Source: bing.comTable of Contents
What’s happening with your baby?
At 18 weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a bell pepper! He or she is about 5.6 inches long and weighs around 6.7 ounces. This week, your little one is developing a stronger grip, making fists and even grabbing onto the umbilical cord. Your baby’s taste buds are starting to form, so he or she can start to taste the amniotic fluid. Your baby’s bones are also starting to harden, which means that soon, you’ll be able to see them on an ultrasound. Your baby can also hear sounds, and his or her little ears are fully formed by now. This means that your baby can hear your voice, as well as other sounds going on around you.
What’s happening with your body?
At 18 weeks pregnant, your uterus is about the size of a cantaloupe. You may start to feel your baby moving around more often, and you might even start to feel little kicks. Some women also experience “round ligament pain,” which is a sharp, stabbing pain in the lower abdomen or groin area. This is caused by the ligaments that support your uterus stretching and growing as your baby gets bigger. You might also notice that your skin is starting to stretch, especially around your belly. This can lead to stretch marks, which are reddish or purplish lines that appear on your skin. To help prevent stretch marks, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer on your skin.
What should you be doing?
Now that you’re 18 weeks pregnant, it’s important to start thinking about prenatal care. This includes regular check-ups with your doctor, as well as any necessary tests or screenings. You may also want to start thinking about childbirth classes, which can help you prepare for labor and delivery. It’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients in your diet. This means eating a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. You may also need to take a prenatal vitamin, which can help ensure that you and your baby are getting all the nutrients you need. Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself! Pregnancy can be exhausting, so make sure you’re getting enough rest and taking breaks when you need to. You might also want to consider prenatal yoga or other gentle exercise, which can help you stay active and healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still have sex at 18 weeks pregnant?
A: In most cases, yes! As long as your pregnancy is healthy and your doctor hasn’t advised against it, sex is usually safe throughout all trimesters of pregnancy.
Q: What’s the best position to sleep in at 18 weeks pregnant?
A: Sleeping on your left side is usually the most comfortable position during pregnancy, as it helps improve blood flow to the baby and can relieve pressure on your uterus and other organs.
Q: Do I need to start buying maternity clothes?
A: Not necessarily! You may be able to continue wearing your regular clothes for a little while longer, especially if you opt for looser, stretchier fabrics. However, you may want to start looking into maternity clothes soon, especially if you’re starting to feel uncomfortable in your regular clothing.
Q: Can stress harm my baby?
A: In some cases, chronic stress can be harmful to both you and your baby. It’s important to find ways to manage stress during pregnancy, whether that means taking up yoga, practicing deep breathing, or talking to a therapist.
Q: When should I start preparing for childbirth?
A: It’s never too early to start preparing for childbirth! You may want to consider taking a childbirth class or hiring a doula to help you prepare for labor and delivery.