18 Weeks Pregnant

Week 18 of Pregnancy: Symptoms & What To Expect

2015-11-30T06:53:00.000+07:00

You might start to feel your baby moving around anytime now, which is a great way to take your mind off your bothersome back.

Your Baby in Week 18 of Pregnancy

Your pregnancy back pain may have you tied up in knots, but your baby's getting ready to bust a move. At five and a half inches long and five ounces in weight, he now may be large enough for you to feel him twisting, rolling, kicking, and punching his way around the womb. Plus, he's developing yawning and hiccupping skills (you may feel those soon, too!) and his own unique set of toe and fingerprints.

Learn more about your baby in week 18 and the fetal nervous system.

Your Body in Week 18 of Pregnancy

Oh, my aching back! If you've uttered those words more than once this week, here's why: Your uterus, now about the size of a cantaloupe, is causing your body's center of gravity to shift, pulling the lower back forward and pushing the abdomen out (so now everyone can see that you’re pregnant!). On top of all that, joint-loosening pregnancy hormones are wreaking havoc on your muscles and ligaments, adding up to one big ouch!

Learn more about your body in week 18 and your shifting posture.

Week 18 Pregnancy Tip: Heartburn

Forget the chili burrito with extra jalapeños — sometimes even a bite of toast will set your gut on fire these days. That's the heartbreak of heartburn — an all-too-common symptom that can persist throughout your pregnancy.

An ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of Tums (though you might want to keep the pound of Tums handy too — especially because they'll banish the burn while boosting your calcium intake). For starters, eat slowly and chew thoroughly (no eating lunch on the run or gobbling your dinner standing up), eat smaller meals and snacks rather than five-alarm gut bombs, sit upright for a few hours after eating (or as long as you can last without collapsing into bed), and sleep with your head elevated (it helps with the snoring anyway). And do skip anything on the menu with a picture of a flame next to it!

Learn more about eating well in the second trimester.

18 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Fetal movement: If you’ve noticed an unusual rumbling in your tummy these days, you may be starting to feel your baby’s movements in the womb! But don’t worry if you haven’t felt anything out of the ordinary — it may take a few more weeks for you to pinpoint those first kicks.

Flatulence: Finding it hard to contain the gas bubbles? Try to relax — tension can cause you to swallow air and add to the problem.

Varicose veins: If the varicose veins in your legs are starting to itch or ache, consider wearing support hose, which applies pressure to the legs and give blood a little upward push toward your heart. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning to prevent the blood from pooling.

Leg cramps: As if it weren’t enough that your precious sleep is interrupted by trips to the bathroom to pee, now you may find yourself suddenly woken up during the night by shooting spasms in your calves. Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes them, but you can help fend them off by doing calf stretches before hitting the sack.

Bleeding gums: Those pesky pregnancy hormones cause mucous membranes in your body (including those in your mouth) to swell, which can mean inflamed, irritated, and bleeding gums. Continue to floss and brush regularly, but try not to be too aggressive in your technique since this can further aggravate sensitive gums.

Stretch marks: If the appearance of a new stretch mark has got you feeling down, here’s an activity that may cheer you up — get your partner to rub moisturizing lotion over your belly. And maybe even get him to give you a massage while he’s at it!

Mild swelling of ankles and feet: As your body tissues accumulate fluid (your pregnant body requires extra fluid to support you and your baby), you may notice swelling in your ankles and feet (fluid tends to pool there thanks to the law of gravity). Reduce water retention in your feet by avoiding standing or sitting for long periods — and try to keep your legs elevated when you can.

Skin, hair, and nail changes: While you may have been hoping for a pregnancy “glow”, you may have gotten eczema, redness, or acne instead. These skin conditions are perfectly normal during pregnancy (blame those hormones again), but if you choose to see a dermatologist, be sure to mention that you’re expecting. Some skin medications like Accutane and Retin-A are not safe during pregnancy.

Solution For Pregnant Women Who Don't Like Classical Music

2013-11-30T07:40:00.001+07:00

Solution For Pregnant Women Who Don't Like Classical Music - In previous article you've got an explanation about the importance of listening to classical music for pregnant women. Research has proven that classical music such as "Spring from The Four Seasons" by Antonio Vivaldi can help the process of emotion regulation to the fetus. While the classical music of Mozart is believed to greatly affect the level of development of intelligence in children.

Then what about the pregnant women who don't like classical music? Are there other types of music that also good and can be selected to be heard by pregnant women?

