18 Weeks Pregnant ─ Pregnancy Symptoms

At this Stage of Your Pregnancy, Around the 18th Week,
You May Notice Rapid Weight Gain

160 DAYS TO GO. . .

COMMON PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS FOR WEEK 18

50%
Back Pain
50% of women experience back pain as a symptom during week 18 of pregnancy. More >>
53%
Fatigue
53% of women experience fatigue as a symptom during week 18 of pregnancy. More >>
53%
Headache
53% of women experience headache as a symptom during week 18 of pregnancy. More >>


You’ll find that you are gaining more weight, which is perfectly normal. Not all the weight you’re gaining is your baby. In fact, most of the weight increase is not the baby. The extra weight can be accounted for by your growing uterus, the amniotic fluid, larger breasts, and because your blood volume is increasing.

Pregnancy 18 weeks pregnant fetus development

WHAT'S GOING ON INSIDE?

Blood Vessels are visible through the skin and developing rapidly.

The Ears are now in position. Your baby can hear sounds and may be startled by loud noises.

The Sex Organs are developing internally and externally.

The Arms & Legs have room to adjust and are moving regularly.
Week 18 baby fetus size orange
Fetus Size
Your baby is about the size of an orange during week 18.

LENGTH: 5.67 in / 14.4 cm
WEIGHT: 6.03 oz / 170.9 g

View Weekly Growth Chart >>


An exciting milestone has arrived. The sex of your baby should now be apparent. You should talk with your partner about whether or not you want to find out the sex of the baby. At your next ultrasound, your doctor will be able to tell you the sex if you so desire.



Prenatal classes can be an important resource for your pregnancy. You might want to think about signing up for prenatal classes now because they fill up quickly. They are a great source of information, as well as a good way to make friends and compare notes with other pregnant women.

Although you may have gained little weight in the first trimester, from the second trimester onward you will gain weight each week. On average, women should put on 3-4 pounds per month from the second trimester to the end of pregnancy, though the weight gain tends to slow in the last weeks. If you have any concerns about your weight, speak with your doctor.

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