Trimester 2
Week 18
Your baby is about the size of a capsicum.
Length: 14.2 cm · Weight: 190 g
Common this week: Baby kicks felt, Back pain, Heartburn, Varicose veins, Haemorrhoids, Leg cramps.
Baby development
- The baby yawns and hiccups regularly.
- Fingerprints are now completely formed.
- The nervous system is advancing rapidly — movements are more coordinated.
- The baby is very active and may already have a sleep-wake cycle.
Changes for you
- First-time mums often begin to feel kicks around now.
- You might notice your belly button starting to push outward.
- Backache is very common as the spine compensates for the growing bump.
- Some women experience painful varicose veins or haemorrhoids.
Tips
- Your morphology scan is coming up — exciting!
- Consider compression stockings if experiencing leg pain or varicose veins.
- Prenatal yoga or Pilates (with a qualified instructor) can ease backache.
- If varicose veins or haemorrhoids are painful, ask your midwife about safe treatments.
Appointments
- Morphology scan (anatomy scan) — Medicare-covered around weeks 18–20.
Warning signs
- Decreased fetal movement
- Bleeding
- Leaking fluid
- Painful urination
Australian notes
- The morphology scan checks over 30 aspects of fetal anatomy, including heart, brain, limbs, and placenta position.
- Results go to your doctor. If a finding is noted, you'll be referred to a fetal medicine specialist.