Pregnancy Calendar at Week 18
What's Happening with the Baby
At 18 weeks of pregnancy, the development of the brain continues: the number of nerve cells increases, and the grooves and convolutions deepen. Myelin (a special sheath) begins to form around the nerves: it protects the nerves from damage and speeds up the transmission of impulses from the brain and spinal cord to the fetus's organs and tissues. The myelin sheath will continue to develop even after the baby is born (up to 1 year).
At the base of the baby's neck, the thymus (a gland) appears. It produces lymphocytes – cells of the immune system that will protect the fetus's body from "invaders."
The baby has noticeably grown: they already weigh ~217 g and reach 20.3 cm in length (about the size of a good potato).
The bones are getting stronger, the arms and legs are growing, and overall, the baby's body structure is becoming more proportional.
Interesting fact: it is believed that by the 18th–19th week of pregnancy, the unique pattern on the baby's fingers is fully formed.
The little one has already developed their own routine: sleep and wake phases alternate, so the expectant mother can plan her day according to the baby's schedule.
Typically, during this period, babies become more active, moving around and doing somersaults. A woman can monitor these movements (normally 4-8 per hour; if there are more, it's a good idea to tell your OB-GYN, as it might indicate that the baby is experiencing discomfort and is signaling you about it).
What's Happening with Mom
First-time moms start feeling fetal movements at around 18-20 weeks. They describe it as fluttering, bubbling, or flapping. However, some pregnant women might confuse these sensations with intestinal peristalsis (wave-like contractions of smooth muscles). Women who have been pregnant before tend to feel these movements more frequently. The baby's activity increases in the evening, often making it difficult for the woman to fall asleep.
Uterus
continues to grow and by the 18th week of pregnancy, it reaches the size of a coconut or a small melon. The expectant mother can feel a firm mass midway between the pubic bone and the navel. If you feel the abdomen about 2-2.5 cm below the navel, you can independently locate the bottom of the uterus. Although a doctor can do this as early as around the 12th week.
Abdomen
By the 18th week, hiding the belly becomes increasingly difficult, as it not only grows noticeably but also rises. This causes the woman's center of gravity to shift, resulting in the characteristic pregnancy walk, where she moves with her shoulders slightly leaned back. It is very important to choose the right clothing now, and to avoid putting strain on the spine and prevent unwanted back and lower back pain, specialists recommend getting special shorts or panties that will support the growing belly.
Some pregnant women may experience dizziness. This is due to a drop in blood pressure below their usual levels. If you feel dizzy when you get up quickly from bed, follow these guidelines. After waking up, don't get up quickly; stretch, move your arms and legs. Then sit up and stay in bed for a few minutes. After that, you can get up, but do it slowly.
Since the center of gravity shifts forward, to maintain balance, a woman starts to arch her back more. As a result, expectant mothers may experience lower back pain. Sometimes there is pain in the hip and buttock areas, caused by the growing uterus compressing nerve plexuses. Improper footwear can make these unpleasant sensations even worse, so experts strongly recommend moms wear shoes with stable soles or low heels (if they can't go without them). It's also important to strengthen back muscles through special exercises and swimming.
If you have pain in the hip and buttock areas, you should do a few forward and side bends, and rotate your pelvis. Then lie on your "healthy"side and relax – the pain should subside in a few minutes.
Besides the appearance of back pain and lower back pain, you might also experience periodic pulling sensations in your abdomen. To ease the strain on your back, in addition to supportive garments and regular exercises to strengthen your back muscles, it's also important to give them rest, monitor your diet and weight (to avoid gaining more pounds than necessary).
However, lower back pain might not be related to the growth of the uterus but could be due to an infection in the urinary tract. To prevent urinary system diseases, try to avoid getting too cold. At the first signs, immediately consult a specialist.
