18 Weeks pregnant means that you are fast approaching the halfway
Still, you are feeling pretty good when you are 18 weeks pregnant. The second trimester for most mothers-to-be seems like a breeze compared to the first.
With their growing belly, most pregnant women at 18 weeks believe that continuing an exercise routine will harm the baby inside. If your healthcare provider does not prevent you from exercising, you can continue.
Are you feeling starved? With the increased belly size and the growing baby inside, it is normal to feel hungry many times a day. Just ensure that you are eating foods rich in nutrients. Avoid excessive sweets, chips, and other junk foods that add extra calories. Don’t worry about these excessive hunger feelings; all these pregnancy side effects will disappear after pregnancy week 40. Just eat and enjoy your pregnant life.
As your belly increases in size, it is normal to have difficulty sleeping. During pregnancy, most doctors recommend sleeping on the left side. Sleeping on the back or right side will cause unnecessary pressure on the pelvic veins. The inferior vena cava vein, which is compressed by the pressure and is crucial for returning blood to the heart, plays a crucial role.
This week, your circulatory system will go through various changes so that your blood pressure levels might be a little lower than usual. Don’t make fast movements, such as sitting, standing, or stepping, because you may feel dizziness or lightheadedness. This is a completely normal condition during pregnancy, but it doesn’t indicate that jumping and running are also acceptable.
Symptoms experienced:
When you are 18 weeks pregnant, you may experience mild swelling of the feet and ankles. Fluid accumulation in body tissues can cause swelling of the ankles and feet. So, to decrease water retention, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time and keep your legs elevated whenever possible.
Leg cramps are also a condition that most women experience during pregnancy. This condition causes you to wake up unexpectedly during the night by causing sharp spasms in your calves. Though there is no specified reason for this condition, you can reduce it by practicing calf stretches before hitting the sack.
Another pregnancy symptom that you experience during these days is flatulence. Are you feeling very annoyed with the gas bubbles? Don’t worry! Just try to relax as much as you can because tension makes you swallow more air and makes the condition even worse.
Physical changes that occur in an 18-week pregnant woman:
You have a lot of fun with your baby’s kicks inside your belly. If you are obese, have stronger abdominal muscles, or the fetus is hiding, then you may drop to the lower end of the scale. First-time mothers may not notice fetal movements as quickly as subsequent pregnancies.
An increase in capillaries under the facial skin can make you look flushed. Melanin production in your body will increase during pregnancy week 18 and possibly in the following weeks. Higher levels of melanin can lead to dark patches in several areas of the skin. This condition can be treated after childbirth.
Your uterus is now just below the belly button. You are certainly showing a bit more by now. The size of the uterus when you are 18 weeks pregnant is almost similar to that of a small melon. Postpartum bleeding
You may also experience skin, nail, and hair changes during pregnancy. Though you may get the pregnancy glow, there is a great chance that you will develop acne, redness, and eczema on your face. These conditions are normal during pregnancy. If you want to consult a dermatologist, mention what you are expecting.
During pregnancy, hair growth will increase, and you may feel the hair becoming thicker. The diet you are consuming and the prenatal vitamins you are taking, especially iron, play a major role in hair growth.
Fetal changes that occur in an 18-week pregnant woman:
When you are in pregnancy week 18, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs about 7 ounces.
Week 18 mainly concentrates on the development of a baby’s skin. So far, there are two layers on the baby’s skin, such as the dermis and the epidermis. By now, your baby’s skin is completely covered by a greasy, cheese- or wax-like substance called vernix caseosa. This substance covers the baby from head to toe and protects it from the dangers of exposure to amniotic fluid, such as bruising, abrasions, and chapping. This substance also helps the baby come out easily from the birth canal.
For baby girls, pregnancy week 18 is the period for developing the uterus and vagina. For baby boys, the prostate glands are completely developed by this week.
Instead of rubbery cartilage, baby bones will harden or ossify into the shape of a bone. The clavicle and leg bones are the first to be ossified.
Your baby can react to any loud noises, and you may feel the kicks as the baby is scared. You can also hear the baby’s heartbeat by placing a stethoscope on your belly. Your baby can now attain the position of crossed legs with the thumb in his or her mouth. You can clearly observe this with the 18-week ultrasound scar. 40 Weeks Pregnant
What care should be taken by an 18 weeks pregnant woman?
When you are 18 weeks pregnant, you should be very careful about pregnancy exercises. If you had a sedentary pregnancy until now, it’s better to start walking this week. If you feel that you are an active mother-to-be, plan to modify your prenatal fitness program to fit your increasing belly needs.
Take enough rest and a few afternoon naps, so the blood flow saves energy and supplies the essential nutrients to your little one.
Whenever you observe lower blood pressure, try to relax more often. Listening to music and practicing prenatal meditation will decrease stress levels and help you stay relaxed and calm.
For working mothers-to-be, taking work breaks is very important; otherwise, unnecessary stress will be put on you and your baby. If you haven’t undergone an ultrasound scan yet, it is better to consider it now. Pregnancy health
Have a wonderful pregnancy journey! Go on to know more about the exciting things during pregnancy week 19…
