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Pregnancy Week by Week

18th Week

Every Week Brings New Wonders

Welcome To Week 18!

You may begin to feel the beautiful sensation of your baby’s playful movements. Your body works overtime as blood volume increases significantly, which can sometimes cause your blood pressure to drop, leading to dizziness, forgetfulness, or an increased appetite.

  • Your baby measures approximately 14.2cm from crown to rump and weighs about 190 grams.
  • Playful movements like bending and stretching limbs are highly active, though blood vessels are still visible through transparent skin.
  • The ears have reached their permanent placement on the sides of the head.
  • The myelin sheath begins to develop to insulate nerves, the skeletal system continues to harden, and meconium accumulates in the intestines.
  • Baby is about the size of a bell pepper.
Embryo Image
Body Changes

Changes in Your Body

Backaches may begin as your belly grows, along with occasional leg cramps.

Inside View

What's Happening Inside?

The baby’s ears are in place and may start picking up sounds from outside the womb.

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When to Check With a Doctor

• Heavy bleeding.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• High fever.
• Regular contractions, cramping or pelvic pressure.
• Severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling.

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Helpful Tips for Week 18

• Talk or play music for your baby.
• Attend your mid-pregnancy anatomy scan.
• Watch for round ligament pain and rest as needed.
• Keep meals rich in fibre to ease digestion.

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