Week 18: Hearing Development
The eighteenth week is a time of active hearing development. Your baby is beginning to hear sounds!
Baby size: Bell pepper (60-65 mm)
Baby development
Little acrobat with unique prints
Your baby is now very busy: he/she spins, flips, stretches, and pushes off the walls of the uterus. These movements are his/her daily workouts.
What’s happening this week:
- Nervous system: The process of nerve myelination is a key event this week. It will continue throughout pregnancy and after birth.
- Fingerprints: Unique patterns on the pads of the fingers of the hands and feet are already fully formed.
- Eyes: They now look straight ahead rather than to the sides as before. The retina can already distinguish light.
- Sex: If you’re having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are already formed. If a boy — his genitalia can already be identified on ultrasound (if he turns over successfully).
Your fetus weighs about 190 grams and measures 14 centimeters in length.
``` *** ### **3. Changes in Mom** ```htmlSleep problems and back tips
As the belly grows, new aspects of comfort appear. Finding a comfortable sleeping position becomes increasingly difficult, and the back may remind you of itself with a dull ache.
What you may notice:
- Sleep difficulties: You may find it hard to find a comfortable position. Sleeping on your back is not recommended, as the uterus can press on important blood vessels.
- Back pain: Your center of gravity has shifted, creating extra strain on the lower back.
- Swelling: Mild swelling of the feet and ankles at the end of the day is common.
- Low blood pressure: You may feel dizzy if you stand for long periods.
Comfortable sleep is extremely important for your well‑being. Learn more about how to improve it in the article "Sleep during pregnancy".
```Changes for mom
Sleep problems and back tips
As the belly grows, new aspects of comfort appear. Finding a comfortable sleeping position becomes increasingly difficult, and the back may remind you of itself with a dull ache.
What you may notice:
- Sleep difficulties: You may find it hard to find a comfortable position. Sleeping on your back is not recommended, as the uterus can press on important blood vessels.
- Back pain: Your center of gravity has shifted, creating extra strain on the lower back.
- Swelling: Mild swelling of the feet and ankles at the end of the day is common.
- Low blood pressure: You may feel dizzy if you stand for long periods.
Comfortable sleep is extremely important for your well‑being. Learn more about how to improve it in the article "Sleep during pregnancy".
Overview
Week 18: Baby hears you!
At the eighteenth week, a remarkable event occurs — your baby's hearing becomes so refined that it not only hears sounds but can also respond to them. A loud noise may make it startle, while your voice, on the contrary, soothes.
Your fetus is now the size of a sweet potato (batata). Its nervous system is actively developing: nerve cells are being covered with myelin — a special sheath that speeds up signal transmission. This is the foundation for the development of coordination and complex movements.
For you, this is a time when the belly becomes undeniable proof of pregnancy. You may feel fairly comfortable, yet also notice new challenges such as back pain or sleep problems.
This is the week when you can truly start communicating with your baby. Talk, sing, play music — your little one is now an eager listener.
The second trimester is in full swing. To learn more about this wonderful period, check out our detailed guide "Second Trimester: What You Need to Know".
Tips for mom
Preparing for the main ultrasound of the year
You are approaching one of the most important and exciting examinations — the second routine ultrasound, also called the anatomy scan.
What to do:
- Schedule the anatomy ultrasound. It is performed between weeks 18 and 22. This is the best time to examine all of the baby’s organs in detail and ensure proper development.
- Sleep on your left side. This position provides maximum blood flow to the placenta. Use pillows to support your belly, back, and between the knees.
- Take breaks. If you have a sedentary job, try to stand up and walk every hour. If you stand most of the day — sit down more often.
- Consider a maternity belt. A special supportive maternity belt can significantly relieve back pain.
Being informed about upcoming examinations is the key to your peace of mind. Read more in the article "Screenings during pregnancy".
Tips for partner
Active listener and comfort organizer
Your role now is not only to listen to her reports about how she feels, but also to help create a comfortable environment.
Your contribution to shared well‑being:
- Be sure to go together to the ultrasound. It’s an incredible opportunity to “meet” the baby. You’ll be able to see its hands, feet and possibly learn the sex.
- Help her set up a “nest” for sleep. Find comfortable pillows and help her settle comfortably.
- Talk to the future child. Lean against the belly and talk to the baby. It already distinguishes your voice.
- Take on the organizational tasks. Help her book a doctor’s appointment, enroll in classes, or simply plan a weekend together.
Establishing a connection with the baby before birth is an important step for dads. Find inspiration in the article "How dads can build a bond with the newborn".
Checklist
Your action plan for week 18
We continue moving confidently and calmly.
- ✅ Schedule the second routine ultrasound (anatomy scan).
- 😴 Optimize your sleeping spot with extra pillows.
- 🎶 Create a playlist of soothing music for yourself and the baby.
- 👟 Make sure your shoes are comfortable and don’t cause discomfort.
- 🗣️ Spend time each day talking to the belly.
- 👶 Start reading about labor to reduce anxiety. The article "Stages of Labor" is a good start.