18 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide
IN THIS ARTICLE – At this stage of your journey, new developments are beginning to unfold. Check out this week-by-week guide to find out what’s in store for your baby and your body in week 18 of pregnancy.
Your baby at 18 weeks pregnant | Week 18 pregnancy symptoms | 3 expert tips for a healthy and safe pregnancy | Week 18 checklist: How to plan your pregnancy | Join Enfamil Family Beginnings
- 18 weeks pregnant is which trimester? Second trimester
- How many weeks of pregnancy are left? 22 weeks
- 18 weeks pregnant is how many months? You’re in your fifth month.
With week 17 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 18. Enjoy it, as week 19 is on the horizon!
One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.
Your Baby at 18 Weeks Pregnant
What's Happening in There
- Your baby is the size of an artichoke.
- You’re in your fifth month of pregnancy.
- The countdown continues: you’ve got 22 weeks to go!
What Happens During the 18th Week of Pregnancy?
- Your baby’s hardwired: Those little nerves are now active and growing, ready for your baby to explore the wonders of the outside world. To keep them protected, they’re covered with a substance called myelin that helps those impulses shoot from nerve cell to nerve cell through the body.
- 100 billion: That’s how many neurons have grown in your baby’s brain in these first four months!
- Shhhhh, someone’s listening: With the development of those nerve endings and the formation of the bone in your baby’s inner ear, your baby can hear your heartbeat, the movement of blood through the umbilical cord, and your tummy’s rumbles and gurgles.
How Big Is Your Baby at 18 Weeks Pregnant?
| 18 Weeks Pregnant |
|---|
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Baby Weight 7 ounces |
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Baby Length 5.5 inches |
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Baby Size Comparable to a cucumber or artichoke |
Week 18 Pregnancy Symptoms
During week 18 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.
7 Common Week 18 Pregnancy Symptoms
- You may get cramps in your legs, but staying hydrated can help.
- There's a chance that you may get nose bleeds during this time.
- You may notice varicose veins forming, so prop up your legs and avoid tight shoes.
- You could have trouble sleeping or disturbed sleep—it's like your body's preparing you for your first years of parenthood.
- You may have an achy back. Hormones, your growing belly, and posture changes are the culprits.
- Water retention, called edema, may cause your feet and hands to swell. Staying hydrated, limiting salt intake, and keeping cool can help. Contact your doctor with any concerns or if you experience severe or rapid swelling.
- You may feel like you have a tiny soccer player inside you as your baby’s kicks get stronger.
3 Expert Tips for a Healthy and Safe Pregnancy
Being 18 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here’s some more expert-recommended advice on how to adjust to this new stage and keep you and your baby safe.
- Ironing out the details: Make sure you’re boosting your iron intake. If you’re not getting adequate iron, it can affect you and your baby..
- Strong bones: Eat calcium-rich foods. That calcium will help your baby’s bones become firm. It also aids in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve transmission.
- Zzzzzz: You should be sleeping
Week 18 Checklist: How To Plan Your Pregnancy
Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!
| To-Do Checklist |
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 Plan a nice date night—you both deserve it |
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Update your exercise routine to account for your current shape |
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Write the invite list for your baby shower |
Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.
With week 17 in the rearview mirror and week 18 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 19!
Join Enfamil Family Beginnings
It’s your 18th week of pregnancy, and you and your baby are experiencing exciting changes every day. Prepare for your new arrival with help from Enfamil Family Beginnings. It’s the perfect resource for new and expecting moms. Save on Enfamil products, track your bump and baby’s growth, and get helpful articles each week relevant to your journey. Join now for up to $400 in free gifts.
