• Increased energy levels: Many women report feeling a surge of energy during the second trimester, often referred to as the "pregnancy glow."
• Backaches: As your uterus expands and your centre of gravity shifts, you may experience some lower back pain or discomfort.
• Leg cramps: Hormonal changes and increased weight can lead to occasional leg cramps, especially at night.
• Swollen feet and hands: Fluid retention is common during pregnancy, causing swelling in the extremities.
• Nosebleeds: The increased blood volume during pregnancy can cause the delicate blood vessels in your nose to rupture more easily.

These symptoms can vary from woman to woman. If you experience pain or discomfort, do visit your doctor.

Baby’s Growth in the Womb

• Organ Development: Your baby’s organs are maturing, with the digestive system now active and the gallbladder producing bile. Bones like the legs and collarbone are hardening, strengthening your baby’s body.
• Physical Features: Your baby's features are becoming more defined. The ears are in place and can hear sounds, while the eyes detect light. Fine hair is growing, and your baby can make facial expressions and yawn.
• Weight of the Foetus: At 18 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a sweet potato, measuring about 14 cm from crown to rump and weighing around 200 grams. This is a period of rapid growth and weight gain as your baby prepares for the next stages of development.
• Movement of the Baby: One of the most exciting milestones during week 18 is the possibility of feeling your baby's movements for the first time. These initial sensations, often described as flutters or "quickening," can be subtle and easy to miss, especially for first-time mothers.

Physiological Changes During Week 18 of Pregnancy

• Breast Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can cause your breasts to feel tender and enlarged. As your body prepares for breastfeeding, you may notice a darkening of the areolas and more prominent veins due to increased blood flow.
• Hair, Skin, and Nails: Increased blood volume during pregnancy can lead to thicker, more lustrous hair and healthier skin. However, some women may experience skin changes like darkening or pigmentation, particularly around the nipples and the line running from the navel to the pubic bone (linea nigra).
• Respiratory and Cardiovascular System: As your blood volume increases, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy due to lower blood pressure. Your heart works harder to pump the extra blood, which can cause occasional shortness of breath.
• Vaginal Discharge: Increased vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy due to higher estrogen levels. As long as the discharge is clear or milky white and doesn't have a strong odour, it's considered normal.
• Uterus Size and Position: At 18 weeks, your uterus has expanded and moved above your pubic bone. You may feel it as a firm, muscular ridge when you press gently on your lower abdomen.
• Placenta Position: The placenta continues to develop and support your baby's growth by providing oxygen and nutrients. It also removes waste products from your baby's blood.
   

• Anomaly scan

  Also known as the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, this detailed scan is usually performed between weeks 18 and 22. It allows your doctor to check your baby's growth, assess the placenta and amniotic fluid, and identify any potential abnormalities.

• Maternal serum screening

  This blood test, typically done between weeks 15 and 20, checks for neural tube defects and chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome.

• Routine checkup

  Your doctor will measure your weight, blood pressure, and fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) to ensure your pregnancy is progressing well.