Music Options For Pregnant Women

While listening to classical music is considered as the best option, but actually there are still many other music choices that also good for pregnant women and fetal development. As long as the music has a quiet rhythm and a positive theme, so every pregnant women should listen to it. In addition to help stabilize the heart rate of pregnant women, it will also provide good stimulation for the developing fetus.

Rock music genre or music that has a fast tempo should be avoided as much as possible. This kind of music will only make the fetus more active and tend to become restless.

It's important for you to not force yourself to listen to classical music if you don't like it. Your discomfort may also be felt by your baby, and this will certainly provide less optimal stimulation. If you still insist to provide stimulation for your baby with classical music, then you should use headphones, and stick it directly on your abdomen. Just make sure to not play the volume too loud.

See also:

Baby at 18 Weeks Pregnant

2013-03-28T22:42:00.000+07:00

Baby at 18 Weeks Pregnant - At 18 weeks into pregnancy, it is time for the baby in your womb growing rapidly. The muscles of the baby has started to contract and relax. This is the first week where you may feel the rotation or movement of the baby for the first time. And the baby's movements will be more intense with increasing week. At this time, babies also have started to hear the sounds. The baby can hear your heartbeat and the sounds around you. Babies can even surprised when they hear a sudden loud. It is time to start listening to classical music to help your baby's right brain development.

18 Weeks Pregnant Baby Size

Your baby is now about 6 inches (14 centimeters) long and weighs about 190 grams. The blood vessels are formed and can be seen on the skin that is still very thin. The bones in the body are beginning to harden, and the ears are already in place. At this time, if the baby is a boy, the genitals begin to appear. And if it's a girl, then the uterine tube already formed and in place. This is a great time to do an ultrasound for the first time. Obstetricians can provide a lot of information to you about the condition of the baby in your womb.

At the age of 18 weeks pregnant, the emotional connection between you and your baby will be more closely. Whatever you feel will also be felt by the baby in your womb. So when you are angry, happy, sad, scared, hungry, etc. then your baby will also feel the same as you do.

See also:

18 Week Fetus Development

2012-08-05T23:38:00.000+07:00

18 Week Fetus Development - At 18 weeks of pregnancy, the growth of the fetus become your number one priority. You will experience significant milestones of your pregnancy. The fetus has begun to move, although it is still slow. The fetus also has begun to hear the sounds around you or your heart rate. Here are some articles that I have written about the development of the fetus at 18 weeks of pregnancy.

Fetus At 18 Weeks of Pregnancy

Now the fetus can listening sounds from outside your body. The fetus will move or jump when listening loud noises. The muscles of the fetus is able to contract and relax. The fetus is able to kick, punch and move very active. In this week maybe you can already feel the movement or rotation for the first time. Now the length of the fetus is about 6 inches / 14 centimeters and weighs about 7 ounces / 190 grams. The bones of the fetus begins to Harden (having the first Oscillation). Read more

Baby Ultrasound

You may probably will check your baby's development with ultrasound. Or maybe you've done before. From the ultrasound / sonogram you can see the heart, head, brain, arms, legs, spine, genitals, and other parts of the developing fetus. Read more

Classical Music For Babies

The fetus has begun to hear voices. The fetus can hear your heartbeat, or the sounds around you. If suddenly hear loud noises, the fetus may Jumped in surprise. This is a sensitive period for the fetus. Therefore, it is recommended for you to always in a state of calm, is intended to keep your heart rate to always stable. If you are calm then your fetus will also feel comfortable. This will greatly helpful in the growth of the fetus in your womb. Read more

Tips on How to Choose Maternity Clothes

2012-06-17T00:50:00.000+07:00

Tips on How To Choose Maternity Clothes - At 18 weeks pregnant, you probably have started to choose maternity clothes, because your belly is starting to grow. Choosing maternity clothes is a fun activity but also can be confusing. With a wide range of models and colors, this makes a pregnant woman placed in a difficult situation. However, in choosing maternity clothes, there are some things to consider, such as comfort, clothing material, and price.

Consider the Comfort Factor When Choosing Pregnancy Clothing

Choosing maternity clothes is a bit tricky. Because even being pregnant, women wants to still look stylish and fashionable. Although the model options of maternity clothes is not much, but if you're observant enough, you will get a math to your desire. The main requirement you need to remember when choosing maternity clothes is to consider the comfort factor when you wear it and the safety of the content. Do not just buy because the price is cheap. And also look for maternity clothes that made from materials that are cool and easy to absorb sweat.