Additionally, you need to pay attention to unusual abdominal pains. Due to the growth of the uterus, a woman might constantly feel discomfort in the abdominal area, but when the pain becomes prolonged or cramping, you must immediately see a doctor.
Nasal Congestion and Swelling
The cause of this phenomenon is often rhinitis, which occurs due to swelling of the mucous tissues, mostly caused by hormonal changes. Rhinitis itself poses no danger to the mother and baby, but it does cause significant discomfort for the woman. Saline solutions and sprays can help alleviate the condition. It is possible to completely get rid of rhinitis within 1-2 weeks after childbirth. Sometimes the swelling is exacerbated due to the anatomical structure of the nose (for example, it is often during this period that women learn about a deviated septum and the need for future surgical intervention, but only after the baby is born and breastfeeding is completed). In such cases, doctors recommend that pregnant women sleep with their heads elevated (semi-sitting) to ensure proper airflow at night.
Discharge
At 18 weeks (assuming a normal pregnancy), discharge will still be light and uniform. The only difference compared to the previous period is that it might become more abundant. This is normal as long as the color doesn't change and the woman doesn't experience itching or burning. However, if the discharge is greenish, yellow, or has a cottage cheese-like consistency, it could indicate an infection, which should prompt an immediate visit to the doctor. To avoid such issues, it's advisable to cut out sugar and pastries (yeast) from the diet. It's also important to regularly consume natural fermented dairy products and maintain good hygiene.
Possible deviations from the norm:
- cystitis;
- pyelonephritis;
- placenta previa (complete, partial), low-lying placenta.
Development of Twins
Twins generally don't differ in terms of development from their siblings born from a single pregnancy. The only difference a mom might notice is the size of her belly (with a multiple pregnancy, starting from weeks 16-17, the belly will be larger than that of moms expecting just one baby).
It's also important to know that at 18 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's glands increase their activity, releasing a large amount of hormones. In the case of a multiple pregnancy, the mom is at risk of developing gland-related issues due to the excess amount of hormones.
Medical Examination
Doctors
- Consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist – this is the fourth visit to the doctor. The next appointment with the gynecologist should be at 22 weeks.
Tests
- General urine test – helps to identify kidney and bladder diseases. It's not uncommon for women at this stage to have acetone in their urine, which indicates poor liver function. It's also necessary to rule out diabetes and preeclampsia.
- Complete blood count – this is needed to detect various diseases that could complicate a normal pregnancy. Low hemoglobin levels in a pregnant woman can lead to a lack of oxygen for the baby, which may result in the development of anemia in the child after birth.
- Triple test – if it wasn't done at 16 or 17 weeks, it needs to be done now.
Examinations
- Weight measurement – Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to complications.
- Blood pressure measurement – Elevated blood pressure indicates the development of hypertension and other pregnancy complications.
- Measurement of the height of the uterine fundus and abdominal circumference – Deviation from average values at this stage indicates pregnancy complications and requires further examination.
- Ultrasound – Between the 18th and 22nd week, the doctor schedules a follow-up ultrasound for the expectant mother. Although an ultrasound can now reveal the baby's gender, the primary purpose at this stage is to ensure the normal development of the fetus and the absence of defects such as heart abnormalities and Down syndrome. Additionally, the ultrasound allows the doctor to examine the placenta's attachment site, determine the baby's abdominal and head circumference, measure the front-to-back length of the head and long bones, and assess the condition of the umbilical cord and placenta.
Pregnancy Challenges
By the 18th week of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is minimized, and the risk of fetal complications decreases since the baby is now fully formed. Morning sickness usually subsides, but the likelihood of encountering difficulties remains significant. Below is a list of potential complications.
Abdominal Pain
As the uterus expands and the supporting ligaments stretch, you may occasionally feel pulling pains in the lower abdomen. If these pains are brief and infrequent, it's normal. However, if the episodes are prolonged, especially if accompanied by discharge, a doctor's examination is essential.
