You are 18 weeks pregnant.

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Born & Birth stories

Thumb-sucking at 18 weeks....

By week 18 of your pregnancy, your baby's crown-to-rump length is 5 to 5.5 inches long. Your baby continues to develop fat layers and weighs about 5.25 ounces. Your baby will continue to grow and develop, but the rapid growth will slow down for a little while. You will be able to feel your uterus just below your bellybutton. If you put your fingers sideways to measure, you can feel your uterus about two finger-widths below your bellybutton. At this point of your pregnancy, your uterus is approximately the size of a cantaloupe. Although weight gain varies from woman to woman, your total weight gain at this point should be 10 to 13 pounds.

At this time if you had an ultrasound, heart abnormalities can be detected. If the ultrasound technician detects abnormalities, further ultrasound exams may be ordered to follow the baby's development. There is still space available in your uterus and your baby will be active for periods at a time. Your baby may sit cross legged or turn somersaults.

Around this time, your baby becomes more sensitive to the outside world and shows her presence through powerful kicks and prods. The bones through which sound is passed to the inner ear have hardened and the parts of the brain that receives and processes nerve signals from the ears are developing. This means that your baby can hear now. Your baby will get used to familiar sounds, such as your heart beating, familiar voices, blood rushing through the umbilical cord and other daily routine sounds. Your baby will become startled if he hears a loud sound.

If you have a stethoscope at home, you can now hear the baby's heartbeat yourself.

Comments on week 18

Comments 1-49 of about 201 from week 18
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sophie-hannah - 9.3 hours ago
Hello week 18 :D. 22 more til due date :)

sophie-hannah - 1 days ago
Hopingfor- Hypno birthing sounds really good one of my. Collegues teaches it (we do a teen ante natal together). She offered to teach me a few things sooo we will see 1st labour was brilliant for me but 2nd time i was induced and it really put me off. :(.

hopingfor - 1 days ago
Hey Sophie, I have been thinking about hypnobirthing. I have begun some research on it, and I think I am going to do it as my pain management this rounds. My last two labour and deliveries I heavily used yoga and breathing, which worked wonderfully, but I would like to experience not with something else.

sophie-hannah - 2 days ago
Oh yes! Another thing i'm 17weeks 5days and my belly button has popped out already! Ahh it's horrid lol.

sophie-hannah - 2 days ago
Wow it's quiet in here!, has anyone got any new symptoms? Apart from my cravings getting stronger i don't really have any,well possibly the tiredness getting worse!,How about birthing options have any of you thought about that yet? There's so much out there for labour it's hard to decide sometimes x

kaylamama - 5 days ago
Mum of 3 boys- I sent a request. I'm Kayla :)

Mum-of-3-boys - 6 days ago
Hi Ladies. It's been a long time since I've been on here. I made a Facebook group back when we were in week 6 or so, but had to make it secret so people couldn't see when people joined. There's only 17 people in it so far, but would love to get some more. The link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/144882402347918/ and it's called November 2013 babies ~ IAP

scarletwillow - 7 days ago
Hey ladies, can I join the FB group? I have been a member of this site since 2008, but I rarely actually post on here!

Gracies5th - 7 days ago
https://www.facebook.com/groups/144882402347918/

waitingtoexhale - 7 days ago
Gracie- what a coincidence, I have a sister that's preggo also and due the 17th! Very cool! I'm so sorry to hear about her situation. I would love to be on the fb page too. Can you put the info here so I can join?

