18 Weeks Pregnant
At 18 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a bell pepper. You are in the second trimester, and this week brings its own small changes — for your baby and for you.
- Size of
- a bell pepper
- Length
- 14.2 cm
- Weight
- 190 g
- Trimester
- 2
Your baby this week
- Hearing sharpens; loud sounds may make your baby startle.
- A protective layer called myelin begins to coat the nerves.
- Your baby yawns, hiccups and stretches inside the amniotic fluid.
Your body this week
- First flutters — quickening — are often felt between weeks 18 and 22.
- Appetite grows as your baby gains weight faster.
Common symptoms
- Leg cramps, usually at night
- Swollen feet and ankles by the end of the day
- A dull ache in the lower back
What to expect
The middle months are usually the steadiest part of pregnancy. Energy often returns, the bump becomes visible, and appointments settle into a routine. With 22 weeks to go, this is a good time to plan ahead while you feel well.
Tips for this week
- The anomaly scan checks your baby’s organs, growth and the placenta in detail.
- Drink water through the day; dehydration worsens tiredness and headaches.
- Put your feet up when you can to ease swelling.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 18 weeks pregnant?
18 weeks is about 4 months. Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so counting in weeks is more precise.
How big is my baby at 18 weeks?
At 18 weeks your baby is around a bell pepper — roughly 14.2 cm long and about 190 g. Healthy babies vary a lot around these averages.
What symptoms are normal at 18 weeks pregnant?
The most common ones this week are listed above. Contact your doctor or midwife about heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or any change in your baby’s movements.
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so week 1 begins before conception.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.