18weeks
pregnant

Written by The BabyCenter Editorial Team

Highlights this week

Why it’s important to sleep on your side now.

Ways to relieve indigestion.

You may start to feel your baby's movements.

Baby development at 18 weeks

This week, you begin your fifth month of pregnancy. Your baby may have reached 15 cm from crown to rump by now, and can both feel and hear. Admittedly, all they can hear is your heartbeat and the flow of your digestive system, but soon they'll detect noise outside the womb and identify your voice. Read more information on your baby's development this week.

Ears are in their final location
A protective covering of myelin begins forming around nerves
Skin plugs in the nostrils start to disappear
If you want, you may be able to find out your baby's sex at your next scan

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Your baby is as big as a bell pepper

length

14.2

head to toe

weight

190

Pregnancy symptoms at 18 weeks

You're just a week away from the halfway mark. Pregnancy care is much more relaxed than it used to be, so you're unlikely to see your midwife or doctor often unless you need extra attention. But don't stress over things alone if you're feeling anxious. Call your doctor or midwife if you're still worried.

In the next few weeks you'll probably be offered a second trimester ultrasound. Seeing your baby is immensely moving. If your pregnancy is problem-free, this may be your last opportunity have an ultrasound.

Bigger, more comfy clothes are a must now. Treat yourself to a new pair of shoes in a bigger size; your feet will swell. Pick a low heel for stability as your belly grows.

You may feel the first faint flutters of your baby's movements
Food cravings and hunger may kick into high gear now

Pregnancy Tip

"By 3pm I'd feel exhausted at work, so I started eating fruit and a chicken sandwich for lunch and then taking a 15-minute walk. It helped me get through the day." -- Anonymous

Other hot topics this week

Calcium! You need more of this mineral and vitamin D to help your baby to grow strong teeth and bones. We share some sources of these essential nutrients.

Still working out? Find out how to avoid injury and check when NOT to exercise.

Is it safe to take a hot bath while pregnant? Find out.

The BabyCenter Editorial Team

BabyCenter’s talented team of editors and writers has decades of experience creating inspiring content.

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