waitingtoexhale - 7 days ago
Kathleen, I know 4 hours was Out Of Control!!! Not to mention there was crazy traffic getting there, parking was metered and I went and parked in the wrong one, then had to move, dropped all my change on the ground (some rolled under a truck so I couldn't retrieve it), went to get more change after checking in and machine kept my money, went to restroom and saw I looked like a clown with bright cheeks (note- don't do makeup in car in 1 minute), began sweating profusely and had sweat marks on my blouse. Uuuuugh! All that before even being seen for appt. Yesterday was one of the WORST mornings ever!!! Oh, and I wasn't totally aware but the appt was different pieces (maybe cause it's the specialist and I have a history of early mc's, preeclampsia and premature birth). First I met with a genetics counselor who asked a zillion questions, took a family history, and ultimately did nothing new.(I told him I'd done all this in the past.) Then the scan which took about 1 1/2 hours bc after tech looks for about an hour, then doc (after 15 min wait on table) comes in and goes over it all quickly again). Oh, and I have a big cyst no one's told me about but doc pointed out very clearly. -No wonder the pain on left side all the time. Then I had to meet with another lady (not sure her title) to go over just about everything in my history (which I feel was done on forms and with genetics counselor, but oh well. Then I had to wait again and meet with doc. This part was actually pretty informative but now I have to have all kinds of tests and scans. I'm going to have EKG, eye exam, non-stress tests and scans every 4 weeks, early diabetes screen, more blood work, etc... I can't really remember all of it. Doc said it's all gonna be sent to OB and they'll discuss it all with me. I was freaking overwhelmed!! Oh, and after all this- I got a parking ticket and missed an appt with a client (something I've never done!) Ugh! But, praise God that this little girl is holding on in here! I did get to see all her fingers and toes too! So sweet!!

Gracies5th - 7 days ago
I am a long time member on here and have made some beautiful friendships through the ladies on this board. I don't know how I would have made it through 5 pregnancies/babies without you... I was wondering if you would mind if I set up a facebook page so that you all could interact and share pics.. I have a sister that is due on Nov 17th and she doesn't know how to navigate this site very well... and she's been through a really hard time (being physically abused by her boyfriend) and I'm hoping that other mothers and soon to be mothers will be able to share with her and communicate and give her some advice as to how they would deal with her situation.. (she has been choked many times and dragged by her feet through the house and punched in the face and she thinks this is normal) his family is ugly toward her.. telling her that she should abort her baby if she can't stay with him and that if the baby lives that they will take custody of him. It is truly horrible. Please if you want to be able to go along this journey with my sister and encourage her to make the right decisions along with all the other struggles that pregnancy/motherhood brings.. I know me and all my other 80 something girls whom met on this site are still in touch and going through the day by day struggles of mommy-hood together.. it is a beautiful thing... I started a FB page for all of us and I would gladly start one for you too so that my sister has some interaction with other girls who are on the same roller coaster with her. Let me know if you're interested and I will definitely set you up!

kathleen112 - 8 days ago
Wow waiting 4 hours?!? Mine is scheduled for the 23rd and I did not imagine it would take that long! If memory serves from last time the scan itself was about an hour and then we waited a little while for the doc to come in and review the results. I doubt we were there for more than 2 hours though. 4 hours is insane!

kathleen112 - 8 days ago
What a fun idea luv4lukas! We're team blue again too ;-) That's awful about your job, I was just listening to a piece today on NPR about job discrimination against pregnant women and how some activists are trying to get laws changed so it doesn't happen. So while you're certainly not alone it's horrible. Hope you find something soon!!

luv4lukas - 8 days ago
Hey ladies, I haven't been on here in a while. Have been busy trying to find a job...then later got discriminated against when I told them I was pregnant and they let me go! Ugh, so now here I am still jobless and hopeless at the same time. :( On the brighter side, having our big anatomy scan this friday. We won't find out until Saturday though...we're bringing confetti cannons with us to the appt (pink and blue) then we'll tell the Dr to point to which cannon to use and he'll peal off the sticker that tells which color. So we'll get to reveal in front of both families! :) I'm about 90&% sure it's a boy though, but we'll see!

hopingfor - 8 days ago
Went to the doc today, and she found that I was dehydrated and worn out, which was causing the cramping. Baby looks great,so I am relieved

waitingtoexhale - 8 days ago
Yay 18 weeks today!! Had my anatomy scan this morning and it was sooooooo long!! Ugh! They say to be prepared for 2 1/2- 3 hours, but I wasn't out of there until 4 hours later. I didn't even schedule next appt. I can't stand when they are overbooked and/or running late. Anyhow, we are definitely having a girl!! Team PINK for us!! I'm just happy that baby was bouncing around, everything was measuring on track and there were no signs of any problems. Praise God! Due to past mc's, elevated bp and previous preeclampsia though, they are having me do all kinds of testing. How do they expect me to pass bp and nonstress tests when all this worry elevates my bp and stresses me out?!?! Anyhow, hope all you ladies are doing well!!

