When did you first start feeling your baby move ? My first one I felt her at about 18 weeks
WeMoms
9 Apr 2024
My baby at 18 weeks of pregnancy
Your Baby
at 18 Weeks
As big as a heirloom tomato
Length
6.0
Weight
8.5
Reaching 18 weeks, your baby has grown to the size of an heirloom tomato, marking a significant period of growth.
What's new this week?
Baby’s Changes Overview
Your baby has about 13 billion brain connections!
He/she develops a characteristic that will make it unique: its fingerprints
It is possible to start feeling the first movements of the baby
Open 3D Baby to see all changes
- Brain Development: An impressive 13 billion brain connections have formed, laying the groundwork for future learning and development.
Unique Fingerprints: Your baby is developing fingerprints, adding to their individuality.
Fetal Movements: You might start feeling the first movements of your baby, often described as fluttering sensations.
Skin Development: The skin is thickening, with the formation of sweat glands, hair follicles, and oil glands. Lanugo, a fine hair, covers the body to help regulate temperature, complemented by the protective vernix caseosa.
Auditory Development: Your baby can now hear sounds from within the womb, including your heartbeat and voice.
Sex-Specific Development: For girls, the ovaries contain over 6 million primitive egg cells, which will reduce by birth. For boys, testosterone secretion continues as external genitals grow.
Sleep Patterns: Your baby is developing sleep and wake cycles, though these may not align with post-birth patterns.
This week, no specific tests are typically scheduled, allowing a continued focus on maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Helping your baby's development
- Balanced Diet with Indulgences: While focusing on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins, it's okay to occasionally indulge in your cravings. Balance is key.
Limit Processed Foods: Aim to minimize intake of processed and junk foods, which can be high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, offering little nutritional value for you and your baby.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that relax and rejuvenate you, recognizing the incredible work your body is doing to nurture your baby.
Prenatal Fitness: Explore prenatal fitness classes designed for pregnant women, which can help maintain your fitness and support your baby's development.
Top Asked Questions
When should I start considering maternity leave from work?
Many women plan to start maternity leave in the third trimester, around weeks 32 to 36. However, it depends on personal circumstances and work policies.
What is the purpose of the quad screen test?
The quad screen, typically done between weeks 15-20, screens for Down syndrome and neural tube defects by measuring specific substances in the blood.
How can I relieve back pain during pregnancy?
To relieve back pain, practice good posture, use proper body mechanics, consider prenatal massage, and engage in exercises that strengthen your back and core muscles.
What changes should I expect in my skin during pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones can lead to changes in your skin, including pigmentation, acne, and stretch marks. Proper skincare and sunscreen use can help manage these changes.
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Bella212
19 Jan 2024
How much did your baby weigh at 18 weeks? I went to the doctor today they said he’s 9oz.
Amie
My baby was 8oz at 18w5d
And my doctor said baby is on the smaller side
27 Mar 2024
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MsSmith
I’m 15weeks and my baby is 4oz.. I think I might get a chunky baby this time
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Kim
6 Jul 2023
I'm 15 weeks now and when I go bk to the Dr. I will be 18 weeks anyone have ultrasound pics at 18 weeks I would like to see them....
Sharla
This was 18 weeks, I’m 23 now
27 Mar 2024
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Keirsten
21 Oct 2022
Ladies size 18-20, when did you start showing with your first pregnancy? I’m 18 weeks and getting impatient for my little bump to start showing 🥺.
HaileyAnn
I have a bloated baby belly and I’m a size 20 I’m at 5-6 weeks
27 Mar 2024
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Mikayla
Don’t get impatient!! Trust me I know you wanna show it off but when it gets here you’ll wish you didn’t jinx it🤣 I can’t sleep I can’t walk.. I can’t do shii with this big stomach I can’t even put my socks on . But around 25 weeks is when I started showing I’m also really tiny.
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Breonna
12 Oct 2022
LADIES! Let me see your belly at 17 or 18 weeks? I’m 17 and bump just ain’t bumping. Let me see y’all’s in the comments ? 💙
Nessiah
I’m 18 weeks 🥹 and still no belly!! But everybody is different & if it’s your first pregnancy like mine it’s might take a lil while to show
27 Mar 2024
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Victoria
13 Sep 2022
Is baby weighing 9.3 oz at 18 weeks 6 days. A normal weight. Doctor didn't say either way
AshleyRae👣
I’m assuming that’s normal bc at 20 weeks mine weighed 13 oz.
27 Mar 2024
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kashia
5 Aug 2022
What are some ways you got your baby to move so you can feel the movement at 18 weeks ? #curious
Nikki
Drink something ice cold or eat some ice cream
27 Mar 2024
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Tania
I didn’t feel movements till about 22 weeks, but you could be feeling small flutters
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Taylor
8 Jun 2022
Found out I’m having a baby boy 💙💙🥰 I’m so excited & he’s weighing 9oz is that good at 18 Weeks?
Blocked user
Keep in mind, in utero weight scans are often very inaccurate, and off by 1-3lbs. So I wouldn't rely on that too much. As long as everything else is showing find, and you're doing fine, there's nothing to worry about. Your baby is growing beautifully. Don't worry too much about the size.
27 Mar 2024
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Chantalle
19 May 2022
Did you moms feel your baby moving around 18 weeks. Mines is constantly moving 🥰
Lakisha
I feel my son move every now and then Not every day tho I felt him yesterday I’m 18weeks and 5 days
27 Mar 2024
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Chantalle
I poke at my belly and my lil response to me poking
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Cierra
14 Nov 2021
I’m 17 weeks & 2 days I was wondering when do you feel your baby move ???? I’m nervous because aren’t we supposed to feel something at 17 weeks I’ll be 18 weeks next week
Cierra
no this is my 6 pregnancy but I only have 2 living children I had one abortion in 2 miscarriages last year so this is pregnancy I’m worried about in nervous
27 Mar 2024
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