18 WEEKS PREGNANT
Movements are often felt for the first time
Baby this week: about 14.2 cm — crown to rump · about 190 g
≈ 14.2 cm — about the size of a bell pepper
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size
Your baby this week
- Many people first feel movement — often described as flutters or bubbles — around this week, though timing varies widely
- The ears are developed enough that the fetus may respond to loud sounds
- Myelin, the protective coating around nerves, is beginning to form
- On ultrasound, external genitals are often clear enough to determine sex, if you'd like to know
Your body this week
- Dizziness can occur, especially when standing up quickly, as blood pressure naturally shifts
- Leg cramps, particularly at night, become more common
This week's tip: If you feel dizzy, try changing positions slowly and avoid standing still for long periods.
Want the bigger picture — organ development, nutrition, scans and warning signs for this stage? See month 5: The month of first kicks.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.