Pregnancy And Baby Care Week By Week Pregnancy 18 Weeks Pregnant

• Tweet
• 

18 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

The weight gain you would have experienced is about 5 to 7 pounds over the previous week - and from the beginning of pregnancy you could have gained anywhere between 10 to 15 pounds.The increase in size of the belly will cause pressure on your back and it is advised to lie down to reduce the strain. The baby will be moving a lot in the womb now and the change in the position in the belly can cause you to experience a drop in your blood pressure or postural hypotension. Some of the other symptoms associated with Week 18 are a feeling of dizziness or a fainting feeling if you have many quick movements. Though this is normal during a pregnancy, it is better to move slower and avoid heavy exercise, lifting weights etc. Symptoms can also include a flushed face – this is because due to the increase in the amount of blood, the capillaries under the skin of your face become thicker. Hair will also change due to the hormonal imbalances and there is a tendency that it follows the basic nature of the hair – for instance, if you have oily hair, then during your pregnancy, it will become even oilier.

Some women also experience compression of veins – especially the vein that is responsible for pumping impure blood to the heart, known as inferior vena cava. You need to apply as little pressure as possible and you can do this by sleeping on your side rather than on your front. Changes in the baby show that it would have increased in size (length is now about 6 to 7 inches) and weight is about 6 to 8 ounces. It is during this week that the skin is developed – forming the dermis and epidermis. Reproductive organs are also formed and the bones solidify from their earlier cartilage stage. Pregnancy is one of the most intriguing, joyful experiences in life. A normal pregnancy term is 40 weeks. This wonderful journey brings with it numerous changes that the expectant mother has to cope with through the term. The most common 18 weeks pregnant symptoms include lower back pain, mild abdominal cramping and joint aches. As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, it exerts pressure on the ligaments that keep it in place. The weight of the uterus causes the ligaments to stretch thus resulting in cramps experienced mainly on either side of the uterus. In addition, the increasing weight of the uterus puts pressure on the lower back making backache a very common 18 weeks pregnant symptom. A change in posture is also noticed as the pregnancy proceeds and most women tend to tilt backward. The increasing weight of the uterus also puts pressure on the ureters thus slowing down the flow of urine from the bladder. This causes urinary tract infections in many expectant mothers. On the other hand, the pressure exerted by the uterus on the bladder may also cause an increase in the need to urinate.

18 weeks pregnancy symptoms also include breast tenderness and fullness owing to the active hormones and mammary glands in preparation for the coming of the little baby. The increase in blood supply to the breasts may also make the veins prominent. Varicose veins are a common 18 weeks pregnant sign caused due to hormonal changes, pressure exerted by the uterus on major blood vessels in the pelvic region and increased blood circulation. Weight gain during pregnancy leads to increased pressure on the knee joints resulting in joint pain. Many women also experience swelling or bloating due to water retention. Another 18 weeks pregnant symptom is a fluttering feeling in the uterus as the baby begins moving around. However, many women experience this sensation only by the 20th week of pregnancy. Due to the hormonal and physical changes that take place, many expectant mothers are known to face depression and insomnia. The surge in progesterone and estrogen levels in the blood stream also causes mood swings, dizziness, fatigue, sleepiness and lack of concentration. However, these symptoms are more commonly seen during early pregnancy. Nausea, vomiting, food aversions and food cravings are other early pregnancy symptoms that may carry on till the 18th pregnancy week or more.

18 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

Most doctors recommend an ultrasound examination of the uterus to ascertain the actual status of the pregnancy. An ultrasound is one of the most reliable methods as it reveals what is actually happening within the mother’s body. The main purpose of an 18 weeks pregnant ultrasound is to rule out the possibility of any pregnancy abnormality or deformity in the developing baby. At times, an ultrasound reveals life altering abnormalities and having a clear picture of reality is helpful in making important decisions with regard to the pregnancy. At this stage in a pregnancy, the baby’s heart is visible in a sonogram and any deformities may be clearly seen.

Any malformation of body structure or specific organs may also be spotted through an ultrasound. The growth of the baby in proportion to the gestational age will also help in determining if the baby is developing normally. An 18 weeks pregnancy ultrasound may also be performed in case the expectant mother is bleeding, in order to find the cause of the bleeding. The position of the placenta, the amniotic sac and the amount of amniotic fluid, uterine conditions and the status of the cervix can also be checked with an ultrasound. An ultrasound also helps in checking on the baby’s growth in connection to estimating the due date. A clear picture of the baby is seen in an 18 weeks pregnant 3d. The baby’s heartbeat is also picked up by the ultrasound machine. At 18 weeks of gestation, the baby would weigh approximately 5 to 7 ounces. It is exciting to see your baby sucking a thumb, swimming or turning in the amniotic sac or playing ‘football’. The baby’s cartilage body structure is gradually becoming stronger as it hardens to form bone. As the baby swallows amniotic fluid, the first poop called meconium collects in the baby’s intestines and will be passed out at birth.

Pregnancy Week 18 Weight Gain

Most pregnant women hate to look in the mirror and see a reflection without a good figure. However, the truth still remains that an expectant mother is bound to put on weight and gain a lopsided figure in the bargain. As much as women despise weight gain, an increase in weight is essential for the success of the pregnancy. At 18 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus is approximately the size of a melon and can be felt below the belly button. 18 weeks baby weight gain stomach begins to show gradually. In many women, 18 weeks pregnant weight gain is not very obvious as most women tend to put on weight evenly. The average weight gain ranges from 25 to 35 pounds for the entire pregnancy term and by the 18th week of pregnancy, most women put on 6 to 12 pounds. 18 weeks pregnancy weight gain is usually half a pound to a pound for the week. A wholesome diet, sufficient rest and light exercise are the key factors to a successful pregnancy. A balance of various nutrients, especially folic acid, calcium, omega 3 fatty acids and iron are essential for the proper formation and development of the baby. 5 to 6 small, light meals spanned over the day are better than 3 heavy meals. Building up the immune system through the consumption of fruits and vegetables is essential to fight off infections that may prove detrimental to the health of the mother and baby alike. Poultry and fish are also recommended. Caffeine, alcohol, drugs and cigarettes must be avoided completely. Light exercise in the form of regular walks is highly recommended to keep a check on excessive weight gain and indigestion. It assists in keeping the expectant mother fit and flexible as well. All pregnant women must keep a check on weight gain by monitoring it throughout the pregnancy term to avoid weight related complications. If monitored regularly, corrective measures can be taken to regulate excessive or low weight gain for the benefit of the mother and baby alike.

16 Weeks Pregnant Bleeding

Bleeding is the most common pregnancy complication and must not be taken lightly, irrespective of the amount of bleeding. Many women take bleeding at 18 weeks lightly as they think that it is implantation bleeding. However, it is essential for them to realize that the process of implantation takes place by the 5th week. Hence, 18 weeks implantation bleeding is simply not possible. Similarly, since menstruation ceases on successful implantation, an 18 weeks pregnancy period is also unnatural. 18 weeks pregnant bleeding could be the result of ruptured blood vessels in the cervix due to the pressure exerted by the uterus and the increased blood flow to the pelvic region. 18 weeks bleeding during pregnancy is usually the result of a pregnancy complication that could result in pregnancy loss if not attended to in time. If 18 weeks pregnant bleeding is accompanied by the passage of blood clots, back pain and cramping, it could be a bad sign, signaling an inevitable pregnancy loss. Consulting your doctor to determine the cause of bleeding is highly recommended.