18 completed weeks of pregnancy. Pain and discharge. Preparation for diagnostics

What does the baby look like (weight and size of the fetus)

Want to know what an embryo looks like? What is the weight and size of the fetus developing inside you? The miniature man now resembles a mango in size. It even weighs exactly as much as a medium-sized fruit weighs - one hundred and fifty grams. The growth of the crumbs can vary from 12.5 to 14 centimeters. Despite the fact that the baby has grown one and a half (and in some cases even two!) times over the past seven days, he still, like a fish in an aquarium, swims freely in his mother's stomach. He twitches his arms and legs, and you can already feel his movements. While these are still movements, there will be shocks over time - when the baby becomes cramped in the mother's womb and when his movements will no longer be so free. Scientists believe that the opportunity to move at this stage is invaluable for the baby and contributes to its active development.

By week 18, your son or daughter will have fully formed arms and legs. Moreover, individual patterns have already appeared on the pads of his fingers - circles and monograms, which we call prints. The development of the brain is in full swing in the fetus. And along with it, the immune system is actively formed, designed to protect the children's body from endless infectious attacks from the outside.

The kid is able to touch his own face and tightly squeeze tiny fists. He very subtly feels his mother and her mood. When the mother is worried, the baby also feels anxious. When mommy is happy, the baby is in a calm, peaceful state.

Determination of the sex of the child

At this stage, happy future parents can already find out who they are waiting for - a boy or a girl. To do this, you do not need to guess on the coffee grounds or do some incomprehensible complex calculations based on the blood type of the expectant mother. Information about the gender of the baby will most likely be announced by the ultrasound doctor in the process of conducting a study with the participation of an ultrasound machine. Ultrasound is not performed specifically for sex determination. The gender of the fetus is announced during the second scheduled ultrasound. But here’s the problem: it’s impossible to guess what position the baby will be in at the time of analysis. If the baby turns to the doctor and to the parents with the “fifth point”, it will not work out whether he is a girl or a boy.

But don't worry if this is the case for you. Many modern parents specifically ask the medical specialist not to voice this information. They think it should be a surprise. And after all, by and large, it does not matter at all who will be born to you - a princess or a little hero. The main thing is that the baby is healthy. And the rest is sheer nonsense.

YOU

Analyzes and medical examinations

There are very few mandatory tests at the 18th week of pregnancy. To be extremely precise, it is only one - a urine test. It is extremely important for the doctor to make sure that your kidneys are functioning as expected, without failure. Sometimes, if the situation requires it, the doctor sends his patient with a fairly rounded tummy for a blood test to check the hemoglobin level in the mother's body. This is important because with low hemoglobin, the expectant mother develops anemia, due to which the baby does not receive enough oxygen. You can correct the level of hemoglobin with the help of iron-rich foods (beef, buckwheat porridge, pomegranate juice, apples) and iron-containing preparations. This is definitely not a cause for concern. In addition, if your doctor does not suspect you have low hemoglobin, you are unlikely to have to donate blood this week.

ultrasound

At the 18th week of pregnancy, you can and should do an ultrasound. This is the second ultrasound examination, which is mandatory for a period of 17-22 weeks. You probably already know that it doesn't hurt. Moreover, repeated ultrasound is a real holiday for future moms and dads. Perhaps this week you will see your baby's face for the first time, and maybe even find out what gender your baby is. True, the answer to the last question is not so much the will of chance, but the will of the child himself. If it is turned to face you and your doctor, then it will be easy to determine the sex. The doctor will surely show you the "distinctive feature" of your heir. If the baby decides that it is too early for the parents to know information about his gender, he will turn his back on you and continue to keep the intrigue.

Many medical centers today have modern equipment that can take a photo of a son or daughter for happy future parents, as well as a 3D recording of a baby “swimming” in the mother’s womb. Do not deny yourself such pleasure, because this is a memory for the rest of your life.

However, the gender of the fetus is a secondary issue. The main purpose of repeated ultrasound is to identify or confirm the absence of defects in the development of the child. The doctor will definitely indicate in the conclusion the location of the placenta - a special organ through which the baby receives its nutrition. This information is of particular importance because it can be used to predict the risk of placental abruption, taking the necessary measures in a timely manner. But don't worry, don't overthink it. For you, ultrasound is a long-awaited meeting with a baby, and everything else is up to the doctors. You can learn more about examinations at the 18th week of pregnancy.