hopingfor - 8 days ago
If it was just one day or two I would have tought it was food induced, but since its been going on since Friday I am puzzled. I have tried to contact doc, but haven't gotten to actually speak to her yet. In my gut I feel baba is. Fine, would just like a Lil ease up on the cramping though, it's no fun

leezel - 9 days ago
I had horrible cramping last friday. I dont know if it was from baby but I think it was more from somthing i ate. it was like period cramps to them major pain in my lower ribs. i would feel like i was going to throw up and then get diarrhea. it lasted 24hrs.

tamaraandgio - 9 days ago
hoping )i did experience pain ,mine was shirp and short span.i cald doc and was told not to wory much

hopingfor - 9 days ago
The pain is bad, but it comes and goes. One minute. Feel fine, and the next I have this terrible cramping. I'm not sure what to make f it. I just emailed my doc so waiting to hear back from her

brookebaby3 - 9 days ago
Hoping for- some pain is normal. If its bad you should go right in to the doctor. Have you noticed a pattern of when it starts or what starts it? I get pain in my vagina, on my pubic bone, and around my side by my hips. Some days it's bad and uncomfortable but if I take a warm shower or stretch it goes away. Make sure you do tell your doctor.

hopingfor - 9 days ago
Ladies a Lil help please... I have been having terrible pains and cramping since Friday. It comes and goes, not constant, but it's uncomfortable and a bit worrying. I have tought about calling doc, but. Still feel baby and there is. Blood or other scary indications. Is tis normal or has anyone else experienced this during week 17 or 18???

2Tauruses - 9 days ago
Also, please don't hold in your feelings! It makes it worse!!!

2Tauruses - 9 days ago
1stmom- Popping in from week 23; Definitely go talk to a family doctor or a psycologist! Sometimes it just won't get better without help, no matter how hard you try. I always have had anxiety but could control it until I had my son; then came along the post-partum depression, which is still with me. I'm on meds and if it weren't for that, I'd feel like crap day in and day out. Please go see a doctor to make yourself feel better! A happy momma is a healthy baby! Please feel free to message me or facebook friend me if you need someone to talk to! Been there done that and it's horrible. Hope you find some peace soon!! xoxo (email for facebook: kheckel@radford.edu)

1stmom27 - 9 days ago
I am not sure who else to ask so I figured you mommas would be a safe bet... I am currently 18w4d pregnant, and I'm feeling lost, I feel very depressed, and have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, I currently have a 3 year old son, that I know I have to keep going for, but my life is getting so hard, between work, stress, and being a single mommy,( hubby works on the other end of the country) I don't know if I can/want to go through with all of this.. I haven't told anyone how I am feeling, I just put on a happy face and pretend that I am OK. Should I talk to my family doctor about this or my obgyn? I am having headaches and dizzy spells as well but my BP is fine, I am thinking it has to do with all the stress... I am at a loss, please guide me! I pray every night for an answer but nothing is coming to me.

rebcatken - 9 days ago
Yay ditzy. So happy for you.

ditzy - 9 days ago
Hello Ladies, I have been thinking of you all since I left in week 6. Well I am back in week 4 Yippee!!!.

deeyore486 - 12 days ago
12hours until we can hopefully see baby. Very excited. No peeking though!: )

leezel - 13 days ago
I have my ultrasound next week and get a more accurate due date (drs words) I can only eat certain foods still.. When I announced on facebook some of my friends msg me saying they were hurt because I didn't tell them.. I was like ummm no one knew! grr some ppl! well 27 days til I fly out to TX to see my husband/sailor

rebcatken - 13 days ago
Only one more week until I find out what we are having. I can't wait to know if this little baby is a girl or boy.

