Pregnancy at 18 Weeks: Experiencing Symptoms, Tracking Baby's Growth, and Planning Ahead
At 18 weeks of pregnancy, expectant mothers will witness several significant developments in their baby's growth and experience various symptoms as their bodies adapt to the growing fetus.
### Baby's Development at 18 Weeks
By the 18th week, the baby is about the size of a bell pepper or a banana, measuring approximately 14.2 cm long and weighing around 190 grams. Facial muscles are developing, allowing for expressions like frowning or squinting, although these are not yet controlled. The baby can hear sounds outside the womb and may react to loud noises by moving or jumping. Soft hair called lanugo begins to grow, and muscles and bones continue to harden and strengthen. Internal organs like the liver and pancreas start functioning more actively.
### Common Symptoms During Week 18
Some women may start to feel soft, fluttery movements or kicks, although these sensations can be subtle and may not be felt by everyone yet, especially first-time mothers. Back pain is a common complaint due to strain on joints and changes in posture caused by the growing bump. Round ligament pain, sharp or dull pains in the lower abdomen, can also occur as the uterus expands.
Skin changes, such as a glow or pigmentation shifts, may occur due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes. Nosebleeds and a stuffy nose are common, while headaches and leg cramps are also common complaints. Many women notice increased body temperature or hot flashes. Some women may begin to leak small amounts of colostrum, the first form of milk. Mood swings and fatigue continue due to hormonal fluctuations, although energy levels may improve during the second trimester.
### Lifestyle Changes and Recommendations
Engaging in gentle, low-impact activities like swimming or prenatal yoga can help improve posture and reduce back pain. A balanced diet is essential to support the baby's growth and manage weight gain within recommended guidelines. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene, using supportive pillows, and relaxation techniques can improve sleep quality. To manage swelling, stay hydrated, elevate feet when possible, and avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
Attend scheduled prenatal appointments, including the upcoming detailed anatomy scan, and communicate any concerns to your healthcare provider promptly. Recognize mood swings as normal but seek support if anxiety or depression symptoms arise.
### Exercise and Prenatal Care
Staying physically active throughout pregnancy is vital for both the mother's health and the fetus' health. Limit any aerobic exercise program, such as swimming, cycling, or walking, to 15 minutes for three sessions per week, gradually increasing to four 30-minute weekly sessions. The technician carrying out the ultrasound will apply gel to the abdomen to create good contact between the probe of the ultrasound device and the fetus.
A fetal anatomy scan may take place between weeks 18 and 21 of pregnancy, providing imaging of physical abnormalities, although it will not find every problem. The scan looks for open spina bifida, left lip, diaphragmatic hernia, exomphalos, anencephaly, gastroschisis, serious abnormalities of the heart, lethal skeletal dysplasia, trisomy 13, 18 and 21, bilateral renal agenesis, and the sex of the fetus.
The pregnancy belly becomes more noticeable during Week 18. Call your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of vaginal bleeding or passage of tissue, leaking vaginal fluid, feeling faint or dizzy, low blood pressure, rectal pressure, shoulder pain, and severe pelvic pain or cramping.
The womb moves further out of the pelvic area during Week 18. Light exercise can still have benefits for both mother and infant, such as going on a half-hour walk every day. When exercising during pregnancy, warm up before every session and cool down when finished, avoid working out in hot weather, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids, and take caution with exercises that pose a risk of falling.
The fetus starts to yawn and hiccup during Week 18 of pregnancy. A maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening (MSAFP) is a blood test that helps evaluate a fetus' risk of neural tube defects and abnormalities in the abdominal wall. Discuss any prescribed medications with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for use while pregnant.
This stage marks an exciting phase of increased baby movement and physical changes for the mother, balancing supportive lifestyle measures with attentive prenatal care is key.
[1] [Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/week-18) [2] [American Pregnancy Association](https://americanpregnancy.org/week-by-week/week-18-pregnancy/) [3] [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/week-by-week-calculator/12345766) [4] [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pregnancy-week-by-week/week-18-pregnancy/)
The Pfizer vaccine, facilitating a speedy return to health-and-wellness for many, may inadvertently be temporarily blocked for expectant mothers due to safety concerns during pregnancy. As the baby at 18 weeks develops, hiccupping and yawning, research in science continues to explore the most effective approach for vaccine administration in pregnant women.