Screening

If your doctor did not order a screening test for you last week, he will certainly ask you to do a triple screening within the next seven days. Why triple? Because this blood test from a vein is aimed at identifying three markers - the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the level of AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) and the level of NE (unconjugated estriol). All these abbreviations and medical terms are unlikely to be close and understandable for the expectant mother (unless she herself is a doctor). In more understandable terms, triple screening will detect (or, more likely, confirm the absence of) certain genetic abnormalities. In the case when the deviations are confirmed and the doctor assumes the baby has Down syndrome or other anomalies, the studies continue until the final diagnosis is made. However, before you panic and worry for no reason, know that triple screening is only the foundation for further research. The presence of a marker is not the same as a terrible diagnosis. A marker is just an excuse to take control of a certain medical issue, nothing more.

Triple screening is optional. Doctors recommend taking this analysis, but the final decision always remains with the pregnant woman. If she's willing to go to a private lab and pay a certain amount of money for a test, that's fine. If she does not have such a desire or financial ability, it is not critical. Mandatory for any women's consultation is a truncated version of triple screening - double, which is aimed at detecting only two of the three above-mentioned markers. It should be done free of charge in the medical institution where the expectant mother is observed.

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What happens to your body - sensations

At week 18, the expectant mother will “get acquainted” with edema of the upper and lower extremities. Do not be alarmed, because this is a traditional situation for a pregnant woman. At the 5th month, water and sodium will begin to linger in the body of the expectant mother. It is this delay that will provoke swelling of the arms and legs. It is very important to protect the kidneys during this period. They have a lot of work assigned to them, they function day and night - without breaks and days off. Any, even the most insignificant infection can cause a failure in their work. To prevent this from happening, go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need - empty your bladder in a timely manner and without delay.

Drawing pains in the abdomen

Many mothers complain that around this period they begin to pull in the lower abdomen. Pain in the lower abdomen can be divided into two types:

the first type - pulling pains, felt in the sides and associated with the fact that the uterus continues its active growth;
the second type is pain that looks like contractions, spasmodic and strong, indicating that some kind of malfunction has occurred in the female body.

The first type of pain must be taken for granted. But with the second it is better to quickly consult a doctor. He will instantly find out what the matter is and will do everything to stabilize the situation.

Back pain

Numerous surveys of pregnant women have proven that it is impossible to carry a baby without experiencing pain in the back and lower back. Which is absolutely justified and logical. The uterus grows, shifting the center of gravity and provoking lumbar pain. If it hurts a lot, ask your doctor about effective physical exercises. Ten to fifteen minutes of physiotherapy exercises a day - and the pain is no longer so obvious, and the back muscles are much stronger than before. And don't forget the bandage. This is the kind of help that you can and should give to your body. This device will help to properly distribute the existing load and reduce stress in the spine.

Allocations

Normally, the discharge from the expectant mother should be exactly the same as before the news of pregnancy - transparent or slightly whitish, without a pronounced smell. With only one difference: the leucorrhoea of a pregnant woman is more abundant than that of a woman out of an “interesting” position. The fact is that the discharge is involved in some "pregnant" processes. For example, they form what doctors call a mucous plug.

A variant of the norm is the appearance of several bloody spots on underwear after intimacy with a partner. Do not be afraid of these drops. And in order to prevent this from happening again, just change your position. You may not have been in the most comfortable position. Here the uterus reacted to discomfort in a similar way.

Abundant blood on the linen should be regarded by the expectant mother as a signal to immediately contact a gynecologist. Don't be scared and don't panic. Any situation is fixable if measures are taken in a timely manner. Careful attention to your health and condition will protect you from possible problems.

At the 18th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother can become infected with candidiasis, aka thrush. And again: put aside the panic. Candidiasis is indicated by white curdled discharge that smells of something sour. There is nothing wrong with dairy. The only thing that is important in such a situation is the need to get rid of the disease before childbirth. You have a lot of time left, so you will definitely have time to do this.

Infectious ailments are usually manifested by secretions of more exotic shades - green and yellow. Tell your doctor if you notice something similar in yourself, and he will immediately prescribe an effective treatment for you.

