Another week full of excitement and surprises. For starters, you also need to be careful not to sleep on your back too much as it can make you feel dizzy or have low blood pressure. Instead, you should try to sleep on your sides as much as possible, starting this week. Your entire system may be struggling, but there are ways to beat them, like getting some nice soothing massages.
Baby Growth
By the 18th week of pregnancy, your baby may now yawn, hiccup, and by the end of the 18th week, you may feel your baby kicking or stretching its body around your tummy.
At 18 weeks, your baby`s nervous system is working well and maturing. Your baby`s nerves are covered with myelin, which takes on more complex tasks like connecting nerves together. Your baby can now recognize and hear sounds. It is sensitive to certain sounds. Nerves in the brain quickly lay the groundwork for your baby to develop into the 5 must-have senses. It`s hard to believe, but the fingers and toes are complete with fingerprints.
We know that you are wondering whether baby movements can be felt or not at 18 weeks of pregnancy. You will most likely really feel your baby`s movements for the first time this month or early next month. Because the first feeling of a life inside comes between week 14 and week 26, but most often in the middle of week 18 to 22. This miraculous feeling and the growing belly of pregnancy will finally make you feel pregnancy real.
Baby Size
The 18-week baby size is similar to that of a capsicum. Expressed in numbers, your baby weighs approximately 190 grams and is approximately 14.2 cm long. Most of you can now feel your baby moving around your tummy and you can see your baby`s sensitivity to light and sound when you schedule a scan.
Common Body Changes
To begin with, you may see some significant changes in your waistline as it may expand a bit.
Your uterus is now as big as a melon! You can feel it just below your belly button. How much weight should I gain at 18-week pregnancy? The subject is one of the most frequently asked questions. You should have gained a total of 4.5 to 5.8 kilograms by this point. But this is variable. Some women can gain a lot of weight in the first trimester, while others are just starting to gain weight in the second trimester. If you have gained more weight than this range, you can get support from a nutritionist by talking to your doctor. You are only halfway through your pregnancy and will gain more weight from now on. That`s why you have to be in control of your weight.
You can expect some stretch marks around your abdomen as well as other parts of your body.
Pregnancy Symptoms
The saga of symptoms continues at week 18 of pregnancy when you`ll likely add a few new ones while keeping some of your old symptoms.
- Sleeping problems: Since you have to start sleeping on your sides this week, this can disturb you and interrupt your sleep.
- Cramps and aches: Now that your body is working hard to make room for your baby, you can expect some aches as your baby grows rapidly and becomes heavier.
- Swelling: You may have some swelling in your hands or legs due to increased fluid production by your body.
- Nosebleeds: These are caused by increased pressure in your blood vessels.
- Baby movement: Baby kicks can be felt from this point on as your baby becomes more active.
Urinary problems: You may have the urge to urinate frequently, as the enlarged uterus can put pressure on the bladder.
Abdomen
Your abdomen is clearly expanding as your baby grows rapidly inside it. However, sudden weight drops or weight gains should be consulted with your doctor. Besides that, your pelvis should look different and your belly should continue to grow.
Ultrasound
The biggest news you`ll find on your ultrasound is that your baby has developed some muscle. Punch, twist, roll, kick… Your baby is doing it all now. Now you have a higher chance of feeling your baby`s movements.
Other activities your baby has mastered inside your tummy are sucking, yawning, and hiccups.
The closer you get to the 20th week of pregnancy, the more likely the gender will be certain. However, there are some factors other than the week of pregnancy in determining gender. The model of the ultrasound device, the experience of the physician and most importantly the position of the fetus. The fetus may sometimes be in positions that will not show the genitals on ultrasound. In such cases, the gender may not be clearly understood until the 20th week or even later.
What to Eat?
As a recommendation for an 18-week pregnancy meal, it`s probably best to stick to healthy choices.
Divide your meals throughout the day to avoid hunger. Include plenty of protein, vegetables, fruits, vitamins in your diet to strengthen yourself and, in turn, your baby. Fat-rich fish should be made a part of your diet as they are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Folic acid foods should also be added.
Tips and Care
By this time, you should know what to do with your pregnant body and baby who need nutritional care and a safe environment. The trick is to take care of yourself and not worry too much. But if you feel something is not right, definitely contact your doctor and trust your instincts.
- Drink plenty of fluids at all costs, as it will help relieve your cramps and pain.
- Stay safe and fill yourself with positive thoughts as this will go a long way in overcoming pregnancy sadness.
- Exercise will help relieve some of the pain you have to suffer.
- Stay in a social environment that will not spoil your mood.
- Set aside time for some yoga sessions. Book some massages to help you relax and rejuvenate. However, check with your doctor first about the safety of getting a massage or doing yoga.
- Eat appropriate meals in appropriate portions at appropriate times to maintain a good blood sugar level.
Don’ts
- Continue to avoid alcohol, as it can slow down the rate at which brain and spinal cells develop.
- Do not stay hungry for a long time.
- Do not compromise on personal hygiene because you are susceptible to infections.
- Do not expose yourself to questionable conditions.
- Do not exhaust yourself, especially with heavy exercises.
- Do not stress yourself in any way.
- Do not take drugs not approved by your doctor.
Shopping
By this time, you should already have the essentials that you will need not only in week 18 of your pregnancy, but also in the weeks ahead. If you haven`t, here are a few ideas. Comfortable and padded flat shoes should be your priority now because your swollen feet need some rest. Preferably cotton maternity wear should be something else you would want to invest in. Get yourself a large handbag because you will need to carry some stuff for yourself outside. Your skin, which is very dry during pregnancy, will also feel the need for moisturizer.
Week 18 is almost halfway through your pregnancy. You may face some issues like swollen feet and insomnia, but irritating symptoms like morning sickness should no longer be with you. Don`t force yourself, be comfortable!