Choosing Pregnancy Clothing You Need

Choosing maternity clothes should not make you to be extravagant. Appearance is important, but you also have to be wise in the shop. Therefore, when you choose maternity clothes, choose the model that you like but still within a reasonable price range. There are other things that also need to consider, which is the growing need when the baby is born. So, rather than wasting the money, it's good to scrimp and save for the baby when born.

Choosing Clothes That Fit Your Pregnant Body Shape

Choosing maternity clothes also need to be adjusted to your body shape. Choose loose maternity clothing to let you easily move. If you wear tight clothing, this is not good because it can make your baby in the womb uncomfortable and depressed. In addition, when you choose maternity clothes, choose a simple model that is easy to use. When your content continues to expand, it is better to choose a jumpsuit model.

See also:

Warm-up Before Pregnancy Exercise

2012-06-12T20:00:00.000+07:00

Warm-up Before Pregnancy Exercise - Pregnancy exercise is a series of gymnastic movements that are useful for preparing your condition before facing the birth process. Not only that, if it performed regularly, this pregnancy exercise movement are also beneficial to reduce the complaints that may arise during pregnancy. Especially in the last three months of pregnancy, such as sore on certain body parts.

Some Warming-up Movement Before Getting in The Core Exercise

Wall Slide squat

Stand against the wall with feet slightly apart, slowly slide down and stay for 3-5 seconds and then slide up. Relax and repeat 5-10 times.

Knee extension

Sit in a relaxed comfortable position, slowly lift your leg and make your knee straight in line with the hip. Hold it for 15 seconds and bring it down. Repeat with alternate legs.

Tailor sitting

Sit on the floor with legs apart and heels together. You will feel a stretch in the inner side of your thigh. Hold for 5-10 seconds. Relax and repeat 5 times.

Walking lunge

Stand in a walking position, slowly go forward and down and come to the starting position. Repeat by alternating lunge with opposite legs.

Step ups

You can do this in the staircase or with a small stool. Go up, hold, and come down slowly. Repeat with alternate legs.

Wall press

Stand facing a wall, with hands on the wall, slowly push your hands against the wall. Your upper body will move forward and your shoulders will stretch backwards as if in normal push-up. You will feel a stretch in your chest. Inhale slowly and deeply as you move forward, hold with your stretch for 5-10 seconds. Relax and repeat 3-5 times.

Besides the six earlier movement, there's more movement such as neck rotation, outer thigh lift, and chest muscle exercise.

See also:

The Definition and Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise

2012-06-11T00:12:00.000+07:00

Pregnancy Exercise Definition

What is a pregnancy exercise?
Pregnancy exercise is a form of exercise to strengthen and maintain elasticity of the muscles of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor muscles. This exercise is very important because it deals with the birth process.

When should conduct pregnancy exercise?
Pregnancy exercise is recommended to do when the fetus in the womb has more than 6 months old, but there is no wrong for those of you who recently pregnant 18 weeks to start looking for information about this.

Do all pregnant women can perform pregnancy exercise?

All pregnant women can do it, unless :

Have a history of small babies.
Have a history of premature birth.
There is a previous bleeding during pregnancy.
There are complaints of heartburn during pregnancy.
Pregnancy with special conditions (hypertension, anemia, heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.)

What are the benefits and pregnancy exercise goals?

Improve the delivery of oxygen in muscle.
Improve blood circulation.
Improve fitness and muscle strength.
Relieves back pain and constipation.
Calm the mind and body.
Reduce fatigue.
Streamlining the delivery process.

That was the explanation of the definition and benefits of pregnancy exercise. Furthermore, you can see the 'Warm-up Before Pregnancy Exercise' and 'Tips For Exercising During Pregnancy'.

Start Listening to Classical Music

2012-06-07T20:00:00.000+07:00

Start Listening to Classical Music - At 18 weeks pregnant, the fetus has begun to hear voices. They can hear your heartbeat, or the sounds around you. If suddenly hear loud noises, the fetus may jumped in surprise.

This is a sensitive period for the fetus (see Fetus at 18 Weeks of Pregnancy). Therefore, it is recommended for you to always in a state of calm, to keep your heart rate to always stable. If you are calm, then your fetus will also feel comfortable. This will greatly helpful for the growth of the fetus in your womb.

