Pregnancy Week 18

What’s your baby up to?

Your baby is really growing fast. This week, he measures about 14.2cm from crown to rump and weighs about 190g, that’s about the size of a bell pepper.

His hearing is much sharper than before and he can even startle at loud noises.

Your baby is quite active and practices his somersaulting, kicking and punching skills especially now there is still plenty of room in your uterus for his gymnastics.

Your baby’s nervous system is maturing quite rapidly. Nerves are beginning to be covered with myelin (a substance which speeds messages from one nerve cell to the other), and are forming more complex connections.

For a baby girl, the uterus and fallopian tubes are now in place.

How are you doing?

You may be feeling some back aches caused by your lower back being pulled forward while your abdomen is thrust out. Also the pregnancy hormone called relaxin plays a part. It relaxes the ligaments that hold bones together (including those that attach your pelvic bones to your spine) and loosens joints.

This week or next, you may begin to feel your baby’s movements.

Around now your blood pressure may be lower than before. Don’t get up too fast from a lying or sitting position to avoid feeling dizzy and falling over.

 What should you do this week

Your baby’s hearing is better than before, so keep talking and singing to him. He finds it comforting.

To ease aches, try resting your feet on a stool when sitting. Warm baths can also help. Your partner can treat you to a good massage. Also try sleeping with pillows supporting your back.

If you’ve been practicing side lying, you should be used to it by now. From now on, It’s best to lie on your side when you do lie down, to prevent your uterus from compressing a major vein- the vena cava. This can reduce the amount of blood flow and oxygen to your baby and decreased blood returning to your heart.

If you haven’t already, you really should invest in some beautiful and comfortable maternity clothes to accommodate your growing belly. However, be wise in your maternity clothes shopping; don’t waste your money on clothes you’ll wear for a short time. Get tips on how to style your bump on a budget in our maternity style guide. Also take cute maternity photos and send to us at features@maternitynest.com, for a chance to be featured in our maternity style section.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for moral support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.