Back Pain
Due to the growing baby, your center of gravity shifts, causing your spine to deviate from its usual position, which can lead to discomfort in the lower back and sometimes sharp pains. This issue can be managed by wearing a support belt and sleeping in a fetal position, meaning on your side with your knees drawn up.
Urinary Tract Infections
Symptoms may include a heavy feeling in the lower back, reduced urine output, and weight gain due to fluid retention. With cystitis, the frequency of urination increases and is often accompanied by pain. To monitor kidney health throughout pregnancy, regular urine tests are conducted, and additional medications may be prescribed if necessary.
Missed Miscarriage
Unfortunately, for various reasons, this can happen and initially show no symptoms. Then, weakness, chills, pulling pains in the lower abdomen or lower back, and dark spotting may occur. The appearance of such symptoms requires immediate medical attention.
Anemia
Due to hormonal changes and some fluid retention, many women are diagnosed with this condition. The pregnant woman may not feel any discomfort, and periodic weakness and dizziness may not cause serious concern. The attending physician will definitely assess the degree of anemia and prescribe treatment if necessary.
Constipation
There may be difficulties with bowel movements and stool retention for up to 3 days. In such cases, adjusting the diet and engaging in physical activity, such as walking in nature, can have a positive effect.
What You Can and Can't Do
The general recommendations for a pregnant woman remain the same as in the earlier stages: balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and a positive mindset. The most dangerous periods are behind, and ahead lies scheduled doctor visits and preparation for childbirth.
What an Expectant Mom CAN Do:
- Light exercise focusing on the pelvic floor muscles, as long as it doesn't cause discomfort.
- Walking with close friends or family in nature or a park to enjoy positive emotions.
- Participating in prenatal water aerobics, provided there are no specific health issues.
- Having sex (if there are no restrictions from the doctor). You should abstain from intimacy if there is an infection or increased uterine tone.
- Getting a full night's sleep of at least 8 hours and taking naps during the day if needed.
- Engaging in favorite activities, such as reading fiction, listening to classical music, or embroidery.
What an Expectant Mom CAN'T Do:
- Smoking in any amount, as tobacco causes blood vessels to constrict and disrupts blood flow to the fetus.
- Consuming foods with high levels of preservatives, fatty and fried foods, and smoked delicacies due to potential toxic effects.
- Intense physical activities are dangerous as they can lead to premature labor, as well as injury-prone sports like skiing, weightlifting, and horseback riding.
- Taking medications without consulting a doctor.
- Undergoing any medical examinations without a doctor's referral.
- Strongly brewed tea and coffee, as their consumption can raise blood pressure and disrupt uterine blood flow.
Proper Nutrition
Expecting moms need to pay close attention to their diet now, just as they should throughout the entire pregnancy. Meals should be varied and balanced, and most importantly, they should contain enough vitamins.
To avoid gaining extra pounds, it's important to limit the intake of fatty foods and sweets. To ensure there's enough calcium in your body, add low-fat dairy products like cottage cheese and kefir to your daily diet. Lean meats and fish are also essential for the normal development of the fetus, and fresh fruits and vegetables can help prevent constipation.
In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, it's crucial to consume enough protein. Proteins are the building blocks for the cells of both the mother and the baby. To meet your protein needs during this period, make sure to include a variety of protein-rich foods in your daily diet: meat, seafood, fish, milk and dairy products, as well as eggs and cheese.
