From Bodycarre we are going to see two pregnancies by two friends, from two different perspectives and countries, one from Latin America and the other from Spain. I hope you like it and see if you are able to find those little differences.
The baby at 18 weeks gestation has lanugo in sight. Lanugo? Yes, the fine layer of thin hair that covers the baby’s body! Your dear baby can already be 15 cm and weigh about 200 grams. It grows and is more and more visible every day, it also begins to do respiratory movements , but, of course, it is only a training, because the placenta supplies all its oxygen needs. Don’t be surprised if you see that your little baby is sucking on their thumb or little hands during the ultrasound, it is something they like to do at this stage. Mom, remember that the baby and each mother are different people, the height and weight of the fetus can vary depending on the biotype of the parents, ok?
At 18 weeks of pregnancy, the biggest milestone that occurs is auditory development, the baby can already hear the mother’s heartbeat, as well as the internal noise of the blood flowing through the umbilical cord or the work of the stomach. After a few days, you will be able to hear sounds and voices outside the uterus and thus identify the mother’s voice. Another important milestone this week is that the baby begins to simulate respiratory movements even if it is not necessary, since he only continues to swallow amniotic fluid. Their little eyes are already sensitive to light and respond to external stimuli. Your intestine is in a phase of improvement and begins to produce meconium (the first stools) through the ingestion of amniotic fluid.
Index
The internal sensations of the mother in the 18th week of pregnancy
The 18 weeks of pregnancy are marked by the appearance of spots and pimples, mainly on the face. Of course, not all women have the same symptoms every time, but at this stage they are common and it is all due to the levels of hormones, which are like a roller coaster.
Weight gain is generally rapid at this stage, so watch your food. Eating too much and all you want could make you increase even more than necessary, damaging your health and that of your baby. Another point that must be taken into account is the appearance of dizziness due to the acceleration of the work of the heart in the advance of pregnancy, which causes the level of sugar in the blood to compress the veins and cause dizziness, and in some cases even fainting . Get up slowly and rest whenever possible and it is the most appropriate at this stage to avoid possible accidents.
Have you already started buying baby clothes? Have you decided on the hospital where you are going to give birth? Maybe it’s time to start the marathon and start preparing everything. Make sure you don’t make these decisions at the last minute; After all, we don’t know when the baby is coming and making decisions when what you should be just waiting for is very stressful. Take the time now to see everything you need, while the weight of your belly allows it.
Sensations and external factors in the 18th week of pregnancy
Your belly has been rounded and you can already see that you are a pregnant woman. Of course, it is just a small ledge that tends to get bigger and bigger every week. The curiosity to know the sex of the baby is very common and at this stage it is possible to find out through an ultrasound. If you already know if you will see the world in blue or pink, you can plan and buy everything according to your taste.
It is time to change some habits. Around 18 weeks of pregnancy you should start sleeping on one side, rather than sleeping on your back. That’s because your baby (and uterus) are already large enough to press on the veins in the back of the abdomen, which can reduce the amount of blood going to your heart; which will make you feel a bit groggy and even lower your blood pressure. It sounds scary, but it’s totally avoidable simply by sleeping on your side. Of course, your veins are not the only things that are prone to enormous pressure. In week 18 of pregnancy, you have a lot to do. Make sure (even if you have a busy day) to plan some time to take breaks and relax a bit. This is a great excuse for a special night or to receive a soothing massage.
18 weeks pregnant, how many months?
At 18 weeks, you are officially four months pregnant. You only have five months to go!
How big is the baby at 18 weeks?
At 18 weeks pregnant, the baby is as big as an artichoke. Your little baby at 5.6 inches long and about 6.7 ounces now and still growing fast. This is why you are probably feeling very hungry!
Symptoms of pregnancy at week 18
Not only are you too busy getting ready for the baby, but you may have some not-so-fun symptoms of 18 weeks pregnant like: swollen feet or hands, back pain, leg cramps, and nosebleeds. Stress and discomfort can keep you awake at night around the 18th week of pregnancy. Here are the new symptoms of your pregnancy at 18 weeks that you may be feeling:
- Swelling in the feet and hands. Swelling can be an annoying pregnancy symptom for you at this stage of pregnancy. There is nothing to worry about, as long as the swelling is not sudden or severe. If so, inform your doctor immediately.
- Back pain. Your baby is putting a lot of pressure on your bowels, causing back pain.
- Leg cramps. Cramps can be a sign of dehydration, so drink enough water each day.
- Varicose veins These visible purple or blue veins become inflamed due to all the extra pressure on your circulatory system. To deal with them, change your position frequently, support your legs as many times as you can, do a lot of exercise, you should avoid wearing tight clothes and shoes.
- Trouble sleeping Your mind is working overtime and you are getting more and more uncomfortable. This can wreak havoc on your ability to fall asleep at night.
- Nosebleeds. I bet you never expected this. Increased pressure on the veins in your nose can cause you to bleed more than usual. If you have a nosebleed, apply pressure to your nose for five to ten minutes. A little ice can also help stop the bleeding.
- Baby kicks. Whether you are 18 weeks pregnant with twins, triplets or a single baby, you are surely feeling not just small vibrations but more definite sensations akin to real kicks. They are getting stronger!
Development of pregnancy at week 18
Your 18 week pregnant belly is expanding rapidly, both stretching and pressure are causing these symptoms.
Weight gain in your 18 weeks of pregnancy is recommended to be approximately 1 to 2 pounds per week, if you are in the group of women with an average BMI. If you are pregnant with a baby or 18 weeks pregnant with twins. Let your doctor know if you have any weight gain concerns so far. Sudden or drastic weight gain or loss could be a clear sign of a problem.
If you are 18 weeks pregnant and haven’t gained much weight, this is nothing to worry about. Remember: Every pregnant body is different, and your uterus will grow out of your pelvis, at a slightly different time from another pregnant woman.
Ultrasound at week 18 of pregnancy
What the heck is the baby doing inside your 18 week pregnant womb? A lot of! The 18-week-old fetus is working its muscles and practicing all kinds of movements. Can you believe that the baby yawns, sucks and swallows? He or she is twisting, rolling, hitting, and kicking too much – and it’s big enough that you can feel him or her doing it.
If you are 18 weeks pregnant with twins, there is a membrane that separates your two 18 week fetuses. As they move around there, they push the liquid around and the membrane will shift slightly. You can probably see it through an 18 weeks pregnant ultrasound.
At 18 weeks pregnant, ultrasound is on your calendar for the next several weeks. The mid-pregnancy ultrasound (also known as a level 2 ultrasound or anatomy scan) is a detailed examination of the entire body performed on your baby. It’s a pretty detailed and clear view inside! Your 18 week fetus will be measured to make sure growth is underway. The major organs will be monitored for the proper development of your baby. The amniotic fluid, the location of the placenta, and the fetal heart rate will be examined as well, to make sure the baby is thriving.
For expectant moms who are 18 weeks pregnant with twins (or other multiples), both (or all) of the babies’ anatomy will be scanned at an appointment.
If you want to know if you have a boy or a girl, the technician will be able to tell you with 95 percent certainty on the pregnancy ultrasound – as long as the baby is moving in a position where its organs are visible. Some babies are uncooperative right now!
Considerations regarding pregnancy at week 18
- Find and read information about baby care.
- Plan a date night with your partner, a special moment for both of you.
- Change your sleeping position frequently.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.