18 Weeks Pregnant: Growing Bump, Symptoms & Ultrasound Prep

You might even be starting to feel your baby move. Your mid-pregnancy ultrasound will happen in the next few weeks, giving you an inside peek at what’s happening inside your growing uterus.

What is 18 weeks pregnant in months? This is the first week of month five. With 22 weeks to go, you’re almost halfway to your due date.

Here’s more info about what you can expect at 18 weeks pregnant.

Baby Size, Development, and Milestones at 18 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is the size of a bell pepper at 18 weeks pregnant. They’re about 8.7 inches from head to toe, and they weigh around 7.9 ounces.

At this stage, your baby’s muscles are developing, and their bones are getting harder. Your little one has likely started to move and stretch more in the last couple weeks.

When you start to feel baby movements depends on a few factors. If this is your first pregnancy, it’s typical to feel your first kicks between 18 to 20 weeks. If your placenta is on the front side of your uterus, it may take a bit longer to feel. No matter when it happens, feeling your little one move for the first time will be an exciting moment!

During week 18, other interesting developments for your fetus include:

• Soft, fine hair called lanugo is growing on their body to keep them comfy and warm.
• They’re now able to make sucking motions.
• Their senses are developing. Soon they’ll be able to hear and feel.
• They’re sleeping and waking throughout the day in cycles. (Your movement might even wake them up!)

Common 18 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

You may feel a mix of old and new symptoms during this week of pregnancy. These are a few things you may experience.

Energy Boost

The second trimester has most people feeling less morning sickness and fatigue because of the stabilization of hormones.

With more energy comes more appetite and motivation to get some nesting done. That means getting your home ready for the baby. It’s also a good time to set up an enjoyable movement routine while your body may be more up for it.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

As your pregnancy progresses, your uterus is putting more pressure on your blood vessels. That can make it harder for blood to get around your body efficiently, which can cause dizziness. Your blood pressure is also at its lowest point in the pregnancy, which affects this as well.

You may notice that standing up quickly can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Try to stand up more slowly. You can also try lying on your left side to ease dizziness. Make sure to eat regular meals and snacks to keep your blood sugar levels stable and drink plenty of fluid.

Headaches

Changes in your blood vessels may also contribute to headaches. Ask your provider what they recommend to help relieve the pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for most people to take while pregnant.

Also, keep your doctor or midwife informed about any headaches you have and how often you have them because they can sometimes be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that affects your blood pressure and can be harmful to you and your baby if left untreated—but isn’t diagnosed until after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are uncomfortable tightening of the muscles in the legs. They can start in the second trimester and continue through the third. Stretching, staying hydrated, walking during the day, and massaging your legs may help.

Stomach Cramps at 18 Weeks Pregnant

At this point in pregnancy, the feeling of abdominal cramping could have various causes. One cause is round ligament pain, which happens as your uterus grows and large ligaments are stretched. This can feel like a sharp pain in your groin and often happens with movement like turning over in bed or getting out of your car.

Gas and constipation are both common symptoms during pregnancy and can feel like cramping too.

Braxton Hicks Contractions at 18 Weeks Pregnant

Feeling tightening in your abdomen? That could be Braxton Hicks contractions. Although these “practice contractions” are more common in the third trimester, they can occur for some people in the second trimester.

Braxton Hicks can feel like period cramps, but the tightening will come and go. Some people even notice their belly visibly get tight or feel hard. These contractions are your body’s way of preparing for labor. They can be caused by physical activity, dehydration, or even having sex.

Keep your doctor or midwife updated on any abdominal pain or cramping that you have. In most cases, cramps and slight pain aren’t cause for concern, but your provider will check to make sure everything is okay.

Your Mind and Body at 18 Weeks Pregnant

As your pregnancy goes on here’s what else you might notice.

Swollen Feet and/or Ankles

Your feet, ankles, and even fingers can swell because your body is holding on to extra water. The blood flow to your legs is also affected by your growing baby and uterus. Swelling may be worse at the end of the day or if the weather is hot.

If you notice sudden or uneven swelling, contact your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of preeclampsia or a blood clot.

Weight Gain at 18 Weeks Pregnant

Weight gain during pregnancy is normal and necessary. Research suggests that most people gain around a pound a week during the second trimester. Of course, everyone is different so yours could be more or less than that average. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns about your pregnancy weight gain.

18 Weeks Pregnant Bump

For a first-time pregnancy, you may start showing between weeks 16 and 20. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, you may show earlier and may already have a bump. Your body frame and whether you’re having multiples will also affect the way your bump looks.

Linea Nigra

Linea nigra is a dark line that may run from the belly button to the pubic bone during pregnancy. Not everyone gets it, but if you do, it can appear around this time and maybe even get darker and wider as your pregnancy goes on. It likely occurs because of changing hormones, and it usually fades naturally in the several months after pregnancy.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are streaks that appear on the skin of your stomach, hips, breasts, or other places as your body changes to support your baby. They can be red, pink, purple, or blue in color. Sometimes, they can cause pain or itching, but usually they don’t cause any problems. They also tend to fade over time.

Worry About Pregnancy Weight Gain

It’s natural to start to worry about pregnancy weight gain. Remember that your body is doing its best to take care of you and your baby during this time. Be grateful for how it’s growing a human life. Focus on the healthy, nourishing habits that you know will be best for you and your baby.

Preparation and Tips at 18 Weeks Pregnant

At 18 weeks pregnant, there are a few things you can plan and do to help ensure the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly.

Continue Prenatal Care Visits Every Four Weeks

Your doctor or midwife visits likely will follow the same schedule as the last few months. At your prenatal care appointments, you can expect them to take a urine sample and check your weight and blood pressure. They may also listen to your future baby’s heartbeat.

Between weeks 15 and 20, your doctor may give you a blood test to screen for risk of birth defects like spine defects and abdominal wall defects. This is called the maternal blood screen or quad screen. If they find an increased risk, you may choose to get an amniocentesis between weeks 15 and 20. This test comes with a small risk of complications and is optional.

Schedule Your Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound

At 18 weeks pregnant, an ultrasound is coming up. The mid-pregnancy ultrasound, or anatomy scan, usually happens between weeks 18 and 22. (Because many people have it at 20 weeks, you may also hear it called the 20-week ultrasound.)

This scan will check fetal development and growth. Before you go, decide whether you want to find out the predicted sex of your baby (if you don’t already know from early blood testing), and let your technician know. It can be an exciting moment, if you want to know!

Get Some New Clothes

If your body has changed, it might be time for some new clothes. Don’t worry about spending a lot of money on maternity clothes. It’s okay to shop secondhand or consider asking new birthing parents in your community if you can borrow theirs. It’s most important to find comfortable clothes that fit your growing body.

Reduce Stress About Parenthood

In the fifth month of pregnancy, you could be starting to worry about what kind of parent you’re going to be. The week 18 activity can help you see the best in yourself and remind you just how much you have to offer your little one once they come into the world.

Feeling grateful for your own best quality can relieve some stress about parenthood and help you feel excited about what you’re able to do.

What Others Are Talking About at 18 Weeks Pregnant

Wondering what other pregnant people are thinking and talking about at 18 weeks pregnant? Read and join in on their conversations here:

• What Can I Do About Frequent Headaches at 18 Weeks?
• A Dietitian Explains Pregnancy Weight Gain

Want to know more about your pregnancy week by week?

• Look ahead to 19 Weeks Pregnant
• Go back to 17 Weeks Pregnant