Nausea

Often, by the beginning of the 18th week of pregnancy, she forever says goodbye to the future mother, which makes her incredibly happy. Agree, early toxicosis is not the best thing that can happen in the life of a pregnant woman. Purely theoretically, you can still feel sick, but in theory, there should be no more nausea or vomiting. Prolonged toxicosis is a reason to consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist. There may be something wrong with your diet. What exactly - the doctor will find out and instantly make the necessary adjustments, after which you will definitely and certainly say goodbye to toxic symptoms.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Do's and Don'ts

The list of what a future mother can do at the 18th week of pregnancy is much more extensive and meaningful than the list of what a pregnant woman cannot do at this time. For those who want to know more, .

Proper nutrition

If the expectant mother professed the principles of proper nutrition even before pregnancy, she will not have to rebuild her diet in the right direction. What can you eat at 18 weeks? Everything that is recommended for people who care about their own health. Now the mother's body especially needs calcium. It will be great if you start drawing it not from vitamin complexes packaged in pharmacy jars, but from fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables. These three positions are indispensable in your diet. you will be able to learn a lot about the principles of your diet in the fifth month of pregnancy. Or maybe just read about something that you have known for a long time. However, we consider it our duty to once again remind you of the main thing: you need to eat fractionally, but little by little.

Don't gain extra kilos. Keep a close eye on your weight every week of pregnancy. Don't know your rate for 18 weeks? a special service for calculating weight during pregnancy will help you.

Do not sin with chocolate and coffee. These foods contribute to fluid retention in your body. You already know, so you definitely won't make things worse and work your kidneys overtime, right?

vitamins

The question of which vitamins to take this week can only be answered by a doctor. In no case do not buy vitamin complexes on your own - on the recommendation of friends and part-time “experienced mothers”. Your doctor may prescribe calcium for you. But if it’s late spring, summer or autumn, the doctor will probably give a much more effective and tasty recommendation: eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Ideally, if the fruits are collected in the country garden. Berries purchased on the market from a time-tested seller are also not bad. At least, certainly better than pills with synthetic ingredients.

It is the second week of the fifth month. It is at this time that a woman especially clearly begins to feel the baby's tremors. This is a very special, incomparable feeling. There are many physiological changes in a woman's body: the tummy noticeably increases in size, the depth of the navel decreases, it becomes slightly convex. The rapidly growing uterus takes on dimensions from 16 to 21 cm

Development of pregnancy at 18 weeks.

A woman can feel the first movements of the fetus at 18-22 weeks. But this is not a clear-cut rule. Women who give birth not for the first time or are especially slender, the first tremors can be felt much earlier, at 16 weeks. Be sure to remember the date of the first movement of the baby, the gynecologist will certainly ask about this to calculate the exact timing of conception and predict the date of birth.

eighteenth week of pregnancy should proceed without any unpleasant, painful sensations. In case of experiencing pulling pains in the lower abdomen, the woman should inform the doctor for an additional examination.

Baby at 18 weeks pregnant.

At 18 weeks pregnant, the baby looks like a miniature replica of an adult. Height is 14 cm, weight is approximately 200 grams. He is comfortable with his mother in the tummy, there is enough space for active movement, coups. It has formed legs, arms, genitals, internal organs. On the fingers appeared unique patterns of skin-prints. The brain is being formed. The hearing aid is developed, the baby hears perfectly. The 18th week of pregnancy and all subsequent ones should be filled with gentle and melodic sounds for the harmonious development of the baby. The eyes are still closed, but the child is able to respond to light.

What does a woman feel at 18 weeks pregnant?

A woman physically feels tremors from within. It brings great joy. Every movement of the little man tells the expectant mother that everything is in order with the baby, reassures her. There are frequent mood changes, this is due to a violation of the hormonal background. Therefore, you should try to surround yourself with things that bring joy and peace. Watch good films, listen to classical music, draw, sing. All this will have a very positive effect on the intrauterine development of the baby. For those who have not yet signed up for gymnastics for pregnant women, it's time to do it. Light physical activity, stretching will facilitate the process of childbirth.

Proper nutrition is the key to your baby's health.