Need for Vitamins and Minerals
Getting the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals is crucial for the proper development of the baby and the health of the mother during pregnancy. A deficiency in these nutrients can lead to pathological conditions, which should be prevented whenever possible.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
This water-soluble vitamin plays a role in nerve impulse transmission, energy production, and protein and fat metabolism. A deficiency can cause delays in physical development. It can be found in pine nuts, oatmeal, barley, seeds, greens, pork, and liver.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Known as the beauty vitamin, this nutrient is part of redox enzymes. Riboflavin is essential for antibody production, red blood cell formation, and growth regulation. It is abundant in liver, dairy products, grains, green vegetables, and legumes.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin strengthens the nervous system and affects cholesterol levels. A deficiency can lead to dermatitis and digestive issues. It is found in egg yolk, fish, dairy products, and beans.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Actively participates in the production of energy necessary to sustain the body's vital functions. It plays a role in the immune response, aids in the absorption of other vitamins, and helps prevent aging. Found in buckwheat and oatmeal, green vegetables and legumes, dairy products, and fish roe.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Along with other B vitamins, it normalizes metabolism, regulates blood sugar levels, and is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. A deficiency can disrupt the formation of a child's brain and increase the risk of miscarriage. It is obtained from whole grain bread, sprouted grains, liver, and red fish.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin, or Vitamin H)
Normalizes blood glucose levels and cholesterol fractions, and regulates the nervous system. Found in almost all fruits, berries, and vegetables, grains, dairy products, meat, and fish.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
This vitamin is often prescribed to pregnant women in the early stages. It influences the formation and development of body tissues, stimulates the development of the hematopoietic system, and reduces the risk of fetal brain pathologies. It is found in meat products, bran, root vegetables, and pumpkin.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Participates in DNA synthesis, influences blood formation and reproductive functions, and normalizes hormonal balance. It is found in the highest amounts in meat and fish products, eggs, and poultry.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Enters the body only from external sources, regulates redox processes, reduces vascular permeability, affects blood clotting, and tissue regeneration. It is present in berries and fruits, tomatoes, cabbage, and baked potatoes.
Vitamin A (retinol)
Participates in the formation of the visual apparatus, strengthens the musculoskeletal system, and affects the protective properties of the skin and mucous membranes. A deficiency in retinol can lead to vision problems and frequent colds. The highest amounts are found in fish oil, as well as liver, parsley, spinach, carrots, and eggs.
Vitamin D
Responsible for the proper formation of bones, muscles, and teeth, and helps in the absorption of calcium. Low levels in the body can lead to decreased immunity, more fragile bones, and issues with skin and teeth. To maintain optimal levels of vitamin D, you should include fatty fish, caviar, and egg yolk in your diet.
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
It acts as an antioxidant, participates in metabolic processes and tissue respiration, and protects against toxins. It is found in butter and vegetable oils, meat and milk, eggs, and cereal germ.
Vitamin K
It affects blood clotting, prevents bleeding, and inhibits the development of cancer cells. It is present in all types of cabbage, wheat bran and grains, and olive oil.
Calcium
Essential for the development of bones and teeth, it prevents rickets in babies, stops bleeding, and prevents premature labor. It is absorbed from fish and dairy products, green vegetables, and nuts. Physical activity and regular outdoor walks during the daytime are necessary for calcium absorption.
Magnesium
The need for magnesium increases during pregnancy; this trace element is involved in the formation of the placenta and the fetal nervous system, and it regulates uterine tone. It is found in sesame seeds and wheat bran, sunflower seeds, and buckwheat.
Phosphorus
It regulates hormone levels and acid-base balance, is essential for bones and teeth, and prevents dementia and energy balance disorders. It is absorbed by the body from fish and seafood, nuts and seeds, pork, and dairy products.
Potassium
Present in every cell of the body, a deficiency can lead to cramps, swelling, and weakness, heart palpitations, and increased irritability. Foods rich in potassium include prunes and raisins, potatoes, and dried apricots.
Chromium
Involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, regulates blood glucose levels, and helps prevent gestational diabetes. Found in broccoli and grapes, oranges, bananas, and turkey.
Cobalt
Plays a role in regulating placental blood supply; a deficiency can lead to fetal hypoxic damage and blood formation disorders. Found in fish and shrimp, semolina porridge.
Copper
Mostly found in red and white blood cells, stored in the fetus; a deficiency can lead to cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Rich sources include lamb and veal, seafood, and nuts.