Classical Music For Babies In The Womb

When entering the age of 18 weeks into pregnancy, is highly recommended that you start to play music on a regular basis to the fetus. Music is expected to create a beautiful environment, constructive, friendly, harmonious, and friendly to the fetus. And the music that recommended by many experts is classical music. Play classical music on a regular basis to the fetus will support the growth of the right brain and fetal development (Joan Freeman, Utami Munandar, 1996).

For those of you who are not used to listening to classical music, this music would probably sound a little strange and a little boring. But after listening to 2-3 times, and you've started to memorize the rhythm of the song, you will definitely enjoy it. Listen to classical music at least half an hour every day, this is enough.

Among the many existing classical music, maybe you can start by listening to Mozart and Vivaldi. Classical music by Mozart and Vivaldi are believed to influence the mental and emotional development of the fetus.

See also:

Foods To Avoid When Pregnant

2012-06-05T21:59:00.000+07:00

Foods To Avoid When Pregnant - If in the early weeks of pregnancy you usually experience decreased appetite, then-when at the age of 18 weeks of pregnancy the condition can be turned 180 degrees. As explained in the 'Foods For Pregnant Women', your appetite may increase drastically to meet the nutritional needs required by the fetus. Although this is a normal and a good thing, but you have to be very careful in choosing foods. Not all food is good for pregnant women, especially fast food. These foods should be avoided by pregnant women.

Why fast food is not good for pregnant women?

Nutrient content in fast food is lacking to support the development of the brain and organs of the fetus in the womb. Fast foods also contain flavor enhancers and preservatives that are harmful to the health of the fetus.

Fast food is also very less natural fiber content. Though pregnant women need food that contains lots of fiber to facilitate defecation. This is because pregnant women often experience constipation or difficult to defecate.

We recommend that you cook your own food and make sure to always use natural flavor to your dishes. This is very good, because you will always eat fresh food every day.

What other foods that need to be avoided?

Actually there is no more foods to be avoided. All foods that contain good nutrients may be consumed. Unless you have allergies to certain foods such as fish or eggs. You can find an alternative food to replace it.

What about fruits?
Fruits are very good for pregnant women. You can eat all kinds of fruit. Except if you are experiencing cough, you should avoid fruits that contain a lot of sap. It is advisable to consume fruits in the form of juice and mixed with milk.

See also:

How To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

2012-06-03T20:00:00.000+07:00

How To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy - Stretch marks, or in medical language called gravidanum stretch is trauma to the skin caused by excessive stretching. At first only the red lines, and from time to time become whitish to brownish colored lines, depending on the original color of the skin. Usually stretch marks begin to occur when entering the age of 18 weeks pregnant.

Stretch marks will reduce the beauty of your skin. Although it's a natural thing, but of course you want to avoid the appearance of stretch marks. And studies have shown that the occurrence of stretch marks during pregnancy can be prevented.

Tips To Prevent Stretch Marks When Pregnant

Eat enough protein and get enough rest. In addition to being beneficial for your baby, the protein also acts to regenerate cells, including skin cells.
Keep your weight in accordance with the development of the fetus. Excessive weight gain will only aggravate the condition of stretch marks.
Begin to keep the skin moist since the beginning of pregnancy. Apply a moisturizer specifically for pregnant women on the whole body at least twice a day, especially on the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, and pelvis. It is useful to prevent tearing of collagen caused by growth in the dermis layer, because the skin is stretched.
Don't forget to apply anti stretch marks moisturizer after bathing. Because the skin is still in a clean and moist condition, the cream absorption can be optimal.
Avoid scratching the stretch marks, since the skin in the area is usually dry and the itch was unbearable. Scratching the stretch marks can actually damage the skin and can cause infection in the skin.
Perform light exercise such as walking or swimming regularly 2 times a week, it is useful for blood and oxygen circulation.
Live a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, drinking enough water, eat less fat and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, because fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidant content.
Body scrub and light massage can also minimize the risk of developing stretch marks, because the relaxation is also intended for blood circulation.

Don't worry, stretch marks usually fade away by itself after pregnancy. Moreover, stretch marks are harmless, although it will ruin the beauty of your skin. By preventing the appearance of stretch marks as early as possible, your skin will still look beautiful and healthy.

See also:

Foods For Pregnant Women

2012-06-02T02:00:00.000+07:00

Foods For Pregnant Women - At 18 weeks pregnant, your appetite usually increases or even improved drastically. This is a good thing, because the fetus is in a stage of rapid development, and requires a lot of supply of nutrients. But you still need to pay attention to what foods are good for you and your fetus.

