Week 18 is here, and your baby is about the size of a pomegranate—around 5.5 inches long and weighing about 6–7 ounces. They’re busy growing unique features, and you might finally feel their little movements more clearly this week!
What’s Happening in Your Body?
Baby’s fingerprints and toe prints are fully forming, making them one-of-a-kind already. Their nervous system is developing rapidly, and they’re practicing movement—kicking, rolling, and even hiccuping inside your belly.
Inside, their digestive system is starting to work, producing a substance called meconium—the first “poop” they’ll have after birth. Their ears are also sharper now, so they can hear your voice, heartbeat, and even loud noises outside the womb.
For you, your uterus is now around the size of a sweet potato and sits just below your belly button.
Common Symptoms This Week
Feeling baby move! Those early flutters might become more like gentle taps or kicks
Backaches and hip pain as your posture shifts
Round ligament pain from your belly stretching
Swelling in your feet or hands (mild swelling is normal)
Possible dizziness if you stand up too quickly
Pregnancy brain—yep, forgetfulness is real!
And of course, your bump is definitely more visible now—people might start noticing without you saying a word.
What You Can Do This Week
Schedule your anatomy scan if you haven’t yet—it’s coming up between 18–22 weeks
Sleep with a pregnancy pillow or wedge to support your back and belly
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes to ease swelling and balance
Do light stretching or prenatal yoga to relieve back and ligament pain
Keep talking or singing to your baby—they’re really listening now
And if you want to remember exactly when you felt those first little kicks, Cubtale is a sweet way to log those milestone moments.
Real Talk
Feeling those first kicks can be surreal. It’s a mix of wonder, relief, and maybe even a little whoa… there’s really a tiny person in there.
This stage often feels exciting but still full of “what ifs.” You’re closer to the halfway mark now, which can make things feel very real—whether that feels joyful, scary, or a little bit of both.
Give yourself permission to feel all of it. You’re doing something incredible, one day at a time.
We’re not doctors—we’re just parents who’ve been through the late-night Google searches, the “is this normal?” moments, and the waiting game. Everything we share here comes from our own experiences and research, but it’s not medical advice.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your pregnancy, always check with your healthcare provider. And if you notice anything we missed or got wrong, we’d love to hear from you—drop us a message anytime.