By the end of the eighteenth week of pregnancy, a woman is gaining 4-6 kg. weight. For the full development of the child, it is necessary to adhere to proper nutrition. For breakfast, eat proteins and carbohydrates, sometimes you can afford a small bun or a couple of pieces of chocolate. Soups must be present in the daily menu. Include sour-milk products, dietary meat, fish in the diet. Try to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Dinner should be light enough. You should try to exclude harmful foods (mayonnaise, sauces, smoked sausages, marinades). Drink enough water, freshly squeezed juices, fruit drinks.

Picture 5

Ultrasound examination at 18 weeks of gestation.

The second ultrasound, according to health protocols, is scheduled for 18-22 weeks of pregnancy. This is the most important examination, since right now you can see the presence of a pathology in the development of the baby, in order to correct the treatment in time if necessary. Also ultrasound on time eighteen weeks pregnant, will allow you to diagnose the condition of the placenta and umbilical cord. It is here that the specialist will announce the gender of the baby. This is the most exciting moment, especially for the future dad. Also, modern equipment allows you to take the first photo of the crumbs or record a video of the examination. Imagine how great it will be to look at such photos when your child becomes an adult. Mom should not feel nervous before the ultrasound, as the mother's feelings are transmitted to the baby.

Be beautiful in any position.

The development of pregnancy is certainly reflected in the external data of a woman. Her figure is changing dramatically, weight gain occurs. Things from an ordinary wardrobe are already becoming small. Nowadays, there is a huge selection of clothes for women in an interesting position. Pregnancy is a wonderful and unique stage in the life of every expectant mother, so do not despair if you do not fit into your old pants. Go to the store and boldly choose bright, stylish clothes that will emphasize your beauty and personality.

18 obstetric week is 16 weeks from conception - the embryonic gestational age, as well as 18 weeks from the start of the last menstruation. The hormonal background during this period stabilizes and the mood improves dramatically. The child, in turn, continues to develop actively, the baby already distinguishes sounds quite well and begins to distinguish light from darkness.

Fruit size

What happens to the fetus

The kid grows and develops, he is active, somersaults, knocks his legs, explores the space, plays.

At the eighteenth week of pregnancy, the endocrine system continues to develop in the fetus - the thyroid gland and adrenal glands function so intensively that they can even partially cover maternal needs, if necessary (for example, if the mother has adrenal insufficiency). The mass is growing and the structure of the cerebral cortex is becoming more complicated, it can be argued that the baby already has a memory and experiences. Nerve fibers diverging to organs and tissues are covered at the eighteenth week of pregnancy with a sheath called myelin, and serves to quickly conduct nerve impulses. This will be necessary for the baby for an instant reaction of the nervous system to stimuli. The hearing aid is improving more and more, the baby already hears well, as a result it is better to avoid loud and sharp sounds, because they can scare the baby. The eyes also become more sensitive, the baby already reacts more actively to the light that is directed to the mother's tummy.

The arms and legs of the baby are already well developed and are constantly in the process of movement. If you are scheduled to visit the ultrasound room this week, then you and your future dad may witness the incredible activity and constant movements of your child. The kid will definitely suck on his protruding thumb, move it with his little legs and turn away from prying eyes. In part, all this action is due to the fact that at the 18th week of your pregnancy, the development of the cerebral cortex is being improved in the baby. With every second, the number of nerve cells increases. Thus, the fetus also prepares in its own way for a meeting with you, “putting things in order” in all its internal systems and organs.

Now the child has a routine. He periodically sleeps and is awake (sleep intervals are up to 4 hours). The baby's regimen may not coincide with yours, often women feel the first movement at night.

What does a child look like

The baby grows, and the body acquires the necessary proportions, the skeleton continues its strengthening. The baby is now the size of a large onion or a small grapefruit. The weight of the baby may well fluctuate and the range of these fluctuations is quite large: from 130 to 230 grams.

At the 18th week of pregnancy, the skin of the fetus thickens a little, although you can still see the vessels through them. A unique pattern appeared on the fingers, this is a fingerprint. The muscular system of the fetus continues to develop.

