Pregnancy

18 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect?

18 weeks pregnant

18 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect?

Starting around 18 weeks pregnant you should begin to sleep on your side instead of your back. That’s because baby (and your uterus) is getting big enough to press against large veins in the back of your abdomen, which can reduce the amount of blood going to your heart, making you feel lightheaded or may even lower your blood pressure. 

At 18 weeks, you’re officially four months pregnant. Only five more months to go!

Baby’s Growth During Pregnancy – Week 18

In the 18th week of pregnancy, your baby can now yawn. Your baby can also hiccup now and by the end of the 18th week, you can feel your baby kicking or simply flexing its body around your tummy.

By the 18th week, your baby’s nervous system is working fine and maturing. Your baby’s nerves are covered by myelin that is taking on more complex tasks such as interconnection of the nerves. Your baby can now recognise and hear voices and is sensitive to certain noises. The nerves in the brain are rapidly forming the basics to develop into the 5 senses that your baby should have.

What is the Baby’s Size?

At 18 weeks pregnant, the baby is as big as capsicum. Baby’s about 5.6 inches long and about 6.7 ounces now and keeps growing quickly. That is also why you’re probably feeling so hungry!

18-week Symptoms of Pregnancy

Here are the some 18 weeks pregnancy symptoms you may be feeling:

  • Swollen feet and/or hands

Swelling can be an annoying pregnancy symptom. It’s nothing to worry about as long as the swelling isn’t sudden or severe. If does look severe, tell your doctor right away.

  • Backaches

Baby is putting a lot of pressure on your insides and it causes aches and pains in your back.

  • Leg cramps

Cramps can be a sign of dehydration. It is a reminder to keep yourself hydrated and carry water everywhere.

  • Varicose veins

These visible purple or blue veins are swollen due to all that extra pressure on your circulatory system. To deal with them, change positions often. Also get plenty of exercise and avoid tight clothes and shoes.

  • Baby kicks. Whether you’re 18 weeks pregnant with twins, triplets, or a single baby, you’re probably feeling more definitive sensations resembling actual kicks. They’re getting stronger every day.

18 weeks pregnant belly

Your 18 weeks pregnant belly is rapidly expanding.

Drastic or sudden weight gain or weight loss could be signs of a problem. Get your doctor notified about the same.

If you’re 18 weeks pregnant and not showing much, everything’s probably okay. You must remember that every pregnant body is different, and your uterus will grow up and out of your pelvis at a slightly different time as another pregnant woman does.

18 Weeks Ultrasound

If you’re 18 weeks pregnant with twins, there’s a membrane that separates your two 18-week fetuses. As they wiggle around in there, they’ll push fluid around and the membrane will shift slightly—you’d probably be able to see that on an 18 weeks pregnant ultrasound.

At 18 weeks pregnant, the ultrasound is on your calendar sometime in the next few weeks. The mid-pregnancy ultrasound (a.k.a. anatomy scan or level-two ultrasound) is a detailed examination of the baby’s entire body. Your 18-week fetus will be measured to make sure growth is on track. Major organs will be checked for proper development. And amniotic fluid, placenta location, and fetal heart rate will all be examined as well, to be sure baby’s thriving.

 

PREGNANCY CHECKLIST AT 18-WEEKS PREGNANCY

  • Stay hydrated at all times
  • Eat at proper times with proper portions
  • Switch your sleep position from back to the side

 

  • Find out why you might be having hot flushes and what you can do to cool down.
  • Stay positive
  • Indulge in light exercises. 
  • Maintain regular hours of sleep and get plenty of rest throughout the day

Also Read: 17 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect?

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