Pregnancy Week 18
Baby’s Growth During the 18th Week of Pregnancy
At almost 7 ounces and 5 1/2 inches long, your baby may now be large enough for yu to feel twisting, rolling, kicking, and punching. And you’ll begin to notice these movements more and more in the weeks ahead.
A protective covering, myelin, is forming around your baby’s nerves. This process will last for about a year after birth.
If you’re having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now. And if your baby is a girl, fallopian tubes are now developed. Finger pints and toe prints are developed while yawning and hiccuping skills are just beginning — be on the look out for those womb hiccups.
Body Changes in the 18th Week of Pregnancy
If you haven’t already had one, a second trimester ultrasound is just around the corner as your doctor will want to check up on your baby’s growth, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you’re working with is accurate, and see how many babies you’re carrying. During your ultrasound, you may catch a glimpse of your baby moving around or sucking their thumb. Don’t forget to ask for a print out for your baby’s first photo album!
Are you feeling hungry? It’s fairly common for you to have an increased appetite now. Make your meals count by choosing nutrient rich foods rather than empty calories. Bigger, more comfortable clothes are probably a must by now too.