When undergoing an ultrasound examination, you can clearly see the facial features of the unborn child, this brings great joy to most women and enhances their maternal instinct. The fetus can already pick up external sounds and the speech of the mother, this indicates the development of his hearing. Experts recommend humming simple melodies at the time of stroking the tummy, this will help calm the baby during active stirring.

Fetal development

The strengthening of the skeletal system of the fetus continues.

The phalanges of the fingers and toes have been formed, and a pattern has already appeared on them, which is distinctive for each person, these are future fingerprints.

At the 18th week of pregnancy, the baby is actively forming adipose tissue in the body.

The baby's retina becomes more sensitive. He can sense the difference between darkness and bright light.

At week 18, the brain continues to actively develop. At the 18th week of pregnancy, the development of the brain continues: the number of nerve cells increases, the furrows and convolutions deepen. Myelin (a special sheath) begins to form around the nerves. It protects nerves from damage and accelerates the transmission of impulses from the brain and spinal cord to the organs and tissues of the fetus.

Folds begin to form actively on the skin of the baby.

The lungs are not functioning at the moment, there is no need for this, because the child lives in an aquatic environment.

By the 18th week of pregnancy, the external and internal genital organs of the baby are finished forming and occupy the final position. If you have a girl, then by this moment her uterus and fallopian tubes have fully formed and correctly taken their position. In boys, his genitals are fully formed and correctly located.

The baby begins to distinguish sounds. Seize the moment and introduce him to music. The baby is not afraid of the noise of the blood flow through the umbilical cord, nor the beating of your heart. However, loud noises scare him.

The thymus (thymus gland) appears at the base of the baby's neck. It produces lymphocytes - cells of the immune system that will protect the body of the fetus from "aggressors". The immune system works well, preparing the fetal body for independent life, and is already capable of producing immunoglobulin and interferon, namely, they help the fetus resist all kinds of infections and viruses.

Meconium continues to form (original feces). It consists of the remains of the amniotic fluid, which is actively captured by the fetus, as well as the secretion products of the digestive tract.

What happens in a woman's body

The well-being of women during this period of pregnancy improves greatly, this is due to the stabilization of the hormonal background.

The uterus continues to grow and at 18 weeks it is already 2.5 cm below the navel. Therefore, in addition to the joyful sensations of perturbations, a woman may also experience certain discomfort, which is expressed in the form of a certain pressure on the navel area from the inside. If at this time you put your hands on your waist, and then lower your palms slightly below the navel (approximately 2 fingers), then you can already feel the bottom of the uterus. The uterus is constantly growing and its size at the 18th week corresponds to the size of a small melon.

Since the center of gravity is shifted forward, in order to maintain balance, the woman begins to arch her back more. As a result, expectant mothers may develop lower back pain. Sometimes there are pains in the thighs and buttocks, the reason is the compression of the nerve plexuses by the growing uterus.

An increase in load can lead to the development of varicose veins. To avoid this trouble, it is recommended to wear special anti-varicose stockings or tights. Place small pillows under your feet while you sleep to help relieve pressure.

The amount of vaginal discharge increases. Do not forget about hygiene and wear underwear only from natural fabrics.

The 18th week of pregnancy for a woman is often marked by a joyful event - for the first time she feels the baby move. The first tremors resemble intestinal peristalsis, they are still very weak and usually appear when the mother is lying down. Within a few days, you will know at what time of the day your baby is more active and at what time he is calm. Keep in mind - from now on you will have to observe the intensity of fetal movements. If there are no shocks for a long time, or vice versa, the shocks are unusually active, you should pay the doctor's attention to this fact. A change in motor activity may be a sign of hypoxia - a lack of oxygen. To prevent this condition, on your part, you need to walk in the fresh air at a calm pace as often as possible.

Vision in the 18th week of pregnancy may worsen if it was not ideal before pregnancy. Now you need to contact an optometrist to select the necessary lenses or glasses. Control your vision, whether it will rapidly deteriorate or not, the method of delivery will depend. In other words, your vision directly affects your ability to give birth yourself or resort to the help of a caesarean section.

Due to the fact that the kidneys work in an enhanced mode, frequent urination can disturb, the most important thing is not to endure, since the bladder will put pressure on the uterus, and accordingly increase its tone, which does not favorably affect the baby. In addition, at this stage, there is a tendency to retain sodium and fluid in the body. Outwardly, this is expressed by the appearance of slight edema, which will be visible from the prints from the rubber bands on the socks or the ring on the finger.

