Pregnant in week 18
In week 18 your baby is the size of a bell pepper. The ears are now in place, and your baby can begin to hear your voice and heartbeat. Many feel clear kicks around now.
Your baby in week 18
Your baby measures around 14 centimetres and weighs about 190 grams. It is very active and often changes position – stretching, rolling and kicking.
The ears now sit in their place on the head, and hearing develops so your baby can begin to register sounds from outside – your voice, your heartbeat and sounds from your intestines. Loud noises can make it react.
A protective layer of vernix begins to cover the skin, and in girls the uterus and fallopian tubes have formed, while boys' genitals can now be clearly seen on a scan.
Your body and symptoms in week 18
The kicks become clearer for most, and it is a very special experience to feel your baby for the first time. The movements are still irregular, so don't worry about quiet periods.
The uterus now reaches almost up to the navel, and the bump is clear. Blood volume is high, and you may experience warmth, swollen feet and visible veins on your legs.
Some get slightly low blood pressure and dizziness, and many experience increased appetite. It is important to eat varied food and drink plenty while your body works at full tilt.
Good advice for week 18
Let your baby hear your voices
Your baby can hear you now. Talk, read and sing to your bump – including your partner, whose deeper voice carries through more easily.
Relieve your legs
Swollen feet and heavy legs are common. Put your feet up, avoid standing still for long, and consider support stockings if it bothers you.
Prepare for the anomaly scan
The public anomaly scan usually falls around weeks 19-20. Your baby's organs are reviewed thoroughly – jot down any questions beforehand.
Eat for two – in quality
You don't need twice as much food, but nutritious and varied food. Focus on protein, iron, calcium and vegetables.
Relevant with us in week 18
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 18
Can loud sounds startle my baby?
Your baby can react to loud sounds with a movement, but the amniotic fluid and your body dampen a lot. Ordinary everyday noise is not harmful.
What is examined at the anomaly scan?
The midwife or doctor reviews the heart, brain, spine, stomach, kidneys and limbs, measures growth and checks the placenta. It is a thorough medical examination.
Is it normal not to feel kicks every day?
Yes, at this stage movements are irregular and a quiet day is completely normal. From around week 24 you should know your baby's pattern and react to changes.
Your pregnancy – week by week, in your inbox
Every time you enter a new week we send you what is happening with your baby and your body, good advice for the week – and when the different scans make sense. Unsubscribe with one click.
Read on in week 18
Gender scan – when can you see the sex? Everything you need to know (2026)
Feeling life – when and how do you feel the first fetal movements?
