Hello,
It is not uncommon for pregnancy dating by ultrasound to differ from dating determined by the last menstrual period. Ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine gestational age when performed early in pregnancy (<12 weeks). It loses its accuracy as a pregnancy progresses in to the second and third trimester.
If your dating (whether by ultrasound or last menstrual period) places you at 18 weeks and you are measuring 24 weeks on exam, your physician should review your dating to make sure it is correct, and evaluate you for what is considered size greater than dates by doing the things you noted: checking an ultrasound to look at the fluid around the baby, calculating the fetuses estimated weight, and looking for anomalies.
Best of luck,
Dr. Downing