The food is said to be good not just because they taste good and look tempting. Good food for pregnant women should have a healthy and balanced nutrition. It must contains various nutrients that needed by the body of pregnant women and the fetus in the womb. So if you want to be healthy, forget about fast food and avoid Pica. You should cook your own meals or eat foods that contain a combination of protein, vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates, and milk.

Healthy Foods For Pregnant Women

These foods should contain energy, this can be obtained from whole grains, tubers, corn, and wheat.
These foods should also contain substances regulator, can be obtained from fruits and vegetables. Especially dark green vegetables because they contain lots of folic acid. Folic acid can prevent birth defects in babies.
Varied fruits may be served in the form of juice, can be combined or mixed with milk. Or it could also be eaten in a fresh condition in small chunks as a snack.
And very importantly, these foods should also contain fat and protein, can be obtained from fish, meat, nuts, eggs, and milk.

See also:

Tips For Exercising During Pregnancy

2012-06-01T20:00:00.000+07:00

Tips For Exercising During Pregnancy - Regular physical exercise can prevent discomfort during pregnancy, especially when entering the age of 18 weeks of pregnancy. Exercise during pregnancy can improve your strength and improve your health. Do exercise that makes you feel comfortable and don't require to much energy. Swimming and walking are good choices during pregnancy. Cycling and low impact aerobics can also be tolerated.

Walking is a good exercise for beginners. Walking gives the effect like doing aerobics, but gave no load on the joints. Wear comfortable shoes when exercising. Exercise can reduce the discomfort during pregnancy such as constipation, stiffness in the back, fatigue, swelling of the legs, and varicose veins (see The Symptoms at 18 Weeks Pregnant).

Safe Exercises During Pregnancy

Avoid lying on your back exercise movements, especially in the second and third trimester of pregnancy because it will decrease blood flow to the uterus.
Avoid sports that could cause you to fall or trauma to the abdomen, and joint exercises that use heavy loads.
Avoid lifting exercises in over your head and make a move that resulted in stretching the back muscles.
Don't do sports that cause fatigue or out of breath and stop exercising when experiencing symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, and out of breath.

In addition to the things mentioned above, be sure to always doing warm up before exercising.

See also:

Fetus at 18 Weeks of Pregnancy

2012-06-01T02:00:00.000+07:00

Fetus at 18 Weeks of Pregnancy - At 18 weeks of pregnancy, you are in the stage of fetal development. Now the fetus can hear sounds from outside your body. The fetus will move or jump when listening loud noises. The muscles of the fetus has begun to contract and relax. The fetus is already able to kick, punch and move very active. In this week you might be able to feel the movement or rotation of the fetus for the first time.

Size of the Fetus at 18 Weeks of Pregnancy

At this time the length of the fetus is about 6 inches (14 cm) and weighs about 7 ounces (190 grams). The bones of the fetus begins to harden (having the first oscillation). The blood vessels are visible through the skin that is still very thin, and ear is already in its final position. If the baby is female, the uterus and fallopian tubes begin to form and be in place. But if the baby is a boy, his genitals are starting to appear, but they might hide it when you do an ultrasound.

Uterus can be palpated just below the navel, about the size of a watermelon. Growth of the uterus in the future will change the balance of your body. While the increased mobility of the joints will influence the postural changes, as well as cause a complaint to the back. These complaints will increasingly be if you gaining weight uncontrollably. To overcome this, get used to lying on your left side, avoid standing too long and heavy lifting. In addition, frequently resting the legs by lift / prop legs using pillows.

When entering the age of 18 weeks of pregnancy, interactive relationship between you and your baby will be more closer. So every time you happy, sad, hungry or feel anything else, the fetus will be also feel the same.

See also: Benefits of Ultrasound

Visit Your Gynecologist Regularly

Start Listening to Classical Music

The Symptoms at 18 Weeks Pregnant

Difficulty Sleeping During Pregnancy

2012-05-30T20:00:00.000+07:00

Difficulty Sleeping During Pregnancy - When entering the age of 18 weeks pregnant, you will begin to feel difficult to sleep. This can happen because you are so frequent urination at night or your uterus begins to grow. This makes you a little difficult to find a sleeping position because you've started to feel a lump.

As explained in the 'body changes at 18 weeks pregnancy', sleeping position during pregnancy is quite annoying, but this will only last for a few weeks, and then you'll get used to.

