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 the second trimester – many mums-to-be feel full of energy, more emotionally balanced, and enjoy their growing baby bump. In the 18th week, a lot is happening again: your baby continues to grow strongly, the skeleton becomes more stable, and you might now notice more frequent baby movements – especially if this is not your first pregnancy.

Regular prenatal check-ups are especially exciting at this stage, as your baby may appear very active during the ultrasound.

An overview of the 18th week of pregnancy

Your baby in week 18:

• The foetus is now about 14 cm long and weighs around 200 grams – roughly the size of a pepper.
• The bones are getting stronger, the muscles more powerful – your baby is actively exercising through movement and swallowing.
• The nervous system continues to mature, and hearing becomes more sensitive: your baby can now hear sounds outside the womb.
• The sex organs are usually fully developed – with a bit of luck, the gender can be seen during the ultrasound.
• The first fat reserves – so-called brown fat cells – are forming, which are important for temperature regulation after birth.
  
  

Your body in week 18:

• Your bump continues to grow, and your womb now often reaches just below your belly button.
• Back pain, circulation problems or calf cramps may occur – your body is working at full speed.
• Many women experience a wellbeing boost in week 18 – with glowing skin, strong hair and more energy.
• The ligaments supporting your womb continue to stretch – this can cause a pulling sensation in your lower abdomen, but is usually harmless.
  
  
  

Baby’s development in the 18th week

In the 18th week of pregnancy, your baby takes on an even more human appearance: proportions are becoming more balanced, the face is becoming clearer, and features such as eyes, ears, and mouth are now fully formed. Your baby can yawn, swallow, and even frown.

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

Inside, there is an increase in nerve connections in the brain, especially in the areas responsible for sensory perception. Your baby is becoming more responsive to stimuli such as light or sounds – a fascinating milestone for 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 essential functions are rehearsed very early on. However, the so-called meconium (baby’s first stool) is not yet passed.

Your body in the 18th week of pregnancy

In week 18, you will notice the changes in your body even more: your womb continues to grow towards your belly button, your bump becomes rounder, and you might notice that your walk and posture are slowly changing – 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 slight dizziness, tiredness or shortness of breath. Your blood pressure may also change slightly, which is completely normal. Be sure to take small breaks during the day and allow yourself plenty of rest.

Especially the skin around your abdomen stretches due to the rapid growth – and this can cause feelings of tightness. Using natural oils can help keep your skin supple and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

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