18Th Week Of Pregnancy – Symptoms And Fetal Development

It takes two to tango when it comes to pregnancy. The sperm from the father fertilizes the egg in the ovary of the mother. Amongst the millions, only one or maybe two in most cases make it all the way to the egg. Here the reactions combine the two and makes it in a blastocyst which is yet not a baby. The blastocyst then forms an embryo which is the early stage of the formation of the little one inside the mother’s womb.

This embryo then changes to a fetal and finally enters the first stage of baby. This baby inside still in its blastocyst form travels through the fallopian tubes of an ovary and attaches itself to the placenta or wall of the ovary. There through nourishment from the mother it starts to form vague shapes eventually resembling a baby. With every passing time, he grows more and more into baby-like, and with every waking moment his heartbeat grows stronger and stronger. Eventually he feels crowded into a small space, more if there are twins in consideration. He feels the lack of space to move about and decides he is ready to come out.

See More: 15 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

This is however a long process and does not happen overnight. To bring a new life into this world, the parents especially the mother goes through a difficult time for quite some months. Mood swings, depressions, awareness, diet charts and doctor visits- it is a strict time and a strong heart that needs to cope with all that mentioned above. But after months of turmoil, when you finally hold your baby in your arms and she stares at you with cute button eyes, you know all that pain was worth it.

What To Think About 18th Week Of Pregnancy?

The total months covered during pregnancy is nine months which is a good 40 week plan. Because of the all frequent doctor visits and weekly monitoring, pregnancy is mostly counted in weeks. These 40 weeks are categorized into three parts. The first, second and third trimester; in this article we are talking about the 18 week pregnancy this is the second trimester which is also known as the ‘golden era’. Week 13 to 27, the ideal time for second trimester is finally when the mother has gotten used to all the new changes in and around her.

See More: 16 Weeks Pregnant

Her previous symptoms like morning sickness and haphazard emotions are now controlled and she finally can enjoy her good night’s sleep. With the passing of time the fetal develops slowly and thus it is at this time when the development monitoring is required more than ever to ensure healthy growing. Week 18 sees a lot many developments in the fetus some of which are enlisted below.

Fetal Development Of The Baby At 18th Week Of Pregnancy:

Week 18 sees a lot many developments in the fetus some of which are enlisted below.

Measurement and Baby Weight:

From a small little spec to a good five and a half inch can be seen in your little baby’s body, from the top to bottom. By the 18th week the baby is seem to grow to an approx five and a half inch which is when he or she should weigh around five ounces.  However this is an approx measure for all and every baby differs in height and weight which is pretty alright if it is something on the edge of the given measurements. Some baby’s can be under weight while some may be over. Frequent doctoral supervision and monitoring is one way you can ensure healthy baby growth.

Movements:

The highlight of this week is the yawn that your child inside learns. The baby inside belly has now learned to yawn and keep on changing position which is clearly felt by the mother.  This is one of the main highlighted fetal movements and site times you may find no movement as well. The other fetal movements from before include slight kicks to the stomach. If the mother feels an awkward rumbling inside her stomach, it is probably the baby who is rolling down under in a playful manner which is completely normal and safe.

See More: 17 Weeks Pregnant Baby Movement

Nervous System Development:

In our 18th week, monitoring and knowledge by the doctor says that the baby’s nervous system are growing and expanding slowly as he puts his nerves to use at around this time. Our body is a twisted knotted pattern of nerves connected to another in a mass like mesh. The nerves that connect one to another is at this point growing and proliferating in number. This nerve connector is known as myelin which now can be seen working in your child’s body. This myelin is responsible for passing of quick impulses or messages from brain or spine to the other body parts. Now he can sense and smell and taste as his sensory organs starts becoming active.

Physical Development:

Not all the internal workings of the baby can be registered or seen but the physical developments are prominent in the ultrasound. The baby’s skin is now no longer transparent but taken its original color. His toe nails and hair follicles are forming slowly. Lanugo, the soft hair that grows around his body to protect him is now seen. His heartbeat is now strong enough for the doctor to directly asses it using a stethoscope to your baby bump.
Genitals:

Now is the time when knowing if your baby is a boy or girl will get exciting for you. And your partner of course cant wait either. While some parents decide to wait to know, some don’t mind spoiling the
mystery beforehand to make advancements with the home and child planning. Now is just week 18, so it might not be clear yet, however don’t worry, by the end of the week or two, it will all come in the clear.