deeyore486 - 13 days ago
That's how it is for my hubby leezel. He has a heavier hand and it settles baby right down. My two older boys have been able (or at least they say that can) to feel baby moving.

leezel - 13 days ago
I'm still not having regular movements yet but when I lay down at night or sit leaning forward some he kicks. I been trying to get my daughter to feel him but he stops when she puts her hand there lol

MilkywaY - 13 days ago
Miami, that's so oool! My dh could feel the baby's movement with my first pregnancy at around this stage. By the second I had too much flab for him to feel anything! I don't thing we'll be feeling this baby outside my tummy for another month or two yet.

waiting4number3 - 14 days ago
Asia- Congrats!! I am so happy for you! Keep us updated!!

1stmom27 - 14 days ago
October, I was in your shoes when I was pregnant with my Son, My ex actually went through with his threats and kicked me out and I was staying on a friends couch, ( family lived to far away) but I was stupid and went back to him, but he was the same as yours, he didn't change in the end. I remember after I had my son, I was glad that we were all a family but as time went on his verbal abuse turned into physical abuse (towards me)I never told my anyone at the time, but my mom knew that we were fighting a lot and warned me that if I didn't get my act together she was going to call CPS on me, well lets just say I packed my stuff that night and left, My child was way more important to me then my fear of leaving my abuser. I spent 2 months in a women's shelter, and have been on my own now for almost 2 years. You can do it, Please don't let him treat you that way!!!!! It may only be verbal now but it may turn into physical and think of yourself and that sweet baby of yours! Babies feel stress from you, both in the womb and out... xo please take care of yourself

miam87 - 14 days ago
I started feeling kicks a few days ago and my husband felt a kick yesterday :) so exited!

kathleen112 - 14 days ago
I'm just starting to feel flutters really. I got the results of my sequential screen, everything looks great!!

deeyore486 - 15 days ago
Milkyway- I have had regular, consistant movement for a couple weeks now. Very cool when it starts to happen!

deeyore486 - 15 days ago
I have put on 15ish lb already. Kinda crazy since I ate nothing the first trimester. I gain it all in the beginning and level off toward the end though. Usually end up gaining about 30lb total.

kathleen112 - 15 days ago
Congrats asiamarie, that's awesome!!!

kathleen112 - 15 days ago
Glad I'm not alone in how much weight I've put on!! I'm about 14lbs up. :-( I'm definitely gaining a lot faster this time around and it scares me because I know how fast the weight comes on in the later weeks...this ain't gonna be pretty.

asiamarie91 - 15 days ago
thank you brookebaby =]

mononi - 15 days ago
Two pics were added toweek 19 ultrasound.

mononi - 15 days ago
I'm in week 19. I've gained about 15 lbs. In three weeks i hadn't gained anything. I'm holding steady. I've been cleaning more and sleeping less. Also have been dancing a lot lately.

brookebaby3 - 15 days ago
Asiamarie ! That's great! Congrats!

asiamarie91 - 15 days ago
Thanks as much as I want to still be here with you ladies I am very happy to be at week 4 again Im due February 09 2014

Erin-Katherine - 15 days ago
Making a pregnant lady wait for an uktrasound on a full bladder is pure torture.

Erin-Katherine - 15 days ago
Congrats Asia!!!! So happy for you! Hope everything goes smooth for you this pregnancy!!!

milkyway - 15 days ago
Anyone feeling regular movements yet? I've been getting proper kicks since yesterday morning, and got them through the night too. It's really weird, but I've had this with my other two children too; everytime I think about the baby move and say in my head 'move for me baby' I feel a kick. It's like our brains are connected. Anyone get this?

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Members in week 18:

yummymummy23 - 13 Nov 2013
kaylamama - 14 Nov 2013
mommie2five - 16 Nov 2013
Mum-of-3-boys - 16 Nov 2013
NancyA - 16 Nov 2013
avaann - 18 Nov 2013
MsSkyMaid - 19 Nov 2013

The due date from members in week 18 is from Wednesday 13 November 2013 up to & including Tuesday 19 November 2013. See the full timeline here

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