Iron
Part of hemoglobin, thus affecting the nourishment of all organs and tissues. A deficiency can impair fetal growth and development, worsen the mother's well-being, and increase the risk of significant blood loss during childbirth. Absorbed from red meat and fish, liver, legumes, and whole grains.
Selenium
An antioxidant necessary for the formation of the fetal musculoskeletal system. A deficiency can affect the thyroid gland and increase the risk of miscarriage. Found in broccoli and coconuts, seaweed, and seafood.
Silicon
Plays a role in the body's metabolic processes, found in lymph nodes, endocrine glands, and connective tissue. A deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system and damaged blood vessels. It is sourced from grains and cereals, cabbage, and bell peppers.
Zinc
Involved in insulin production, speeds up tissue healing, and is essential for vision. Beef and dairy products, carrots, cereals, and bran are rich in zinc.
Helpful Tips
Start doing exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles (Kegel exercises). Sit down, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles, and tense up as if you're trying to stop the flow of urine. Hold the tension for 10 seconds, then slowly relax. Initially, do 5 repetitions, then increase to 10 repetitions 2-3 times a day.
Your baby can already hear you, so it's the perfect time to stock up on some interesting children's books. This way, the future dad can read to your little one in the evenings, helping the baby get used to his voice. Mom is already an inseparable part of the baby right now; the baby will recognize her heartbeat and voice almost immediately after birth. But dad will need to make an effort in advance to become the best father for the little boy or girl. Plus, mom will be thrilled at the prospect of spending evenings together with you and a good book. It's so romantic!
Exercises for Expecting Moms
After a grueling first trimester and the easing (or even complete disappearance) of the most unpleasant early pregnancy symptoms (weakness, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, etc.), a woman's body is finally full of strength and energy that should be channeled in the right direction. Take more walks – this is a general recommendation for all women during the baby-waiting period: your body will thank you for the movement! Plus, burning extra calories will be a bonus and make it easier to lose weight after childbirth.
It's important to understand that physical activity during pregnancy has its limitations: exercises that strain the abdominal muscles, jumping or high-impact exercises (which can cause sudden spikes in blood pressure), and those affecting pelvic circulation (for example, from a lying-on-your-back position) are not recommended.
Discomforts During Pregnancy
Heartburn
As the uterus grows, the abdominal organs are pushed up towards the diaphragm, causing heartburn. To prevent it, it's advised not to lie down immediately after eating, keep meal portions to no more than 200 ml, and some people find that sunflower seeds can help alleviate heartburn.
Epigastric Pain
This pain is also caused by the enlargement of the uterus and the displacement of internal organs. It can be felt both before and after eating. Managing this issue can be helped by following a diet, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and monitoring bowel movements.
Leg Muscle Pain and Cramps
The strain on your lower limbs increases due to weight gain and a higher blood volume. A lack of essential minerals can lead to muscle cramps. Be mindful of how much you walk, elevate your legs when resting, and consult a doctor for treatment if necessary.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
If you notice an increase in discharge or an unpleasant odor, it's important to see your OB-GYN. The doctor will check for signs of infection and inflammation, as well as assess the baby's condition and activity levels.
Shortness of Breath
It can occur even with minimal physical exertion. The causes of this condition can vary, so it's essential to visit a doctor and undergo recommended examinations for a proper diagnosis.
Dizziness
Occasional episodes aren't usually a concern, but if you experience it frequently, you should let your doctor know.
Checklist
- Go for a routine ultrasound, usually scheduled between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, the baby's gender can be determined, and the condition of the umbilical cord and placenta is assessed.
- The "Triple Test"or screening for chromosomal abnormalities.
- Take the tests prescribed by the doctor based on medical indications: general urine test, biochemical tests, and complete blood count.
- Visit the doctor to assess the health of both the mother and the baby.