps

Common at night, stretch calf muscles, stay hydrated, and consider warm baths or massages.

18 Weeks Pregnant – Tips to Follow

Prevent Dizziness

Stand up slowly to counter low blood pressure caused by increased blood flow to your baby.

Increase Iron Intake

Vegan/vegetarian moms-to-be may need iron supplements or iron-rich foods to prevent anemia.

Modify Workouts

Avoid certain exercises like upside-down positions, deep-knee bends, and backbends after the fourth month.

Expect Baby’s Kicks

Feel the first kicks between weeks 18 and 24, depending on factors like your size, muscle tone, and baby’s position.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Include foods rich in omega-3s like salmon, flaxseed, broccoli, or walnuts to support your baby’s nervous system and boost your immune system.

Healthy Calorie Intake

Consume an additional 300 calories in the second trimester, aiming for a total of around 2,000 calories per day.

18 Week Ultrasound

As you approach the halfway point of your pregnancy, an exciting event awaits you in the coming weeks: the 18-week ultrasound, also known as the mid-pregnancy ultrasound or anatomy scan. This ultrasound offers a fascinating glimpse into your baby’s development. Here’s what you can expect:

· Comprehensive Examination

· Organ Assessment

· Amniotic Fluid and Placenta Evaluation

· Fetal Heart Rate

The 18-week ultrasound is an important milestone that allows healthcare professionals to monitor the progress of your pregnancy and ensure the optimal health of your baby.

Takeaway at Eighteen Weeks Pregnant

Eighteen weeks into your pregnancy brings exciting developments for both you and your baby. Your little one is now around 5.5 inches long and weighs about 7.1 ounces, resembling the size of a bell pepper. As for symptoms, you may experience baby movements, lightheadedness, swollen feet, dizziness, nasal problems, back pain, and leg cramps. In addition to monitoring your symptoms, it’s important to follow some helpful tips, such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and taking prenatal vitamins.

It’s a good time to schedule your mid-pregnancy ultrasound. For expert prenatal care and support, book an appointment with Queen’s Gynecology, a trusted clinic in Delhi specializing in women’s health. Ensure a healthy pregnancy journey with Queen’s Gynecology’s experienced team.

Summary

Congratulations on reaching the 18th week of your pregnancy! At this stage, your baby is growing rapidly, with exciting developments such as the ability to feel their movements and the formation of unique fingerprints. Common symptoms include baby movements, lightheadedness, swollen feet, and nasal problems. Remember to follow helpful tips like increasing iron intake, modifying workouts, and consuming omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the 18-week ultrasound, a comprehensive examination of your baby’s development, is approaching. Stay connected with your healthcare provider and embrace the wonders of this stage.

Week	Pregnancy Symptoms	Tips and Advice	Baby Development
Week 1	– Missed period	– Take a home pregnancy test	– Fertilization occurs
Week 2	– Tender breasts	– Begin taking prenatal vitamins	– Blastocyst implants in the uterus
Week 3	– Fatigue	– Schedule your first prenatal visit	– Embryonic development begins
Week 4	– Morning sickness starts	– Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine	– Neural tube forms
Week 5	– Increased urination	– Eat a balanced diet	– Heart starts beating
Week 6	– Mood swings	– Stay hydrated	– Brain and head development
Week 7	– Constipation	– Start gentle exercise	– Limb buds form
Week 8	– Food cravings	– Get plenty of rest	– Webbed fingers and toes develop
Week 9	– Weight gain begins	– Avoid raw or undercooked foods	– Tail disappears, now considered a fetus
Week 10	– Visible baby bump	– Wear comfortable clothing	– Organs continue to develop
Week 11	– Darkened areolas	– Practice relaxation techniques	– Baby can swallow and produce urine
Week 12	– Reduced nausea	– Consider prenatal classes	– Sex organs distinguishable
Week 13	– Increased energy	– Continue regular check-ups	– Baby’s fingerprints form
Week 14	– Less frequent urination	– Plan for maternity leave	– Baby’s facial muscles develop
Week 15	– Quickening (baby moves)	– Do pelvic floor exercises	– Baby can make facial expressions
Week 16	– Round ligament pain	– Stay active with low-impact exercises	– Develops sense of hearing
Week 17	– Nasal congestion	– Consider a prenatal massage	– Baby’s skeleton starts hardening
Week 18	– Belly button changes	– Stay well-hydrated	– Vernix caseosa covers the skin
Week 19	– Braxton Hicks contractions	– Eat small, frequent meals	– Baby’s kicks become stronger
Week 20	– Leg cramps	– Begin monitoring baby’s movements	– Baby is covered in lanugo (fine hair)
Week 21	– Shortness of breath	– Sleep on your side	– Eyebrows and eyelashes appear
Week 22	– Linea nigra (skin darkens)	– Practice relaxation techniques	– Rapid brain development
Week 23	– Backache	– Consider prenatal yoga or swimming	– Baby can recognize your voice
Week 24	– Swollen ankles	– Elevate feet when sitting or lying	– Lungs continue to mature
Week 25	– Increased appetite	– Continue regular prenatal check-ups	– Baby may respond to loud noises
Week 26	– Heartburn	– Sleep with extra pillows for support	– Eyes open for the first time
Week 27	– Braxton Hicks intensify	– Pack your hospital bag	– Baby can hiccup
Week 28	– Trouble sleeping	– Monitor blood pressure	– Baby’s kicks become more regular
Week 29	– Shortness of breath	– Avoid lifting heavy objects	– Baby’s bones fully developed
Week 30	– Swollen hands	– Stay hydrated and avoid salt	– Baby may be head-down in preparation for birth
Week 31	– Increased vaginal discharge	– Take childbirth classes	– Baby’s immune system develops
Week 32	– Hemorrhoids	– Practice perineal massage	– Baby’s toenails and fingernails grow
Week 33	– Trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep	– Rest and nap when possible	– Baby’s bones start to harden further
Week 34	– Frequent urination	– Prepare for maternity leave	– Baby’s central nervous system matures
Week 35	– Braxton Hicks increase	– Avoid prolonged standing or sitting	– Baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled
Week 36	– Pelvic pressure	– Finalize birth plan	– Baby continues to gain weight
Week 37	– Lightening (baby drops)	– Stay active with walking	– Baby’s head positions for birth
Week 38	– Fatigue increases	– Do pelvic exercises	– Baby’s lungs are fully mature
Week 39	– Cervix effacement	– Rest and conserve energy	– Baby’s immune system continues to develop
Week 40	– Contractions begin	– Monitor contractions	– Baby’s digestive system is ready for breast milk
Week 41	– Dilation of cervix	– Stay calm and patient during labor	– Baby’s head molds to fit through the birth canal

Please note that every pregnancy is unique, and symptoms and developments may vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care during pregnancy.