Sleeping Position During Pregnancy

The recommended sleeping position is sleeping on your side to the left, and tucking a pillow between the legs. In addition to the sleeping position, maybe you can also change the other way or use a pillow as an alternative. Gradually you will find a comfortable sleeping position for you.

Before sleeping you should also reduce the intake of drinks, but this reduction should be a reasonable portion and doesn't cause you to dehydrate. Or try to exercise during the day, as regular exercise will make blood circulation more smoothly and help you sleep easier.

The Definition and Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise

Warm-up Before Pregnancy Exercise

Hopefully the article "Difficulty Sleeping During Pregnancy" is quite helpful!

Benefits of Ultrasound

2012-05-30T00:00:00.000+07:00

Benefits of Ultrasound - At 18 weeks pregnant, you will probably check your baby's development by using ultrasound. Or maybe you've done before. By using ultrasound / sonogram you can see the heart, head, brain, hands, feet, spine, genitals, and other parts of the developing fetus.

At 18 weeks pregnant, the ultrasound can reveal :

The sex of your baby.
Age of the fetus.
The location of your placenta.
Position, movement, breathing, and heartbeat of the fetus.
The amount of amniotic fluid.
Number of fetuses.
The length of your cervix.

Why you need to do an ultrasound / sonogram?

The ultrasound benefits is to estimate the actual age of the fetus. Ultrasound measurement results can be accurately compared with the calculation of the date of your last menstrual period to determine the age of your pregnancy. (The women are not always remember the date of their last menstrual period, and each woman's menstrual cycle is different).
Another benefit is to examine the health of your baby. Your obstetrician can combine the results of measurements of the head, abdomen, and thigh bones to count your baby's actual weight and note any existing problems before they become serious.

18 Weeks Fetus Development

That was the benefits of ultrasound as well as the importance of doing an ultrasound at 18 weeks pregnant. Hopefully useful!

Visit Your Gynecologist Regularly

2012-05-29T00:01:00.000+07:00

Visit Your Gynecologist Regularly - At the age of about 18 weeks pregnant, you may visit your gynecologist for a routine prenatal examination. This is the fundamental thing that is important for you to manage. You certainly want your pregnancy goes smoothly until the time of childbirth.

Things that should be done by your gynecologist are :

Your gynecologist will check your weight, blood pressure, urine, and other vital parts of you.
Your gynecologist will also check your content and measure the length of your fetus between 18 weeks of pregnancy until 34 weeks of pregnancy.
If you already feel the movement of your baby, notify your gynecologist the first time when you felt quickening.
Knowing when your baby has started moving and the frequency of the kick can help your gynecologist to do two things. Your gynecologist can predict your baby's age and estimate your delivery date more accurately.
Based on your medical history, your age, and other information, your gynecologist may talk to you about amniocentesis at about 18 weeks into pregnancy, which is an examination to determine whether there are genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome.

So, visit your gynecologist regularly because it is important to know the progress of your pregnancy. And don't forget to give complete information to your gynecologist.

Body Changes at 18 Weeks Pregnancy

2012-05-28T22:43:00.000+07:00

Body Changes at 18 Weeks Pregnancy - When entering the 18 weeks of pregnancy, you will begin to feel the small changes in your body. What would you feel is certainly a very valuable experience, and this is an important milestone in your pregnancy.

Changes In The Body During 18 Weeks Pregnant

Maybe you feel the fetus begin to move or light pulses since week 18 of pregnancy. This phase is called the quickening. At your next doctor's visit, tell them about the movement of the fetus. Your doctor may ask you to keep up your baby's movements by using a kick count chart. Maybe it was too early for you and your baby, so if you don't feel the beating, it was a normal thing.
At 18 weeks pregnant, you become emotionally attached to your baby. You also probably already started looking for a name for your baby. Hormonal changes will continue to occur, this is normal because these hormones help your baby to grow. However, these hormonal changes will affect the digestive system and other systems of your body. The digestion process is still quite slow and you may experience heartburn or constipation.
At 18 weeks pregnant, your facial skin may be covered with acne or a bit dark. In the area around the nipple or belly button may also become darker. And you may also feel your skin becomes a little dry or itchy. Maybe you will also have trouble sleeping. Arrange the pillow, it will add comfort when you sleep. Because deep sleep is essential for your baby's growth.

Of all the changes in the body mentioned above, there's no one you have to worry about. It was all a normal process in pregnancy. Hopefully the explanation about the body changes at 18 weeks pregnancy is quite helpfull for you!