Pregnancy week eighteen is an exciting one! Whether it is your first pregnancy or not, it is time to get excited as you feel your baby’s kicks and movement! While these movements might not be strong, they will become stronger over the next few weeks, allowing your family and friends to feel them, too.
But what else is happening at eighteen weeks pregnant? That is what we are here to tell you! As you become noticeably pregnant, we will walk you through what to expect this week, including symptoms and what you can do to maintain your health.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 18 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 18 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 18 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 18 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a artichoke
- Your baby’s reflexes are developing, including swallowing and sucking
- Your pregnant belly is growing, and you will be more obviously pregnant
- Your symptoms might include stretch marks, swollen and bleeding gums, and dizziness
- Your doctor might invite you for a scan this week or any point between now and 21 weeks
What Does It Mean To Be 18 Weeks Pregnant?
At eighteen weeks pregnant, your baby is growing! Not only is your baby’s face continuing to form, but it is recognisable on an ultrasound! You can see your baby’s ears, nose, and lips on an ultrasound. Their sucking and swallowing reflexes are developing, too, along with their hearing and feeling reflexes.
You are into your second trimester now, and your pregnant belly is growing. Your breasts will likely grow, too, with most women needing bigger bras this week. Weight gain is also normal this week and should not be a cause for concern.
At eighteen weeks pregnant, you are almost halfway through your pregnancy, and many women will start thinking about what needs to be purchased and sorted towards their baby’s arrival. This can add stress to your life, so share the burden with your partner or family.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 18 Weeks?
Yes, you can detect pregnancy at eighteen weeks pregnant. You will have missed four periods if your cycle is regular, and you should take a pregnancy test if you have not already. Home pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, levels in your urine. Known as the pregnancy hormone, hCG levels rise in your body for the first three to four months of pregnancy before dropping off. Your hCG levels are still high at eighteen weeks pregnant enough to generate a positive pregnancy test result.
Your doctor can also confirm pregnancy for you through a blood test. The blood test will measure the hVG levels in your blood to confirm pregnancy. Sn ultrasound might also be performed by your healthcare provider, especially if you have not had one yet. This will confirm your pregnancy and date it, offering an estimated due date and checking your baby’s development.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
You can get an ultrasound at eighteen weeks pregnant if you wish. You will be offered a mid-pregnancy ultrasound at twenty weeks pregnant, although some women might receive it earlier if your doctor feels it is needed. You can also pay privately for an ultrasound scan at eighteen weeks if you want one.
The ultrasound will look at your baby’s development to check they are developing normally. These mid-pregnancy scans, also known as anomaly scans, will check to see if any anomalies could be a cause for concern. The development of your baby’s skull, brain, heart, and other organs will be examined, along with checking for genetic anomalies and the placenta’s development correctly.
At an anomaly scan, you might also find out the sex of your baby. This does depend on your baby’s positioning during the scan and whether the sonographer can see their genitalia and confirm their sex. A separate blood test can be administered to confirm the sex, too, but this is often a private service offered.
Some women will have this scan at eighteen weeks, but others will be called at twenty weeks, so don’t worry if yours isn’t booked yet.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
During your second trimester of pregnancy, several tests will be offered to you. The following will be offered to you:
- Glucose screening to check for gestational diabetes
- Multiple marker tests to check for neural tube defects and Down’s syndrome
- Amniocentesis to check the amniotic fluid for signs of chromosomal disorders
- Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling to check for disorders in the foetus
You might also be offered other genetic tests depending on your medical history and your family’s. These tests will look for conditions like thyroid disease, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C. These tests are optional; you do not need to have them if you do not feel comfortable. Speak to your doctor if you are unsure whether to have these tests or not.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can detect a heartbeat at eighteen weeks pregnant! Your baby’s heartbeat can be detected through an ultrasound, where you will likely hear your baby’s heart for the first time. You will also hear the heartbeat through a Doppler machine at an appointment with your midwife. These look like a small microphone placed on your stomach that will transmit the heartbeat.
These machines can be tricky to use, especially if your baby is moving a lot, so don’t panic if you don’t hear the heartbeat. Getting the positioning right can take some time, especially if using a Doppler machine at home.
You will also hear your baby’s heartbeat at your next ultrasound; usually, at twenty weeks, the heartbeat will still sound fast, with an average of 110 to 160 beats per minute.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
The common symptoms at eighteen weeks pregnant include stretch marks, tiredness and trouble sleeping, and swollen and bleeding gums. These symptoms can vary from woman to woman, varying in severity daily.
Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush can help your gums, while additional pillows and meditation before bed can help with your sleeping problems. Your doctor or midwife can provide additional support with these symptoms if needed.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels fall again at eighteen weeks, averaging between 1,400 and 53,000 u/L during your second trimester.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping, especially leg cramps, can happen at eighteen weeks pregnant. Stretching before bed, a warm bath, and staying hydrated can help prevent leg cramps.