Sex Chromosomes:

Although the gender of your baby isn’t determined until he or she is born, it is fixed up right at the time of fertilization. Each egg contains two chromosomes, the X ones, and a sperm has X and Y chromosomes. Depending on the pairing, if it is a pair of X, it will most certainly effect the gender of your baby and it will be a girl, else it will be a boy if the pair is X and Y. In the end, this is the stage where you will get to know what happened back at the time of conception. Which is why, this week is a major development.

18 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms And How To Overcome:

With the baby the mother also changes which might be somewhere in these lines.

Low Blood Pressure:

At around this time certain pressure problems including varicose veins might occur. As the baby inside grows more and more, he starts putting more pressure into the body and with such pressure conditions in consideration and cardiovascular pressure,  low blood pressure might be a common scenario. With these might come swells like swollen feet which is a normal thing. To overcome this problem, drink a lot of tea and fiber. Cut off on the salt, since that might be a major reason for the change in pressure. These steps should benefit you all the way in the long run.

Appetite Growth:

The main fetal developments occur at round this time so by your 18th week the mother can feel his baby bump grow a tad bit more with her appetite rising more than last week. It is advisable to stick to organic nutrition food at this time since the baby nourishes itself from the mother. However don’t hesitate to bite into that chocolate bar once in a while. To overcome your excess fat gain during pregnancy, improve child growth development; take snacks like salads, nuts in regular basis, while you are more hunger. If you take a large sized meal in every day basis, it will gain your weight frequently.

Back Pains:

This week that weird back pain has been bothering you right? It is because of your sleeping position. With the baby inside growing sleeping on your back now can put a lot of pressure to not only the back but also cardiac pressure. This is why it is usually advisable for you to sleep on your side to equalize blood flow. This is why it is usually advisable for you to sleep on your side to equalize blood flow. Apart from that, support your back at all times and do not cross your legs when you sit anymore.
Gastrointestinal Issues:

Most of the digestive problems of pregnancy begin with constipation. Some women have gastrointestinal disorders that are unique to pregnancy. The high levels of certain hormones during pregnancy relax the muscles of the bowels and make it hard for them to work efficiently. The increasing uterus push on the bowel and disrupts normal function, to overcome this issue, you should keep monitoring on your intakes with minimal calories and full of nutrients.

Heartburn:

More than half of the all pregnant women report symptoms of severe heart burn, chiefly during their second and third trimesters. Heart burn also an acid ingestion, is an irritation or burning sensation of the esophagus caused by stomach contents that reflex the stomach. To reduce the problem, eat slowly, drink less while eating and don’t lie down after eating. Wear loose-fitting clothing; it will increase the pressure on your stomach and abdomen.

18 Weeks Pregnant Activities:

Standing on the 18th week, your bump is still in the growing and you need to find yourself new ways to adjust your walking position and your sleeping position. In this week , your baby’s nervous system, which maturing rapidly, so you need to concentrate your body posture, while you go for sleeping, make sure with your sleeping position, the spine should be as straight as possible, and while you get up on the morning, maintain your body balance and then get up from your place or bed. The child brain feels the taste, smell and sight, hearing, your baby is growing more actuate. Make your little one more aware of sounds that come from inside your body. Maintaining your sleeping and walking position during this week, which will helps to reduce your back pain

Diet And Exercise For 18 Weeks Pregnant:

Diet:

1. Your diet this week needs all of the vitamins and fruits that there are. Your daily food must contain vegetables and fruits. The fruits and vegetables which has full of nutrients will help to grow your baby easy and healthy.
2. Instead of eating raw veggies, you should take smooth and fresh vegetables in your diet to boost your energy. Some of the smooth fruits are pomegranate, strawberries, kiwis and oranges, apple, bananas
3. The important and essential nutrient is Iron, to develop and boost your red cells; you must take the foods like spinach, lean meat and bananas, and cherries.
4. Calcium is one of the crucial nutrients aside which helps to grow your child development. Doctors are suggests to take a leafy vegetables, dairy products, breads, raisins and wholegrain, nuts in regular basis, will increase the calcium in your body.
5. Vitamin C make your body with fresh and healthy, during the pregnancy you should take a intakes as oranges and lemons, among the citrus fruits to boost your stages.

