Week 18: Baby Can Hear You
Baby is about the size of Sweet potato (142mm crown-rump)
A major milestone: your baby's ears are structurally mature enough to detect sound. The bones of the inner ear and the nerve endings from the brain are developed enough that your baby can hear your heartbeat, digestive sounds, and your voice. The myelin coating on nerves accelerates signal transmission. Yawning is now visible on ultrasound.
Your uterus is now about the size of a cantaloupe and can be felt just below the navel. Cardiovascular changes may cause dizziness when standing quickly (orthostatic hypotension). You may start to notice stronger fetal movements.
What is important now
In Denmark, the malformation scan window opens (weeks 18-20). Talk and sing to your baby — research shows babies recognize familiar voices after birth. Discuss the anatomy ultrasound with your provider if it hasn't been scheduled yet.
Common symptoms
- fainting or severe dizziness — contact provider
- vaginal bleeding — contact provider immediately
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Brain and hearing development
- DHA omega-3 (crucial for brain myelination)
- Choline-rich foods (eggs, liver, soybeans) for brain development
- Iron absorption: pair iron foods with vitamin C
- Small frequent meals to manage appetite spikes
Exercise
Movement
Continue moderate exercise; add prenatal back stretches
Sleep
7-9 hours
Position: Left side preferred with pillow support
· A warm (not hot) bath before bed can ease back pain
· Keep water by the bedside for nighttime cramps
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
Talking or singing to your baby is a beautiful bonding activity. Don't feel self-conscious — your voice is the most familiar sound in their world.
“Your baby hears your heartbeat — a constant, soothing rhythm that says 'you are safe.'”
Your timeline.
Week 6
12 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
Next week- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
In 10 weeks- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
In 11 weeks- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
In 17 weeks- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Dizziness when standing is common but fainting should always be reported. Stay hydrated and rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.