You might also notice pains on the side of your stomach, known as round ligament pains, caused by your expanding womb.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness typically happens during your first trimester, but you might experience it at eighteen weeks pregnant. The morning sickness should subside as your pregnancy progresses.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel tender or sore during your pregnancy. Your breasts might also ache or feel full.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point in your pregnancy, including eighteen weeks pregnant.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
You should notice that the need to urinate more frequently subsides a little at eighteen weeks as your womb moves up your body, relieving pressure on your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness and trouble sleeping are common at eighteen weeks pregnant. You can try adding extra pillows to support your aching muscles, sleeping with a pillow between your knees, and meditating before bed to help you sleep.
Your doctor can also provide guidance on helping you sleep at eighteen weeks pregnant.
Will I Feel Bloated At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Bloating is common at eighteen weeks pregnant. Eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding eating late at night can help with feeling bloated.
Will I Get A Headache At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
You might get a headache at eighteen weeks pregnant. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy typically notice more headaches while pregnant.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth usually happens during the first trimester of pregnancy, but you might experience it at eighteen weeks pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell usually happens earlier in pregnancy, but you might still experience it at eighteen weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath usually does not happen at this stage of pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you experience shortness of breath at eighteen weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can happen at eighteen weeks pregnant, but it is usually unrelated to pregnancy. A stomach bug, food poisoning or allergy could cause it.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen throughout pregnancy, including eighteen weeks pregnant. A white, milky discharge is normal at this stage in pregnancy.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at eighteen weeks pregnant as your muscles and joints stretch and have more pressure applied from your growing uterus.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings usually happen in the first trimester, but you can experience them at eighteen weeks pregnant.
Is Spotting Normal At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Light spotting is normal at eighteen weeks pregnant. Speak to your doctor if the bleeding continues for more than twenty-four hours or if there is any pain.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 18 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are common at eighteen weeks pregnant:
- Nosebleeds
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Feeling hot
- Dizziness
- Swollen feet and hands
- Urine infections
- Vaginal infections
- Thicker and shinier hair
- Spotty and oily skin
- Brown patches or darkened skin on the face
How Big Is A Baby At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
At eighteen weeks, your baby is the size of a bell pepper. They will be roughly 14.2 cm from crown to rump. The baby weighs around 200 grams at this point, too. Your baby’s development is progressing quickly! Their sucking and swallowing reflexes are developing, along with feeling and hearing.
There will be a lot of wriggling around this week as your baby moves, and they move their arms and legs.
Can You Feel The Baby At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
At eighteen weeks, many women feel their baby. Your baby’s movements will now be detectable, feeling like rolling, bubbling, or fluttering inside you.
These movements will feel stronger as your pregnancy progresses, but they will feel quite gentle for now. Not all women will feel movements at eighteen weeks, which is normal.
Feeling your baby move can happen between eighteen and twenty-two weeks, so don’t panic if you don’t feel any flutters yet.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
At eighteen weeks pregnant, the common miscarriage symptoms include vaginal bleeding, back pain, contractions every five to twenty minutes, tissues and clot-like material passing from the vagina.
You might also notice that your pregnancy symptoms disappear, like sore breasts or morning sickness. You might notice that any baby movements you felt have now stopped, too.
At eighteen weeks pregnant, you will need to deliver the baby. This can be medically induced or allow it to happen naturally. Your doctor and midwife can support you through this and provide long-term support.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
The chance of a miscarriage at eighteen weeks is less than 1%. The American Journal of Epidemiology found that the chance of miscarriage falls below 1% from fourteen to twenty weeks of pregnancy.
This does not consider any previous complications, complications during pregnancy, and health conditions that could impact your chance of miscarriage. Your doctor can provide more information on this.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Several health precautions should be taken to maintain your health at eighteen weeks pregnant; let’s look at them now.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you find out you are pregnant. These will give you and your baby the nutrients you need for the rest of your pregnancy. A pregnancy multivitamin can be taken; look for one with folic acid and vitamin D.
Enjoy A Balanced Diet
Throughout your pregnancy, enjoy a healthy and balanced diet. Alongside multivitamins, this will give your body the fuel and nutrients it needs. A diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables should be consumed. Your doctor can guide you in creating a diet that works for you.
Stay Hydrated
You should stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy. Water helps to support your joints, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and protects your spinal cord.
It also helps form the amniotic fluid around your baby, circulates nutrients around the body, and aids digestion. Research by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found this and recommends drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily.
Stop Smoking
Once you discover you are pregnant, you should stop smoking. Smoking while pregnant can double the risk of abnormal bleeding through pregnancy and delivery. According to research by the CDC, it can also increase the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and baby defects.
Speak to your healthcare provider for support to help you stop smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
At eighteen weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
All alcoholic drinks should be avoided at eighteen weeks of pregnancy. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can increase your risk of stillbirth and affect how your baby develops in your uterus, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake during pregnancy. Drinking more than 350mg of caffeine daily while pregnant can increase the risk of stillbirth, according to the Royal College of Midwives. You should limit your caffeine intake to 200mg daily, including the caffeine in your coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid high doses of vitamins A, C, and E while pregnant, as these can harm your pregnancy. You should also not take any supplements that are not suitable for pregnant women. The label on any supplement bottle should be checked to ensure they are suitable for pregnant women to consume.