Exercises:

Doing some exercise during 18th week of pregnancy, will help you to keep your body healthy and boost your child’s growth. Here are few exercises are recommended for you.
1. Belly Breathing:

Belly breathing yoga technique will help you to give a stress relief. For this exercise, sit and put your legs cross. Support with your back and hands on the belly. Repeat it for 5 times.

2. Pelvic Rest:

To give the pelvic rest, you should keep doing this exercise on a regular basis. During this pose support with the cushion and rest your back, thighs to maintain the center of gravity.

3. Walking:

Walking during pregnancy, will helps to keep you more active. But also leaves you stress less and make you happier and peace.

4. Inhale & Exhale:

Inhale through your nose and hold your breath and exhale your breathing will helps you to improve your abdominal health and also will helps you to strengthening the muscles to help with your contraction later.

5. Yoga:

Best and simple yoga will help to enhance your body elasticity and boost up your stamina powers. This will allow you to better mind and body when time comes for your release.

Sex During 18th Week Of Pregnancy:

Pregnancy during 18th week, sex is very safe and you can keep your thoughts of damage your baby away. Do make sure with your doctor, having sex during pregnancy is safe or not for the baby. Your hormonal changes might often make you want for sex, while some capacity also loses interest entirely. Apart from these things, you are decided to having sex during pregnancy talking about the poses, going easy and slow would be a wise move.

Tips To Overcome Stress During 18th Week Of Pregnancy:

1. This is just about time for you to start relaxing. Announce at work that you have reached your limit. People will understand and cooperate and your child will thank you later.
2. Talk to your partner the whole time about all progresses. That will clear things up for you, and also make it easier for you to know where you are heading, while he feels more involved.
3. While everyone’s symptoms vary, finding something common with other moms to be isn’t a bad feeling. Prenatal classes should be the right choice for the same.
4. Food and sleep are important. Don’t get carried away with the cravings, but do entertain healthy choices more.
5. Exercise well, since it might improve your mood. You can indulge in yoga and meditation as well, if your stress is severe.

Medical Treatments And Checkup For 18 Weeks Pregnant:

There are some health issues and checkups to keep in mind, but since it’s the 18th week, it can be make your baby safe; blood tests should make things clear for you and occasional ultrasounds can also be expected during this time. Spinal and HCG fluids will be checked to determine the abnormalities in the fetus and few medicines are recommended for you to keep your body healthy

1. Dull pain and troubles- Acetaminophen. guide to clear of Ibuprofen and Naproxen.
2. Allergic reaction- Antihistamines and Ioratadine. You should avoid the medicines Pseudoephedrine and Decongestants like Phenylephrine.
3. Cough- For heavy cough Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin are prescribed.
4. Gastrointestinal problems- Metamucil and Colace. Avoid laxatives and mineral oil.
5. Indigestion and stomach burning – Antacids and Famotidine.

Tips and Precautions:

• Moisturize your skin more often now to get rid of or avoid the stretch marks, which you have been dreading so far.
• To prevent excessive weight gain, try to cut out on food items like sugar, coffee, and oil as much as possible.
• Drink more water than usual to keep yourself hydrated, even if it means more urination. This will also help cut down on your food cravings and help you lose weight.
• Exercise precautions on your overall oral hygiene system, prevents from bad bouts and other infections on your gums, that can overtake through food .
• There might be some itching owing to the stretching of your skin. Keep over the counter medicines and oil for a quicker relief.

While 18th week might not be the hardest, it most certainly means more development in your child. This means, rushing to the clinic every other day to check for the progress, as well as unusual conditions. If you can manage through the symptoms and emerge as a winner, then this week will be manageable enough.