Second trimester
18 weeks pregnant
The fetus is around the size of a sweet potato. The anomaly scan window opens this week, and a recognisable pattern of sleeping and waking is emerging.
Size of
bell pepper
Length
14 cm
Weight
190 g
Your baby at 18 weeks
The fetus is developing cycles of sleep and activity, which may already correspond loosely to the pattern you notice.
Myelin, the protective sheath around nerves, begins forming. Ears are in their final position and hearing is well established.
If female, the uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in position; if male, genitals are usually clearly identifiable on a scan.
How you may be feeling
Movements are usually unmistakable now, though still irregular. The uterus is roughly level with the navel.
Many people experience leg cramps, particularly at night, and some notice swelling in the feet by the end of the day. Both are common and generally manageable.
Common symptoms around week 18
- Regular, recognisable movement
- Leg cramps, often at night
- Mild swelling in feet and ankles
- Backache
- Increased discharge
Appointments and tests around now
The anomaly scan is typically offered between weeks 18 and 21. It examines the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs and placenta in detail. You can usually find out the sex at this scan if you want to.
What is normal, and what varies
Being recalled after an anomaly scan is reasonably common and is frequently about the baby lying in an awkward position rather than anything being wrong. It is unsettling, but it is not the same as a finding.
Worth doing this week
Stretch before bed for cramps
Calf stretches and staying hydrated help many people with night cramps. Flexing the foot upward during a cramp usually eases it faster than massaging.
Decide about finding out the sex beforehand
Sonographers usually ask. Having agreed in advance avoids an awkward moment in the room.
Elevate your feet
Swelling that appears by evening and resolves overnight is usually positional. Elevating when you can genuinely helps.
Looking ahead
Next week vernix forms to protect the skin, and movements grow more coordinated.
Nearby weeks
Not sure which week you are in? The week tracker works it out from the first day of your last period, and the due date calculator gives you an estimated due date.