Can I Exercise While 18 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at eighteen weeks pregnant, but there are some precautions you should take. Avoid any contact sports, exercises where you could fall, excessive bouncing, or at 2,500m above sea level. You might also need to swap high-impact exercises, like star jumps and running, for low-impact exercises, like walking and swimming.
Pregnant women who ran regularly before pregnancy should continue running if they feel comfortable. You should also continue with the usual exercises, but you might notice that you cannot finish the exercise or work as hard. It is better to complete a shorter workout than to burn yourself out.
You can also speak to your doctor about suitable exercises if you did not exercise regularly before falling pregnant.
Is It Safe To Travel When 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Travelling at eighteen weeks pregnant is considered safe, but you need to take care. Speak to your doctor before flying if you have any complications in pregnancy, deep vein thrombosis, or high blood pressure.
Check before travelling to another country if you need any vaccinations or if there are any advisories in place.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at eighteen weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 18 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at eighteen weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
You might notice that you have trouble sleeping at eighteen weeks pregnant. Adding extra pillows to support any aches or a pillow between your knees can make you more comfortable to help you fall asleep. You can also use meditation to help you relax and sleep before bed.
Your doctor can also guide you if you struggle to fall or stay asleep.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 18 Weeks Pregnant?
Sleeping on your left side is considered safe at eighteen weeks pregnant. This position helps to promote circulation while protecting your baby bump.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 18 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date at eighteen weeks pregnant is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is commonly used to calculate due dates. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to see your estimated due date. You can use due date calculators online to do this, too.
By eighteen weeks pregnant, you will have had your first ultrasound, too, known as the dating scan. Here, you will be provided with a due date from them based on your ultrasound scan. Your baby will be measured, and its development will be looked at to identify how far into your pregnancy and offer an estimated due date.
These due dates are estimates and should not be considered a definite date. Many women will give birth after their expected due date, so don’t panic if yours passes you by!
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 18 Weeks Pregnant?
The biggest body change this week is your growing pregnant belly! You will now have an obviously pregnant body with your baby bump growing this week.
You might feel a little clumsier, too, as your belly grows. Your blood pressure is likely to be lower, so take care. You don’t want to jump up or move too quickly as it could make you feel dizzy, something you don’t want if you already feel unsteady on your feet!
You might also notice some movements in your belly. Your baby’s activities might be noticed, too. You won’t feel baby kicks yet, but some fluttering or bubbling. Your symptoms might change too this week, with many women noticing bleeding or swollen gums, leg cramps, and issues sleeping.
As your body grows and your womb moves up your body, you might notice pains on the side of your stomach, too. These are round ligament pains caused by your expanding womb stretching the ligaments in your stomach. These can feel like a sharp pain or a dull ache, with resting providing some relief.
You might also notice a line done your stomach, the linea nigra, or the black line. Skin pigmentation is normal and is not a cause for concern; most women report that this disappears a few months after birth.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is changing, growing a baby bump that will be more obvious than before. Your body also pumps more blood, providing adequate blood flow to you and your baby. As it allows for blood to your baby, your blood supply can be a little slower, causing you to feel dizzy.
Your muscles and joints are now supporting the extra weight of your pregnancy, so you might notice pain, especially in your legs and back. Plenty of rest and gentle movement can help alleviate some of the pain.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Below are some tips to help you prepare for pregnancy.
Speak To Your Doctor
Speak to your doctor if you have not already. They are a fountain of knowledge for your pregnancy, so use them! Your doctor will help you book appointments, point you in the right direction of support, and answer any questions you might have about pregnancy.
you should also speak to them before conceiving to get any advice about conception, support, and have any tests run if you struggle to conceive.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might need to make lifestyle changes, including stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. These are detrimental to your health and your baby’s health, too. You should make these changes before or when you discover you are pregnant.
Your doctor can help you to make these changes if needed.
Stay Active
Keeping active is an important part of remaining fit and healthy for pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, you will need to adjust the exercises you do to stay active. Walking, swimming, and yoga can be done throughout your pregnancy, offering a gentle exercise that keeps you active and your body moving.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Alongside keeping active, you should also follow a healthy and balanced diet. It is okay to enjoy a chocolate bar, but overall, you want your diet balanced and varied. Eat various lean proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables.
Speak to your doctor about maintaining a healthy weight as you prepare for pregnancy and your pregnancy progresses.
Find Support
Pregnancy can be lonely, but it doesn’t need to be. Create a support group that will carry you through your pregnancy as part of your preparations. Your partner, family, and friends can be a good foundation of a support group, offering you a safe space to share your concerns, fears and access advice.
You can also look further afield, connecting with other expecting mothers through social media. You can also join pregnancy and birthing classes in your area to meet women close to you who could become friends, offering support and advice to one another as your pregnancies progress.
Final Thoughts
Week eighteen of pregnancy is special, especially when you feel tiny flutters of your baby moving! Your baby is developing quickly, with many reflexes developing this week. While not every woman will be invited to an ultrasound this week, over the next few weeks, you will have the opportunity to see your baby again, hear their heartbeat, and maybe find out what sex the baby is! It truly is an exciting time.