A dark line may appear along the midline of the grown abdomen; it is normal, as well as that, if it is not.

Stomach

It is almost impossible to hide the tummy at week 18, it has noticeably grown and risen almost to the level of the navel (about 18 cm). During pregnancy, many women bloom, a blush appears on their cheeks, they radiate positive emotions.

Video blog

The baby's bones are now actively accumulating calcium, he takes it from you. This can cause problems with mom's teeth, so do not forget that it is better to visit the dentist more than once.

Be sure to include enough dairy products and cheeses in your diet. They will provide you with the necessary amount of calcium. Vitamin C will help you get enough fresh vegetables and fruits.

At the 18th week of pregnancy, some women begin to experience difficulty breathing and bursting feelings when lying on their backs. This is due to the ever-increasing volume of the abdomen. The growing uterus presses on the abdominal organs. You yourself must choose the most comfortable position for you, in which you can not only relax, but also sleep. In order to avoid swelling, you need to put a roller or a small pillow under your feet. Lying on your back should be avoided, as the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava, which drives blood from the lower body back to the heart. Pay attention to special pillows for pregnant women.

By the 18th week of pregnancy, your cardiovascular system is already under serious stress and therefore, your blood pressure may be lower than normal. Do not jump up too abruptly, so as not to feel dizzy and not fall.

In order to avoid the accumulation of fluid in the body, it will not be superfluous to limit salt in the diet. Limit the consumption of salty and spicy foods, this will help prevent edema.

If the discharge has become greenish, gray or cheesy and brings obvious discomfort, see a gynecologist. For the prevention of thrush, give up sugar and flour products, drink kefir and natural yoghurts daily.

If abundant vaginal discharge occurs, even in the absence of infections, a woman is advised to refrain from sexual intercourse with a partner. Throughout pregnancy, any woman, if she ever has sexual intercourse, must insist on the use of a condom so that sperm that enters the genital tract is not a source of infection or a favorable environment for its development.

The average weight of expectant mothers increases by 3-5 kilograms, and now you will gain about half a kilo per week. But if you notice more weight gain, then you should reconsider your diet.

Loose and comfortable clothing is now a must for you.

Buy yourself a size larger shoe because your feet may swell. Choose shoes with low heels - they will allow you to better balance as your belly continues to grow. Wear special compression underwear - tights, stockings. When choosing underwear, give preference to natural fabrics, clothes should not squeeze the chest and abdomen.

If you have lower back pain, start going to the pool (swimming will strengthen your back muscles) and exercise therapy.

Avoid visiting smoky places, as well as crowded places, avoid sudden movements and especially falls. If at the time of the 18th week of pregnancy it was the winter season, then you should move on ice with special care.

Do not forget about your husband, he also needs attention, and tenderness, and affection. Remember that fatherly feelings wake up later than motherly ones, so do not force your husband to show them if they are not there yet.

Devote your time to pleasant activities: reading, visiting theaters, museums and cinema. Decorate your room to be warm and cozy. Look at something beautiful more often. Beauty, like sound, has certain physical properties and, having a positive effect on the endocrine and vascular systems of mother and child, leads to the healing of the whole organism.

In the second trimester of pregnancy, your baby is already firmly entrenched in the uterine cavity, so in the absence of contraindications, sexual intercourse is not prohibited.

Walking in the fresh air will also benefit. Set aside at least 10 hours of sleep a night, and also rest during the day if possible.

Week 18 is the right time to start training your pelvic floor muscles. There are special "", suggesting the alternation of tension and relaxation of the muscles of the perineum. It will be necessary to relax these muscles during childbirth, and their good tone is necessary to maintain pregnancy. Contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles (namely, these muscle groups are involved in the Kegel exercise) helps to support the contents of the abdominal cavity, serves to prevent conditions such as prolapse of the uterus or bladder after childbirth; by relaxing these muscles, you learn how to “pass” the baby through the birth canal.

Sit, squeeze the muscles of the perineum, tighten, as if holding a stream of urine. Hold the muscles tense for 10 seconds and then slowly relax. First do 5, then 10 repetitions 2-3 times a day.

