Everything you need to know about week 18 of pregnancy

18th week of pregnancy (week 18)

Welcome to the 18th week of pregnancy! You are now in the middle of your second trimester – many expectant mums feel full of energy, more emotionally stable, and enjoy their growing baby bump at this stage. A lot is happening in week 18: your baby continues to grow vigorously, the skeleton is becoming stronger, and you may now feel your baby’s movements more often – especially if this is not your first pregnancy.

Regular check-ups are now particularly exciting, as your baby may appear very active during the ultrasound.

The 18th week of pregnancy at a glance

Your baby at 18 weeks pregnant:

• The foetus is now about 14 cm long and weighs around 200 grams – roughly as much as a pepper.
• The bones are becoming stronger, the muscles more powerful – your baby is actively training through movements and swallowing.
• The nervous system continues to mature, and hearing becomes more sensitive: your baby can now also hear sounds outside the body.
• The sex organs are usually fully developed – with a bit of luck, the gender can be identified during the ultrasound.
• The first fat reserves – known as brown fat cells – form, which later become important for temperature regulation after birth.
  
  

Your body at 18 weeks pregnant:

• Your belly continues to grow, and your uterus now often reaches just below your navel.
• Back pain, circulatory problems, or calf cramps may accompany you – your body is working at full speed.
• Many women experience a wellbeing high in the 18th week of pregnancy – with glowing skin, stronger hair, and more energy.
• The round ligaments continue to stretch – this can cause a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, but it is generally harmless.
  
  
  

Development of the baby in the 18th week of pregnancy

In week 18 of pregnancy, your baby is taking on an even more human form: the proportions are evening out, the face is becoming clearer, and details such as the eyes, ears and mouth are now fully formed. Your baby can yawn, swallow, and can even frown already.

With a length of about 14 cm and a weight of around 200 grams, your baby is right in the normal range of development – small variations are quite typical. The data from your next ultrasound will help you to better understand your baby’s individual stage of development.

Inside, nerve connections in the brain are now forming more intensively, especially in the regions responsible for sensory perception. Your baby is increasingly responding to stimuli such as light or sounds – a fascinating milestone for both mother and child!

Your baby is also practising by regularly swallowing amniotic fluid, which passes through the intestines. This activates the digestive system – a good example of how vital functions are rehearsed at an early stage. However, the so-called meconium has not yet left the body.

Your body at 18 weeks pregnant

In the 18th week of pregnancy, you can feel the changes in your body even more clearly: your uterus continues to grow towards your navel, your belly becomes rounder and you may notice how your walk and posture slowly start to adjust – classic signs of this month of pregnancy.

Your blood volume is now significantly increased to optimally supply your baby – this can lead to symptoms such as mild dizziness, fatigue or shortness of breath. Your blood pressure may also change slightly, which is completely normal. Make sure to take short breaks during the day and allow yourself plenty of rest.

The skin around the belly in particular stretches due to rapid growth – and this can cause a feeling of tightness. Care with natural oils helps to keep the skin supple and to reduce the appearance of possible stretch marks.

The amniotic sac, in which your baby is safely nestled, continues to grow as well. It is not only a protective space, but also a place for important developmental steps – from movement exercises to the maturation of the organs.

The pram you've always wanted.

Tips for the 18th week of pregnancy

• Consciously perceive first movements: If you are pregnant for the first time, you may soon feel your baby move for the first time – often like a fluttering or gentle tapping.
• Preventing back pain: Gentle yoga, swimming or pregnancy gymnastics can help to relieve the back and ease tension.
• Make use of preventive check-ups: At your next check-up, discuss all questions regarding development, gender, possible vaccinations and the course of the pregnancy with your doctor.
• Now maternity wear is your friend: If your trousers feel tight, that's absolutely fine – maternity wear gives you freedom of movement and also relieves pressure on your belly.
  
  
  

The most frequently asked questions about week 18 of pregnancy

What do I feel in the 18th week of pregnancy?

You may now feel the first gentle movements of your baby – a fluttering in your lower abdomen or light tapping from your baby’s hands, feet or legs.

How big is the baby at 18 weeks pregnant?

Your baby is about 14 cm long – from head to rump – and weighs around 200 g. The next growth spurt is just around the corner.

What is happening to my body in the 18th week of pregnancy?

In addition to typical weight gain, your skin also changes – for example, through possible stretch marks or the stretching of the tissue.

Is it possible to determine the sex in the 18th week of pregnancy?

In many cases, the gender can now be identified in the ultrasound image – for both boys and girls, depending on the position of the baby.

Is the 18th week of pregnancy a good time for exercise?

Yes – take care of your circulation, make sure you get enough rest, and talk to your doctor if you are unsure.

What can be seen on an ultrasound in the 18th week of pregnancy?

In the ultrasound image, you can now clearly see the head, heart, arms, fingers, legs, breasts, and often the umbilical cord as well.

Can my baby already drink or swallow now?

Yes, your baby has developed a swallowing reflex and is drinking amniotic fluid, which strengthens the immune system and marks the beginning of hiccup training.

How does my sleep change in the 18th week of pregnancy?

Many expectant mums sleep more restlessly – due to growth, weight gain, or the tangible miracle in their belly.

How are my baby’s organs developing now?

In the 18th week of pregnancy, important organs such as the liver, stomach and heart are maturing. Your baby relies on a good supply of nutrients.

How many eggs does a girl have at 18 weeks of pregnancy?

If you are expecting a girl: Even now, around 5 million eggs are developing in her ovaries – fascinating, isn’t it?

The dream buggy you always wanted.

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