WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

My Baby's Sensory Development at 18 Weeks of Pregnancy

My Baby's Sensory Development at 17 Weeks of Pregnancy
One fascinating aspect of your baby's development at this stage is their sensory development. Let's take a closer look at what's happening and how you can nurture your baby's sensory experiences.
Sight: Exploring the World of Light and Shadows
At 17 weeks, your baby's eyes are undergoing significant development. While they may still be closed, their retinas are becoming more sensitive to light, allowing them to perceive changes in brightness.
As light filters through your abdomen, your baby can sense it and may even respond to a flashlight or a bright light shining on your belly.
  • Take a moment to play with light and shadows to stimulate your baby's developing sense of sight.
  • You can try shining a gentle light on your belly and observe if your baby responds with movements. It's a delightful way to connect and engage with your little one.
Sound: Building a Connection through Sound Waves
By 17 weeks, your baby's ears are well-formed, and they are becoming more responsive to sounds around them. Talk, sing, or read to your baby regularly.
Your voice will be a familiar and comforting sound for them. They can also hear external sounds, such as your heartbeat, the gurgles of your digestive system, and the voices of people around you.
  • Engage in conversations with your partner or loved ones, and encourage them to talk to your baby as well.
  • Play soothing music or lullabies to create a calming and nurturing environment for your baby.
Touch: Embracing the Power of Gentle Caresses
At 17 weeks, your baby's skin is becoming more sensitive to touch. Take the time to bond with your baby through gentle caresses and massages.
  • You can softly stroke your belly, feeling the movements and kicks in response. Place your hands on different parts of your belly and see if your baby responds to the touch.
  • You can also involve your partner in this bonding experience by having them place their hand on your belly and feel the baby's movements.
Movement: Dancing and Grooving with Your Baby
As your baby grows, they become more active and their movements become more coordinated. You may start feeling more pronounced kicks, flips, and rolls.
  • Encourage your baby's movement by staying active yourself. Go for gentle walks, practice prenatal yoga, or engage in other safe exercises recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • These activities can create a rhythmic motion that can be soothing for your baby. You can also try playing music and gently swaying or dancing to the rhythm.
Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, so don't worry if your baby's responses are not always consistent or predictable.
All you need to know
K
Kaytlyn
30 Dec 2023

Hey mamas !! I have a questions about pregnancy ? and this is my first baby & babygirl is due may 27th , I’m 18 weeks N 4 days

6 comments
R
Redcityfreak
Trust your body😊
27 Mar 2024

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H
HoneyBunz
My due date is May 27 to
27 Mar 2024

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K
Keyuanna
20 Jun 2023

This is my first pregnancy and I was wondering will my baby be born small because my stomach isn’t that big and I am 18 weeks

8 comments
K
Keyuanna
Thank you, I have definitely been worried about that!
27 Mar 2024

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D
Destiney
Some people just carry different but that doesn’t mean your baby will be small! 🤍
27 Mar 2024

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S
Steph♡
19 May 2023

Anyone else told they will only have 3 ultrasounds throughout their ENTIRE PREGNANCY? My first was at 8 weeks, then next is at 18-22 weeks to assess anatomy and growth of the baby, then again at full term to check the position of the baby.

38 comments
V
Vale🤍🫶
Yes definitely normal, I’m going to have my 3rd and final one at 36 weeks.
27 Mar 2024

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S
Steph♡
thank you and congrats!!!
27 Mar 2024

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D
Destiny
2 May 2023

I’m 18 weeks 5 days with a boy my first pregnancy and still not feeling the baby move is this normal

6 comments
S
Sarah
Yes it is normal I'm having a girl and I'm at 19 weeks with my first pregnancy
27 Mar 2024

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D
Destiny
O okay and congrats
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amber
31 Dec 2022

I haven't really felt my baby at 18 weeks... Normal? I know he's okay but I'm curious

11 comments
M
Mommato1
Yes it’s completely normal !!!!
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amber
Thank you ladies! It's my third and sometimes I feel him a ton but not for two days.❤️
27 Mar 2024

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M
Merveille 💙
30 Nov 2022

Today at my 18 weeks and 5days my baby heartbeat was 140 what you all think girl or boy

5 comments
M
Marisela
Really just depends on the baby. I am having a girl and her heartbeat was 140 today. But I have also had boy's and their heartbeats have been around 140 as well
27 Mar 2024

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M
Merveille 💙
Oh thank you
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kami
22 Nov 2022

I was 184 before pregnancy... lost weight in 1st trimester now 18 weeks 6 days and still have yet to get back to pre pregnancy weight... I'm 178 anyone else having this problem... BTW baby boy is measuring a week ahead and is about 12 oz. so his development is good

2 comments
✨📍Meek📍✨
My first pregnancy I start at 225 then lost 25 pounds. I gained only 9 pounds with him. This pregnancy I weighed 250 now I'm weighing 227 and I seem to stay around 227-230. My doctor said it's not a bad thing if you aren't losing weight intentionally.
27 Mar 2024

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M
Monica
I didn’t gain wait period my first pregnancy because of losing weight at the beginning
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dionne
22 Sep 2022

Hey mommy I have a question I am actually 18 weeks and I’ve been having a lot of pain in my right side no matter how I lay how I move it’s just a hard pain is it normal for the baby to be in my bag or in my side at 18 weeks

6 comments
B
BLaq
It’s normal love. Been having them since I hit my second trimester
27 Mar 2024

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❄️Alyssa❄️
12 Sep 2022

In 2 days I will be officially halfway through my pregnancy 🥹🤰(I know this app says I'm 18 weeks but I'm not 🙄) I can't wait to meet my son, my miracle, my rainbow baby, he's quickly become my everything. 💙

3 comments
J
Jackie
How did you change it cause I'm 16 weeks and it's saying I'm 14 weeks By the way congrats I had my rainbow baby last year and now he's going to be a big brother ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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❄️Alyssa❄️
I didn't change it, idk how to get this app to be on the same timeline as my actual pregnancy. It always says I'm like 1.5 weeks behind where I actually am. I'm 19 weeks and 5 days but obviously it says I am 18 weeks.
27 Mar 2024

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h
haley
7 May 2022

I think I have sensory issues when it comes to the feeling of my baby moving. The first time I felt her move I was in shock and I didnt like the feeling, it freaked me out. but at the same time i loved to feel my little girl move. this is going to be one long pregnancy 😩.

3 comments
N
Niecy
I love to feel it lets me know he’s okay but if it goes on too long I start feeling weird too. Especially if he kicks in a crazy spot.
27 Mar 2024

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h
haley
dont get me wrong i love feeling her tiny movements but im a very anxious person so when i think of a little human growing in me i get so scared 😩
27 Mar 2024

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