Week 18 of pregnancy
Week 18 sits in the middle stretch of pregnancy, when many people find the days a little easier.
About the size of a bell pepper
| Size | About a bell pepper |
|---|---|
| Length | 14.2 cm (5.6 in), measured from the top of the head to the bottom (crown to rump), the way early scans measure |
| Weight | 190 g (6.7 oz) |
| Trimester | Second trimester |
| Weeks to go | About 22 to your due date |
These are averages. Every baby grows at their own pace.
What's developing
The ears have moved into place, and the baby may hear sounds inside your body.
What you might notice
Lower back aches can start as your bump grows.
Everyone's pregnancy is different. If something worries you, call your midwife or doctor.
A tip for this week
A pillow between your knees can make lying on your side more comfortable.
Questions you could bring to your next appointment
- When is my mid-pregnancy scan?
- Will I be offered a glucose test?
- Is there anything I should change about exercise or work?
- NHS: Your pregnancy week by week
- ACOG: How your fetus grows during pregnancy
- Hadlock FP et al. In utero analysis of fetal growth: a sonographic weight standard. Radiology 1991 (weights from week 10)
- Robinson HP, Fleming JE. A critical evaluation of sonar crown-rump length measurements. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1975 (early lengths)
Questions
When do most people feel the baby move?
The NHS says most people first feel movements between 16 and 24 weeks, often later in a first pregnancy.
When is the mid-pregnancy scan?
The NHS offers it between 18 and 21 weeks. It checks how the baby is developing.
Is my baby exactly this size?
No one is. The size, length and weight here are averages from published growth charts. Your scan results are the ones that count, and your midwife or doctor is the person to ask about them.
Start with today
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