Forgetfulness is a completely normal sign at the 18th week of pregnancy. Memory impairment is a temporary symptom and after the birth of the baby it will disappear. To strengthen memory, you can drink a course of beneficial vitamins. In order to avoid unpleasant situations associated with forgetfulness, such as friends' birthdays or the date of the ultrasound, it is recommended to write down all your plans and actions in a diary.

Find pregnancy courses that are right for you.

dangers

The feeling that the stomach is pulling is experienced by many women, but we hasten to reassure you, there is nothing to worry about, this is not pain, but just discomfort. They are associated with stretching of the ligaments of the uterus, while the uterus itself does not come into tone. Painful sensations are localized on the sides of it. The problem is solved simply by wearing a bandage. This also causes complaints that the lower back hurts. If you are concerned about nausea, be sure to tell your doctor. The reason may be both an enlarged uterus, which disrupts the functioning of the digestive organs, and the fact that serious problems have begun (with an increase in blood pressure, headaches and nausea are common).

Good to know

Drawing pains may appear in the lateral regions of the abdomen, this is due to the growth of the uterus and sprain. You should not worry about this, however, if the pain is permanent, and also localized in the lower abdomen, then you should definitely tell your doctor about it.

What else is dangerous this period:

cystitis,

pyelonephritis,

isthmic-cervical insufficiency,

placenta previa (complete, partial),

low placenta.

From the 18th week of pregnancy, there is a tendency for sodium retention in the body of the expectant mother, and, accordingly, the accumulation of fluid, which leads to edema, and further contributes to the development of early preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Another threat is isthmic-cervical insufficiency, which can cause abortion and premature birth. This is facilitated by hormones, under the influence of which the muscle fibers of the cervix are loosened, leading to a decrease in their contractility. The growing baby creates pressure on the cervix, leading to the opening of the cervical canal. In this case, an obstetric pessary or shock is applied, which effectively reduces pressure on the cervix. This event allows you to keep the pregnancy up to normal terms of delivery.

Even at such a late date, a frozen pregnancy is possible. The death of the fetus can be seen by the following symptoms: lack of movement, discharge from the genital tract, often also brown, fever. Do not skip anything, any unusual symptoms require a consultation with a gynecologist. This will help maintain the health of the mother and her unborn baby.

Analyzes

At the eighteenth week of pregnancy, prenatal screening of the second trimester is performed, provided that one was not carried out in the first trimester, or the data need to be clarified.

Women with a negative blood group take a blood test once a month to determine the titer of anti-Rh antibodies (provided that the father has Rh-positive blood), in some cases more often. If the baby inherited the father's Rh, then this can provoke the production of antibodies in the expectant mother, and, accordingly, cause rejection. Therefore, this analysis should not be skipped and left to chance.

Now every visit to the gynecologist will be accompanied by the measurement of blood pressure, the height of the fundus of the uterus, listening to the fetal heartbeat. Urine tests will have to be taken often, as there is a risk of developing late preeclampsia. If you already feel fetal movement, let your doctor know when it started.

What will be done regularly at each visit to the obstetrician:

Weight measurement - excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to complications.

Measurement of blood pressure - high blood pressure indicates the development of arterial hypertension and other complications of pregnancy.

Measurement of the standing height of the fundus of the uterus and the circumference of the abdomen - the lag in their sizes from the average values at this time indicates a violation of the course of pregnancy and requires additional examination.

Good to know

At each visit to the antenatal clinic, you will be asked to take a urine test: do not forget to do this, the study helps to determine the presence of protein in the urine (manifestation of gestosis) and symptoms of infection in time (in addition to all other troubles, pyelonephritis can “overcome” a pregnant woman in the second trimester).

Depending on your medical history, age, and other information, your doctor may discuss an amniocentesis with you around the 18th week of your pregnancy. This test is aimed at detecting genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome.

Good to know:

Amniocentesis is a biochemical examination of the amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the fetus in the womb) to detect oxygen starvation of the fetus and determine its malformations. Amniotic fluid (from 3 to 30 ml) is obtained by puncturing the anterior abdominal wall, uterus and amnion (a protective bladder with a liquid in which the fetus is located). Together with the fluid during amniocentesis, desquamated fetal cells are also taken, by which experts judge the presence or absence of gene mutations.

ultrasound

At week 18, during a planned ultrasound of the second trimester of pregnancy, the genitals of the baby are clearly visible and the parents, if they are lucky, will find out who will be born to them - a boy or a girl.

