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Conception Calculator — Week 18 From Conception (Fetal Age)

You are 18 weeks from conception, which corresponds to 20 weeks of gestational age (LMP-based). This page focuses on true fetal age — how long the baby has actually been developing since fertilisation.

Trimester 2 · Week 18 of 4045%
Baby size
bell pepper
Length
14.2 cm
Weight
190 g

Conception Calculator

Enter your LMP. Fetal age = gestational age − 2 weeks.

Choose a valid date to see the estimated timeline.
EDD = first day of the last menstrual period + 280 days (40 weeks). Current gestational age is elapsed days divided by 7.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the LMP date

Use the labelled fields and units that match your situation.

2. Calculate instantly

The result, visual comparison, and working update as values change.

3. Discuss the estimate with your clinician

Check assumptions, then copy, print, or share the calculation.

Practical Examples & Use Cases

Starting dateMethodCalculationPlanning use
1 JanLMP+280 daysEstimated due date
Known clinical dateUltrasoundClinician datingConfirm or revise estimate

Baby at week 18

At 18 weeks from conception (20w gestational): Ears reach final position on head. Uterus grows rapidly. Meconium accumulates in bowel.

Mother's body — what changes

18 weeks post-conception, your body is: Baby movements more consistent. Braxton-Hicks contractions may start (painless tightening).

Nutrition & supplements

Add ~340 kcal/day above pre-pregnancy baseline. Prioritise iron (27 mg/day), calcium (1000 mg), omega-3 DHA (200–300 mg) and 71 g protein. Continue prenatal vitamin. Week 18 from conception (20 weeks gestational) needs targeted micronutrients — the developmental window differs from LMP-based advice.

Safe exercise

Continue 150 min/week. Avoid supine (flat-on-back) exercises after week 20 — they compress the vena cava. Swimming and prenatal Pilates are ideal now. At 18 weeks from conception, low-impact activity supports placental blood flow without stressing the fresh implantation.

Doctor visit checklist — week 18

  • ✓Anatomy ultrasound (18–22 weeks) — check all organs and placenta location
  • ✓Note: 18 weeks from conception = 20 weeks LMP — clinic dating uses LMP
  • ✓Confirm dating with crown-rump length at 8–13 weeks (±5 days accuracy)

Warning signs — call your provider immediately

  • ⚠Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour)
  • ⚠Severe abdominal pain that does not ease
  • ⚠Fever above 38°C / 100.4°F
  • ⚠Sudden gush of fluid (early rupture of membranes)
  • ⚠Absent fetal movement for 12+ hours after 24 weeks
  • ⚠Severe headache + visual disturbance (preeclampsia)

Week 18 — Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed

Content aligned with ACOG dating criteria and Mayo Clinic conception timeline. Reviewed by Dr. Maria Rehman, MD (OB/GYN). This page is educational and does not replace personal medical advice — call your obstetrician for any concern.