Congratulations! It’s been 18 weeks already!
It’s time to begin to sleep on your side instead of your back because baby is getting big enough to press against large veins in the back of your abdomen. Lying on your belly can reduce the amount of blood going to your heart and this can lowering your blood pressure so it’s best to sleep on your side.
YOUR GROWING BABY
At 18 weeks pregnant, your baby is as big as a sweet potato. About 5.6 inches long and weighs about 6.7 ounces. Her nervous system is also growing rapidly and her hearing is becoming clearer now. Keep talking and singing to your baby.
18 WEEKS PREGNANT SYMPTOMS
Swollen feet and/or hand. Swelling or Edema is a common pregnancy symptom and it is a sign that your body tissues ar accumulating fliud to support your baby. It’s nothing to worry if the swelling isn’t sudden or severe. If it is, tell your OB right away.
Heartburn. Another symptom that will occur as your baby grows bigger and hormones loosen the muscles connecting your stomach to your windpipe. Stomach acid can regurgitate up easily and cause the burning in your chest. Try to avoid foods that cause this.
Backaches. Your growing baby and belly are putting a lot of pressure on your insides, causing aches and pains in your back. Try to stretch your back and exercise.
Leg cramps. Shooting pain in your legs that get worse when you sleep at night is also another normal pregnancy symptom at 18 weeks pregnant. Try stretching your legs before bedtime. Cramps can be a sign of dehydration, so drink lots of water.
Sleep troubles. Discomfort, worry and anticipation can deprive you of good sleep sometimes.
Nosebleeds. Increased pressure on the veins in your nose may be making it bleed more than usual. If you have a nosebleed, apply pressure by pinching your nose for five to ten minutes. Use an ice pack to stop the bleeding.
Baby movements. You’ll stop feeling tiny flutter and start feeling sensations closer to actual kicks because your baby is growing stronger.
18 WEEKS PREGNANT BELLY AND BODY
You’re gaining more weight at 18 weeks pregnant. Remember you can gain a pound or two a week. Drastic or sudden weight gain or weight loss should be reported to your doctor.
18 WEEKS PREGNANT ULTRASOUND
Your 18 week fetus is flexing her muscles and practicing all kinds of moves. She’s also practicing skills like yawning, hiccupping, sucking, and swallowing. She can also twist, roll, punch and kick too and you might be able to feel her doing it!
If you want to know your baby’s sex, the sonologists will be able to tell you with about 95 percent certainty at your 20 weeks ultrasound—as long as baby moves into a position where his or her organs are visible.
PREGNANCY TO-DO LIST AT 18 WEEKS PREGNANT
Read book on baby care
Plan a date night with your partner
Switch your sleep position from back to side
