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18 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby, Your Body and What to Do
Your baby can probably hear you, and the anomaly scan is just around the corner.
Before you use this guide: Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period. Sizes are rough averages, and healthy babies vary. This is general information, not an individual medical assessment, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor or midwife.
How your baby is growing
Your baby's ears are in position and the nerves that carry sound are developing, so your voice, your heartbeat and loud noises are likely to be heard, though muffled. Myelin, a protective coating, is beginning to form around the nerves.
Your baby is yawning, stretching and moving a lot. Fingerprints and footprints have formed, and the gut has begun to produce meconium, the dark, sticky first poo.
How you may be feeling
You may feel more kicks and flutters. Heartburn, constipation, leg cramps and swollen ankles are common as your growing womb pushes against other organs. Extra blood volume can make you feel warm. Some people have a stuffy nose or snore for the first time.
Your to-do list for week 18
- As your bump grows, try not to lie flat on your back for long periods. Lying on your side is more comfortable and is the advised position for sleep later in pregnancy.
- Write down questions for your anomaly scan appointment.
- Eat smaller meals if you have heartburn, and avoid lying down straight after eating.
- Start to think about your birth preferences, and talk them through with your partner.
When to ask for help
At the anomaly scan most babies are found to be developing as expected. If the scan finds something unexpected, you will be offered follow-up and support. Ask your midwife who to contact with questions afterwards.
For heavy bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, a severe headache with vision changes, or a baby who is moving less than usual, do not wait for your next appointment. Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. Our guide to pregnancy warning signs has more detail.
Not sure which week you are in? Use the due-date calculator to estimate your due date and current week.
Useful at this stage: pregnancy weight gain calculator and baby shower planner.
Trusted resources to read next
These public health resources provide additional information. Guidance can vary by country, so prioritise advice from your own care team and local health service.
- NHS: Pregnancy — Pregnancy care, common symptoms, screening and complications.
- NHS: Week-by-week pregnancy guide — Pregnancy development and care by week.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.