In week 18, you may be seeing your doctor monthly for your second-trimester appointments. You and the doctor will discuss your baby's growth and expected delivery date. They may use an ultrasound to check your baby's movements and growth. Depending on your baby's position, you may also learn whether you're having a boy or a girl. Although your blood pressure may be low at this point of your pregnancy, it's important to discuss any dizziness you may be feeling. Your doctor will also want to discuss your diet, fluid consumption (proper hydration is important), weight gain, and level of exercise. Don't be afraid to ask about anything, including your protruding belly button, increasing appetite, and feelings of dizziness.
Week 18 Of Pregnancy
Your baby has grown to about six inches in length and weighs between seven and eight ounces by the time you're 18 weeks pregnant. Its inner ears have developed enough to hear your heartbeat. Soon, you will be able to tell from an ultrasound the sex of your baby, if positioned properly. Learn more about the changes to expect during the 18th week of pregnancy with expert advice from Sharecare.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersAt week 18 your doctor may use an ultrasound to measure your baby's size and assess the fetal anatomy. You and your doctor will be able to see your baby's movements. Depending on your baby's position you may also learn whether it's a boy or a girl! The ultrasound is also used to help confirm your expected delivery date. If you have questions about prenatal care at this point, now is a great time to ask your doctor. -
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredBy week 18, your baby is about twice the size as it was a month ago. Its outer ears are almost fully formed and its inner areas are developed enough to hear your heartbeat. You may even begin to feel your baby moving, especially if you are an experienced mom. Your baby's bones are hardening. Its fingerprints and toeprints are starting to take shape. Your baby's genitals are noticeable. Your blood pressure may be low, causing you to feel dizzy when sitting or standing too quickly. It is also important to remember that weight gain is normal. You may have already gained up to 10 pounds, much of which is due to your baby's placenta, amniotic fluid, and increased blood flow. It is important to keep eating well and exercising as much as you can. If you have any questions about what you are experiencing at this stage of your second trimester, talk to your doctor.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredDuring week 18 of pregnancy, your appetite is likely to change. An increase in your appetite may have you craving sugary foods. Remember to eat well-balanced small meals throughout the day. Your cardiovascular system is also changing.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredIn week 18 of pregnancy, your baby is now nearly twice as large as it was one month ago! Weighing between seven and eight ounces, your baby's bones‚ even its tooth buds and jaw‚ are continuing to harden. The windpipe has developed and its two bronchioles -- airways -- one for each lung are continuing to grow. Your baby's outer ears are almost fully developed, and although the inner ears are still immature, your baby may be able to hear your heartbeat! Its genitals are developing, and during an ultrasound your doctor may be able to see whether your baby is a boy or a girl.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredDuring week 18, you're likely to have symptoms of dizziness due to changes to your cardiovascular system. You may feel dizzy when sitting or standing too quickly or standing for a long period of time. Although dizziness can be uncomfortable and frightening, there are ways to manage its symptoms. Drinking lot of fluids and eating right during the day and lying down on your left side can help to minimize the feeling of dizziness. Avoiding sudden head movements can also help. If your dizziness causes persistent nausea or vomiting, talk to your doctor.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredBy week 18 of pregnancy, your blood pressure is likely to be lower. You may feel dizzy when standing or sitting too quickly. You may also have brief "dizzy spells" during the day. If you feel dizzy, try lying down on your left-side until the feeling passes. Also sit and stand slowly and drink plenty of fluid throughout the day. By now you've likely gained between 5 and 10 pounds, which is normal. Much of the extra weight is the placenta, amniotic fluid, extra blood supply, fluid retention, and fatty tissue in the breasts. The extra weight may feel uncomfortable especially if you're still wearing your regular clothes! Because so much of the weight is out front, remember that your balance can be affected. It's common to feel unsteady on your feet.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredIn week 18, routine blood tests to measure sugar and iron levels are normal. If your baby hasn't already been screened for genetic abnormalities, it's a good idea to begin these tests. A urine test can be used to check sugar levels too, as well as protein levels. An ultrasound can be used to detect your baby's gender. Depending on your baby's position, it's likely that your doctor will be able to tell you whether you're having a boy or a girl! The ultrasound is also used to measure your baby's growth and movements. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the tests and procedures needed at this point of your pregnancy.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredDuring week 18, your baby is around six inches long and weighs between seven and eight ounces. For the first time during your pregnancy, your baby is likely to be larger than the placenta. At this point, your baby is almost twice the size it was a month ago!
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredBy week 18, you've probably gained between 5 and 10 pounds. Your belly is rounding and may begin to push your belly button out. Your regular clothes are snug, so you may be wearing maternity clothes. As your belly continues to grow you may look at little more unsteady when bending to sit or stand.