What will happen to your baby in week 18 of your pregnancy?
Your baby's nervous system is developing this week and the nerves are now covered with a substance called myelin. As a result, the messages from the nerves are transmitted faster and the nerves in the brain become specialized in the different senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch). Your baby practices his sense of sight by moving the eyes vigorously. The baby can now squint like the best!

YOUR BABY IS AS BIG AS A...

At 13.5 cm, and a weight of 200 grams, your baby is the size of a bell pepper, around as heavy as a wallet, and can now yawn when tired.

What happens to you and your body when you are 18 weeks pregnant?
Put your hand on your belly. With a bit of luck you will feel your baby swimming through the womb going towards your hand. The feeling can be compared to the fluttering of a butterfly. Don't feel anything yet? You will have to be patient for a while, but the contact will come automatically!
Symptoms in week 18 of your pregnancy
Headaches when you are 18 weeks pregnant
You can get a variety of forms of headaches during pregnancy. One type causes pain at the sides of the head, while the other feels like a stinging sensation in the forehead. Headaches are mainly caused by the hormones, but that is certainly not the only reason why you can suffer from headaches. In fact, it can also be caused by stress. So make sure you get enough rest during your pregnancy.
Nausea and dizziness in week 18 of your pregnancy
Nausea is generally less common in your second trimester, but there are women who continue to suffer from this. What is common in the second trimester is abdominal pain and dizziness. Often, dizziness is caused by not eating and drinking properly or by not getting enough rest. Thus, it is important to take it easy during your pregnancy. Do you feel like you're getting dizzy? Then sit or lie down to make sure you don’t fall over.
What to do when you are 18 weeks pregnant: thinking about giving birth
Do you already know where you want to give birth? Not all countries have the option to perform the birth at home. Only if there are medical complications should you have to go to the hospital where all medical equipment is available if necessary. About 25% of women stay at home when they give birth. But you can also give birth in a hospital or in a special birthing home to be safe. You can always discuss with a midwife where you want to give birth, she can then help you make the right choice.