Overview of Week 18 of pregnancy
During week 18 of pregnancy:
- Your baby is 5.5 inches long
- You are in trimester two
- 22 more weeks to go
- Genitals are visible on ultrasounds
Have you felt your baby kick yet? It can be difficult for first-time mothers to decipher which sensations are actually from their baby. The first movements often feel like little flutters or bubbles in your abdomen area. The first few times, you may think it is gas or indigestion you are feeling. However, after a few times, you will come to realize that those sensations are actually from your baby. If you haven’t felt anything yet, don’t worry, it could take up to week 22 to feel any movements.
How many months pregnant is 18 weeks?
At 18 weeks pregnant, you are about 4 months and 1 week pregnant. You are in your fifth month of pregnancy and you are in your second trimester. There are just under 5 more months left of pregnancy.
How big is baby at 18 weeks pregnant?
During the 17th week of pregnancy, your baby has grown to around 5.5 inches long, from crown to rump. This is approximately the size of an artichoke. Your little one weighs around 6.5 ounces.
Baby development during week 18 of pregnancy
Nervous System
During week 18 of pregnancy, your baby’s nerves are beginning to form myelin. This substance is a mix of fat and protein that covers the nerve cells. Myelin helps to insulate and protect nerves, as well as send messages throughout the nervous system.
Reproductive System
If you are having a girl, the uterus and fallopian tubes have made their way into their final position. If you are having a boy, the genitals will now be visible on an ultrasound, which means you’ll get to find out the sex of your baby at your next ultrasound appointment.
Pregnancy Week 18 Symptoms
Round ligament pain
You may experience a sharp pain in your lower abdomen near the groin or hip area. This pain is known as round ligament pain. This is one of the most common complaints of pregnancy, most frequently occurring in the second trimester. If you do experience round ligament pain, the best thing to do is change positions and try to stretch the muscles out.
Heartburn
Pregnancy hormones may allow the muscles in the esophagus to relax more frequently, allowing stomach acids to push back up into the esophagus. This is what causes the burning sensation in your chest, known as heartburn or acid reflux. Unfortunately, this is one of those pregnancy symptoms that will come and go all throughout your pregnancy. Over-the-counter medications, such as Tums or Rolaids, can help to reduce any discomfort. If any pain persists, it is best to talk to your doctor about other medications that may be available.
Back pain
Now that your baby bump is growing, you might start to experience back pain. Back pain in pregnancy usually begins in the second trimester and is characterized as a dull or achy pain in the lower back. To relieve pain, try to keep a good posture. If your belly is bigger, you may want to try a pregnancy band to relieve some of the pressure out of your back. Heat pads or massage may also help to relieve some pain.
Swelling
Swelling in pregnancy is a normal symptom that usually starts in the second trimester and may worsen towards the end of pregnancy. Excess fluids in the body and pressure from your growing uterus can cause water retention in the feet, ankles, and hands. If you notice your fingers starting to swell, you should remove any rings until the swelling goes down. Let your doctor or midwife know if the swelling worsens or if there is a large amount in your face or around your eyes.
Pregnancy week 18 tips
Take pictures
Have you taken your weekly baby bump photo yet? These pictures will be a good memory to look back on and it is a fun way to show your belly growing throughout your pregnancy. In fact, if you have been taking pictures since the beginning of your pregnancy, you will probably already see some transformation.
Set boundaries for bump touching
Your bump might be showing now and there is nothing like a woman with a pregnancy bump that attracts strangers. You will start to notice more people looking your way and asking about your pregnancy. One thing you may not be prepared for though is the number of people that will want to touch your growing bump. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and tell people, especially strangers, if you are not comfortable with them touching you.
Sleep on your side
Now that your baby bump is growing, it is best to start getting used to sleeping on your side. With a growing belly, sleeping on your stomach will become uncomfortable and nearly impossible. Sleeping on your back is not recommended due to the growing baby and uterus putting too much pressure on major veins that bring blood back to the heart from the lower body. Side-sleeping is shown by research to be the best for both you and your baby as it allows for maximum blood flow to the placenta and growing fetus.
Buy some parenting books
If this is your first child, it may be a good time to pick up some parenting books. This will get you prepared for what to expect during that first year. Having a baby is a big change and it is good to have a plan and know what to expect when it comes to eating, sleeping, and other aspects of caring for a child. Be sure to share the books with your partner so you can start a conversation about how you would like to raise your child.
