Second Trimester
Pregnancy Week 18
Your baby is about the size of a bell pepper 🫑 — anatomy scan week (typically 18–20).
🫑
Size comparison
≈ Bell pepper
Length
14.2 cm
Weight
190 g
Milestone
Anatomy scan week (typically 18–20)
About 22 weeks to go until your due date (week 40).
Baby's development at week 18
The anatomy scan this week checks all major organs and can often reveal the sex. Your baby yawns, hiccups, and rolls. The ears are fully formed and can hear external sounds clearly.
Book your anatomy scan (morphology scan) at 18–20 weeks if not already scheduled.
Common symptoms at week 18
Back acheSwollen feet/anklesVivid dreams
Eat more of
- ✓Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseed)
- ✓Calcium & Vitamin D (cheese, eggs, sunlight)
- ✓Protein (chicken, legumes, eggs)
- ✓Iron + Vitamin C together for absorption
- ✓Magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds, dark chocolate)
Foods to avoid
- ✕Alcohol
- ✕Raw/smoked seafood
- ✕High-mercury fish
- ✕Unpasteurised cheeses (brie, camembert)
- ✕Processed meats (deli cuts, hot dogs)
- ✕Excess sugar
Medically reviewed by First OPD Medical Team. Last reviewed on .
Based on average milestones from World Health Organization (WHO), ACOG, NHS UK. Educational only — not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
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