{"id":256702,"date":"2022-02-24T12:50:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-24T17:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=256702"},"modified":"2025-07-29T22:48:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T02:48:41","slug":"18-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/256702\/18-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples\/","title":{"rendered":"18 weeks pregnant with multiples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Feeling some extra movement this week? It makes sense! Your babies are moving and grooving, and when they\u2019re not, your stomach is probably growling as your appetite picks up to keep up with their growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your babies are kicking and punching up a storm in the womb, and pretty soon, you\u2019ll be able to feel more defined jabs. Week 18 is a big growth week \u2014 both for you and your babies. Let\u2019s see what\u2019s changing this week and what you can do to keep yourself feeling your best!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s new with your babies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Those sweet little faces are becoming more defined as your babies\u2019 facial features continue to develop. Your babies can now yawn, swallow, and hiccup. In addition to typical fetal movement, you\u2019ll eventually be able to feel hiccups as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A coating of myelin is now developing on your babies\u2019 nerves. This is a substance that facilitates the brain\u2019s communication with the rest of the nervous system. Because myelin is essential for your babies\u2019 brain development, you\u2019ll want to support this growth by consuming healthy fats, like Omega-3s and DHA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your babies now weigh about 6.7 ounces \u2014 about the size of an artichoke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are you doing? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chances are, you\u2019re feeling excited about your upcoming anatomy ultrasound in a couple of weeks. Seeing your babies is always a thrilling experience, and this in-depth ultrasound will allow you to do so longer than ever. You\u2019ll also have a chance to learn their sex if you haven\u2019t done so already, which can be a pivotal part of your pregnancy journey!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physically, you may be feeling ravenous as your appetite picks up to meet your growing babies\u2019 needs. Fueling your body with healthy food and small, frequent meals will help you feel your best, but it\u2019s perfectly OK to indulge from time to time as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As your circulatory system expands to make room for extra blood volume and to deliver more blood flow to your babies\u2019, your blood pressure will lower. This can leave you feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and weak. To combat this, avoid going from a lying or seated position to standing too quickly, and remember to drink lots of water. Blood pressure generally hits its lowest point in pregnancy between 28-30 weeks and then begins to gradually climb back up. Listen to your body and take it slow on the position changes. If the dizziness makes it hard for you to go about your day-to-day activities, definitely bring this up to your pregnancy provider.
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Will testing take place this week?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have elected to have an amniocentesis to test the babies\u2019 genetics, it may take place between 15-20 weeks. This is not a common test and many people reserve it for when a specific condition is suspected, a genetic screening test indicates an increased risk, or ultrasound findings suggest the baby may have a genetic condition. However, it is an option in all pregnancies, regardless of whether a genetic condition is suspected. If you want to have it done, bring it up with your pregnancy provider if they don\u2019t offer it to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s plan ahead!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re nearly halfway through your pregnancy, so it\u2019s time to start thinking about what\u2019s available to you as an expectant parent of multiples. You may want to give your insurance company a call to see what coverage options you have, including a breast pump, if you\u2019re planning to nurse your babies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do plan to breastfeed, it\u2019s never too early to get support. Ask your physician for a referral to a lactation consultant who is familiar with breastfeeding multiples. Being armed with knowledge before your babies arrive will make for a much smoother process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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