Pregnancy Symptoms Week 18 – Week By Week Pregnancy

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Pregnancy symptoms week 18

Last week must have been challenging. It is the right time to switch things up if you are facing pregnancy symptoms week 18; you should start sleeping on your side instead of your back. This is because your baby, as well as your uterus,  is getting big enough to press against large veins in the back of the abdomen.

And if it happens, it can reduce the amount of blood going to your heart, which can lower your blood pressure, lightheaded, or worse. We are not telling you that it is going to be easy, but we are telling you it is going to be worth it. We know it looks scary, but you can avoid it by sleeping on your side.

In pregnancy symptoms week 18, a lot is going on. In this hectic duration, make sure you plan some time to take a break and unwind. You can enjoy this time with your partner, or you can have a prenatal massage. And let us tell you one more thing, in pregnancy symptoms week 18, you are officially 4 months pregnant. only 5 months to go! So, do not worry and enjoy this period.

Baby at 18 weeks of pregnancy

At 18 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is as big as a sweet potato. Baby is around 5.6 inches long and weighs about 6.7 ounces. Your baby is growing quickly day by day. This is the reason behind your feeling hungry all the time.

18 weeks old fetus

Your baby is truly one of a kind now as baby developing fingerprints on those cute little fingertips and toes. Myelin, a protective layer, starts forming around the baby’s nerves, and it will continue to grow until the first birthday of your baby.

Baby at 18 weeks starts developing fallopian tubes and uterus if the baby is going to be a girl. A boy? Genitals are maybe visible in the next screen test.

18 weeks pregnant ultrasound

18 weeks inside your belly, are you thinking about what the heck is baby doing? A lot of things like working her or his muscles and practicing all kinds of moves, yawning, sucking, hiccupping, rolling, twisting, and swallowing. You can see all these movements in the next ultrasound.

If you are pregnant with twins at week 18, a membrane will separate your two fetuses. In upcoming days, you will have a big ultrasound, also known as mid-pregnancy ultrasound. In this ultrasound, the doctor will have a detailed examination of the baby’s entire baby.

At week 18 of pregnancy, the doctor can tell you the gender of the baby with 95 percent certainty at the mid-pregnancy ultrasound.

Also Read: How Do Babies Get Hiccups In The Womb?

18 weeks pregnant belly

This week, your baby and uterus are rapidly expanding, and you look pregnant due to increased belly size. But keep in mind, every woman has a different journey in each pregnancy. So, if you do not have a visible bump, that is okay too.

18 weeks pregnant bump depends upon how much weight you and your baby are gaining and whether it is your first pregnancy or second. Recommended weight gain is 1 to 2 pounds per week, but if you have any concerns related to weight, speak with your doctor.

Showing at 18 weeks of first pregnancy

If you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms week 18 and not showing at all, do not worry as we keep on telling you that everybody responds differently in this journey. Your uterus will grow up and out of your pelvis at a different time as compared to another pregnant woman. But if you are pregnant with twins or having a second pregnancy, you may show a bit earlier.

Also Read: Health Risks In First Pregnancy

Pregnancy symptoms week 18: What to expect?

We know you are super busy preparing for baby, but you might be having some not-so-fun while facing pregnancy symptoms week 18. Stress and discomfort can keep you up at night, headaches, nosebleeds, and many other pains during the day. But here is a scoop on the pregnancy symptoms week 18, you are going through.

18 weeks pregnant headache

Due to sudden changes in hormones and a lot of anxiety can be the reason for the headache. It is safe to take paracetamol but follow the instruction on the packet or consult with your doctor if the headache is severe.

But you can avoid painkillers if you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, get enough sleep, and eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Swollen feet and hands

Swelling is an annoying pregnancy symptom, but there is nothing to worry if the swelling is not sudden and severe.

Backaches

Your baby is putting a lot of pressure inside your belly, which causes pain in your back.

Cramping during 18th week of pregnancy

This could be a sign of dehydration, so drink more water.

Trouble sleeping

You are doing a lot of hard work, physically and mentally. This is the main reason for discomfort and anxiety while sleeping. This can wreak havoc on your ability to get a comfortable sleep time.

Also Read: How To Choose The Best Mattress During Pregnancy?

Nosebleeds

Increased blood pressure in your body can cause nosebleeds. This can be treated by applying pressure by pinching the nose for 5 to 10 minutes, or an ice pack can be helpful.

Baby kicks

You are maybe feeling not just tiny flutters but more definitive sensations of real kicks inside your belly. It does not matter if you are pregnant with twins or triplets; these kicks are going to be stronger with the passing time.

Stomach pain 18th week of pregnancy

Stomach pain can occur due to ligament stretching to accommodate your growing uterus. This pain usually starts between week 18 to week 24 and typically occurs on one side of your belly, but it can happen on both sides. It is sharp and lasts for a few seconds.

Pregnancy transformations in 18th week of pregnancy

Stretch marks

You may see a new stretch mark after few days on your body but do not worry about it, get your partner to rub moisturizing lotion over your belly.

  • Pain below your ribs
  • Regular tightening of the uterus
  • Pain or burning when you urinate
  • Problems with vision like blurring or having flashlights

Precautions during 18th week of pregnancy

  • Change your lifestyle, having rest more than the usual routine.
  • Maintain a healthy sex life unless your doctor has given you restrictions.
  • Eat a balanced diet, a mixture of fruits, vegetables, and 8 glasses of water a day.
  • Follow a diet plan rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Increase your calorie intake.
  • Cope with advice overload.
  • Avoid certain workout moves.
  • Prepare yourself for tiny kicks.

Checklist – pregnancy symptoms week 18

  • Read books on taking care of your baby.
  • Plan date nights with your husband.
  • Check your sleeping position from back to side sleep.
  • Do not forget about self-care.
  • Prepare a names list.
  • Keep an eye on our website for more fantastic content related to your pregnancy concerns.

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