Second trimester

18 Weeks Pregnant

Getting closer to halfway

This week your baby is around the size of a sweet potato.

How your baby is developing

Some begin to notice first flutters — timing varies a lot.
Growth continues as your baby becomes more active.

What may be happening in your body

You might feel the first faint flutters this week — or nothing yet; both are typical now.
As the bump grows, lying flat gets less comfortable and sleeping on your side often feels easier.
Occasional pulling low on the sides of your belly is common as the ligaments stretch.

How you may be feeling

Waiting for those first flutters can hold excitement and impatience at the same time.
If you haven't felt movement yet, an 'is everything okay?' worry can creep in — very common at this point.
With the bump still small, pregnancy can feel invisible-but-real, an in-between that's hard to describe.

Worth remembering

Not feeling movement yet is common at this stage and usually no cause for concern.

A closer look

Why first movements vary so much

Most parents first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks, and if this is your first baby you might not notice anything until after 20 weeks. Early movements can feel like a gentle swirling or fluttering rather than clear kicks. So feeling something now — or nothing yet — are both within the usual range.

What comes next

By the halfway point, many parents feel movement more regularly.

Professional support

Services ParentSide defines for this stage. Each page explains what the service covers and which professionals are approved to provide it.

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Sources and updates

Sources

Last reviewed:: 29 July 2026

This content is based on estimated averages and general information; it does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about yourself or your baby, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

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