In the third month of your pregnancy, the first milestone awaits you. Your baby is no longer referred to as an embryo, but as a fetus. Although you have only just found out that you are pregnant, the little baby in your belly has already developed rapidly. You can already see a real baby in the ultrasound, which changes with every week of pregnancy.
In our pregnancy calendar, we summarize for you how your baby is developing in the third month and what size and weight it is now. You will also find out how your body is changing, which symptoms are typical in the third month and what you should look out for.
How your baby develops in the 18th week of pregnancy
In week 18, the fetus already resembles a real baby. It already has all the important organs, the heart is beating strongly and it is already reacting to stimuli from the environment. In the coming months, more and more subtleties will develop, which will be fully developed until birth.
In the 18th week of your pregnancy, your baby will continue to develop in big steps:
The proportions change
Your baby's proportions are now changing more and more quickly to those it will have at birth. In week 18, the arms and legs in particular are growing rapidly. The first hair will also start to develop on your baby's head.
Your baby now has fingerprints
After your baby has put on fat pads over the past few weeks, the fingerprints are now developing. Your baby's fingerprints are developing on the fat pads on the tips of the fingers and toes.
The lungs continue to develop
Your baby trains its lungs in the 18th week of pregnancy. It breathes in and out amniotic fluid, which strengthens the lungs. This training is essential for the time after birth.
Your baby is moving a lot
So far, your baby still has plenty of room in your uterus. It is moving lively and is now doing more and more gymnastics. This strengthens its muscles. It is also constantly training its sucking reflex by sucking on its thumb. The movements can already be seen in the ultrasound.
Your baby is changing in big steps from week to week. Many processes will continue to develop over the coming months and your baby's body will be able to take over more and more functions itself. This will prepare your baby for life outside your womb.
Your baby's size & weight in week 18 of pregnancy
Your baby has grown rapidly in the last few weeks of your pregnancy. It has increased significantly in size and weight. Your baby is now around 14 to 18 cm tall. You can imagine it to be the size of a sweet potato or green beans. The weight is between 125 and 200 grams.
The first differences in the development of unborn babies are slowly becoming apparent. While some are bigger and heavier, other babies grow less quickly. During your check-ups, your gynecologist will not only check your weight, but also that of your baby.
How your body changes in the 18th week of pregnancy
Many pregnant women are bursting with energy in the 18th week of pregnancy. You may also be in the process of preparing your home for the arrival of your baby. However, you should give yourself plenty of rest and avoid standing for long periods. Your body is working hard to provide you and your baby with sufficient nourishment.
You will also notice that your body is changing more and more. Your belly continues to grow and many women develop their first stretch marks. These develop in around 90 percent of all pregnant women. You can prevent this with special oils for pregnant women.
Your uterus is now the size of a melon. Your body's center of gravity has now shifted significantly forward, which can be unusual at first. It can help if you specifically train your balance and focus on your body awareness.
In week 18 of pregnancy, some women also have problems finding a comfortable sleeping position. If you have always slept on your stomach before, you may now find it uncomfortable. It can help if you place a comfortable pillow between your legs and sleep on your side.
Symptoms in the 18th week of your pregnancy
In the 18th week of your pregnancy, you are probably feeling quite well. Many complaints have disappeared and you can now prepare for the arrival of your baby. Although your belly is slowly getting bigger, it shouldn't bother you yet and you can still carry out many activities without any problems.
Despite all the anticipation, some symptoms are still noticeable in week 18:
Heartburn
Pregnancy causes your stomach to produce more stomach acid. This is why many pregnant women suffer from heartburn. It can help if you sit up straight and eat more slowly. Avoid foods with a lot of acid or highly fatty foods. Bread, potatoes or oatmeal can help to alleviate acute symptoms.
Dizziness
Many pregnant women repeatedly suffer from dizziness. This is caused by your low blood pressure. If this drops rapidly, dizziness occurs. The blood volume in your body is currently many times higher than normal, so your body is working hard.
Pulling in your stomach
In week 18 of pregnancy, you will also feel a pulling or stinging sensation in your belly from time to time. This is caused by the stretching. Your uterus and your maternal ligaments are growing and expanding. This can be painful in places.
Back pain
Back pain is also a typical symptom of pregnancy. Similar to the pulling, it is caused by the stretching of the maternal ligaments. Later on, the weight of your baby is also likely to cause pain. Walking helps many pregnant women.
Tiredness
It is not unusual for women in the 18th week of pregnancy to suffer from increased tiredness again. The growth of your baby demands a lot from your body. You also have a significantly higher need for trace elements and should therefore keep a close eye on your iron levels.
These are just some of the symptoms you may notice during the 18th week of pregnancy. Many women also frequently suffer from calf cramps. In this case, take additional magnesium to prevent the cramps. You may also be forgetful and feel itching on your stomach and breasts.
