Trimester 2
Week 18
About the size of
a sweet potato
~14.2 cm~190 g
Averages only: a scan is the only way to know your baby’s size.
Your baby this week
Hearing is well established: the baby may startle at loud noises. Myelin begins coating the nerves.
What you may feel
Dizziness on standing is common as blood vessels relax. Leg cramps may start at night.
Don’t miss
Anomaly scan window opens (weeks 18–22): a detailed check of organs, growth and placenta position.
Timing varies by province and by care team: ask yours.
This week, try
Stand up slowly, and keep water within reach. Most dizziness in pregnancy is postural and preventable.
Weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, as your care team counts them. Written by The Childhood Journal’s team from standard prenatal references. Not yet reviewed by a clinician: our scientific board is being formed. General information, never an assessment of your pregnancy.