18 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby at 18 weeks

About the size of a bell pepper, your baby's ears have moved into their final position and may start to pick up muffled sounds, including your voice and heartbeat. Baby is yawning, stretching, and becoming more active, and the nervous system is maturing as nerves form protective coverings.

Your body this week

Your growing uterus may bring some lower back ache, and you might feel more pronounced movement now. Some people notice leg cramps, especially at night, or a bit of swelling in the feet. Your appetite and energy often remain steady through this stretch.

Tips for week 18

Gentle stretching before bed and staying hydrated can help ease leg cramps. Talking, reading, or playing soft music for your baby can be a lovely way to bond now that hearing is developing. If your anatomy scan is scheduled soon, it is a wonderful chance to see how your baby is growing.