Second Trimester · Week 18
18 Weeks Pregnant: Ears reach their final spot
Baby development
Your baby at 18 weeks
Your baby's ears are now in their final position on the head, and the inner ear structures that make hearing possible are developing rapidly. While your baby can't quite hear you yet, the foundation for hearing is being laid — and in a few weeks, the outside world will start reaching your baby in a new way.
Your body this week
What you might be feeling at 18 weeks
Movement might become more noticeable. Your belly is definitely growing, and you might need maternity clothes. Back pain and round ligament pain can start. If you're having the anatomy scan soon, the anticipation can be nerve-wracking. The odds of everything being fine are very much in your favor.
From Shelbi
Shelbi Kohler · mother of seven · certified birth doula
You're getting close to the anatomy scan, and if you're planning to find out the sex, this might be the week. I'll never forget finding out with my first — I was so sure it was a boy, and when the technician said "girl," I laughed so hard I made the ultrasound table shake. If you're feeling anxious about the scan, that's completely normal. Every single one of my seven pregnancies, I held my breath during that appointment until they told me everything looked okay. The vast majority of the time, everything does look okay.
For you
This week is about getting through it
Scroll up to revisit your baby's development and Shelbi's encouragement for week 18. When you're ready, share this week with your partner.
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Common questions
18 weeks pregnant: your questions answered
What should I expect at 18 weeks pregnant? +
Movement might become more noticeable. Your belly is definitely growing, and you might need maternity clothes. Back pain and round ligament pain can s...
Is my baby moving normally at 18 weeks? +
Movement patterns vary. If you notice a significant decrease in movement, contact your provider. When in doubt, always call.
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