Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 18
Exciting news—more things about your baby are becoming recognizable on an ultrasound! And if you’re not feeling your baby move yet, we have a reason for why that could be.
What’s Going on with Baby
At Week 18, your baby is the size of a standard sheet of paper!
A lot is going on with baby this week. Their ears start to stand out from their head, and their eyes are facing forward. On top of that, their digestive system is beginning to function. At week 18, they might be able to hear sounds, too! More ways your baby is growing include:
An ultrasound can now recognize baby’s ears, nose, and lips. So cute!
Most petite tubes (bronchioles) begin forming in baby’s lungs.
The uterus and fallopian tubes are formed if you’re having a girl. Gentials are visible now if you’re having a boy.
What’s Going on with Mom
When will I first feel baby move?
If you haven’t felt baby move yet, there’s no reason to worry. Some things can delay Mom feeling movement at this point in the pregnancy, including having an anterior placenta. This means that Mom’s placenta is attached to the front wall of the uterus or positioned between the front of the uterus and baby. Here are some interesting facts about anterior placentas:
Because an anterior placenta is between the uterus and baby, it may cushion fetal movements. They may be less noticeable or take Mom longer to recognize.
Ultrasound imaging can be more difficult since the placenta is in the way, but most modern ultrasound technology can overcome this challenge.
What’s going on with Partner
Are you talking to your little one? It might seem weird to talk to a belly, but as your baby’s hearing develops, they can hear and become familiar with your voice! Maybe you’re unsure what to say to baby past the ‘hellos’ and ‘this is your daddy.’ That’s OK! We have some ideas:
Use a soothing tone when you talk to baby
You can pick a time of day to relax and talk to baby to establish a routine for bonding and connecting
You can talk to baby about your dad, what you’re excited to do with them or teach them, etc.
Read a book or story to baby
Sing soothing songs
Share family stories
This is a beautiful way to start establishing a connection with your little one and having them hear your voice regularly.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
There's still time to accomplish all the to-dos for the second trimester. Make sure you've downloaded a copy of our list and are checking these items off!
