Pregnancy can be one of the most delightful and exciting experiences of your life. As you step into the second trimester and the uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms decrease, you will probably be able to enjoy your pregnancy further. Ultrasounds and prenatal checkups are a great way to strengthen the bond between the parents and the unborn baby. You can hear your baby’s heartbeat or see how big he has grown, what he is doing, how much weight he has gained and a lot more through these screening tests. Given below is some interesting information for your baby at
18 weeks pregnant:
What is my baby doing at 18 weeks pregnant? During an ultrasound, you will probably be able to see your
baby at 18 weeks pregnant sitting cross-legged or turning somersaults. Your baby’s sensitivity towards the outside world will have also increased and he may get startled on hearing a loud sound. Your baby will quite active at this time and will try to make his presence felt through prods and kicks (though you may not feel them yet). Apart from that you may also be able to see your baby do several things during an ultrasound, like sucking his thumb, flexing and reaching out for unseen things. If you pay close attention, you may be able to notice your baby’s chest move up and down to mimic breathing movements.
How big is my baby at 18 weeks pregnant? It is only natural for you to wonder how big your baby has grown by the 5th month. Till the 20th week of pregnancy, doctors usually measure the baby’s length from the head to the rump. A baby at 18 weeks pregnant is around 13 cm long from the crown to the rump, which is approximately 5 ½ inches. In case you are not sure how big your baby is, imagine his body to be the size of a bell pepper.
What is my baby’s weight gain at 18 weeks pregnant? On average, the weight of a baby at 18 weeks pregnant is around 190 grams, which is just below 7 ounces. During an ultrasound, your doctor will be able to measure your baby and check his weight, to see if your baby’s growth and weight gain is at par with what it should be. In case your baby weighs a little more or less than what is recommended, it is not really a cause for concern. However, if the difference is huge, your doctor may advise you to incorporate immediate dietary and lifestyle changes.
If you are wondering “is this the height, weight and activity level of
my baby at 18 weeks pregnant”, do bear in mind that these are only the average ranges. The growth and development of each baby is different, even in the womb.
Submitted by N on August 23, 2011 at 02:03
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