An ultrasound examination at the 18th week of pregnancy clearly shows how the baby moves, sucks his fingers, pushes with his arms and legs, rubs his eyes with his hands. At this stage of pregnancy, your baby's yawning mouth can be seen on ultrasound. The facial muscles are actively working, the baby trains innate reflexes.

With ultrasound, the weight of the fetus is determined, this is done using size calculations when measuring the fetus (fetometry).

Dimensions

Biparental size 37–47 mm.

Fronto-occipital size 131–161 mm.

Head circumference 131–161 mm.

Abdominal circumference 104–144 mm.

Humerus 15–21 mm.

Forearm bones 17–23 mm.

Femur 23–31 mm.

Lower leg bones 23–31 mm.

The placenta is 2-2.5 cm thick, its degree of maturity is zero (and should remain the same until the 30th week). The amniotic fluid index is normally 80–220 mm. Also, ultrasound can determine the quality of blood flow in the placenta and umbilical cord.

Possible pathologies on ultrasound

The study allows you to determine the possible threat of miscarriage associated with various causes (isthmic-cervical insufficiency, hypertonicity, giant fibroids), developmental disorders of the child (growth retardation, signs of fetal hypoxia), placental pathology (previa, abruption, premature aging) and much more. If any violation is detected, the mother is referred to a gynecologist or other specialized specialists (geneticist, therapist, etc.), and if necessary, hospitalized to maintain pregnancy.

The second trimester of pregnancy continues, and the woman increasingly feels how a new life is gaining strength. The 18th week of pregnancy is the 2nd week of the fifth obstetric month, because. obstetric month lasts exactly 4 weeks. And by this time, the difference between the calendar and obstetric months is becoming more and more noticeable.

Many expectant mothers at this time already feel the movements of the baby. While they are still barely perceptible, but after a few days, the movements of the crumbs cannot be confused with other sensations in the body. More slender women will feel the movement earlier, and those who are not the first pregnancy, able to feel the movements of the fetus and at the 16th week of pregnancy. Once you are sure that it is the baby pushing, try to track the frequency of the movements. Normally, this is from 4 to 8 movements per hour. In the evening, the activity of the child is higher, which often interferes with the sleep of his future mother.
Many women at this time report pain in the lower back. This happens because the center of gravity shifts forward, and the pregnant woman, in order to somehow balance it, begins to bend her back back. Sometimes pain in the buttocks and thighs is disturbing, which is associated with compression of the nerve plexuses by the enlarging uterus.
Periodic aching pains in the abdomen are possible. They are especially noticeable when changing the position of the body, for example, when you get up or lie down on the bed. Similar unpleasant sensations arise due to the distension of the uterus.
Weight gain at the 18th week of pregnancy reaches 5 kg, and the usual clothes for a woman become cramped. It's time to think about purchasing specialized underwear that supports the muscles of the abdomen and back.
The stomach has already risen significantly, and now it is in the center of attention of others. The expectant mother herself can feel a dense formation the size of a coconut between the navel and the pubic bone. At the same time, the woman experiences some discomfort, pressure on the navel area from the inside.

Some women experience slight dizziness. It is associated with a decrease in blood pressure due to the redistribution of blood circulation. You should avoid a sudden change in body position, for example, if you were lying, then you first need to sit down, and only after a few seconds get up on your feet. Otherwise, there is a chance of falling.
Frequent urination. But these feelings are no longer new. And they will not leave the woman soon, because. the uterus will increase in size every week and put pressure on the bladder.
Sleep is becoming increasingly difficult for the expectant mother. Yes, and the choice of positions for sleeping is limited - it is strictly forbidden to sleep on the stomach, and it is also impossible to sleep on the back. On the stomach, of course, so as not to compress the uterus and the baby. And if a pregnant woman sleeps on her back, then there is a risk of pinching the inferior vena cava, through which blood from the lower body enters the heart. Therefore, it is advisable to sleep on your side, while putting a small pillow between your knees. If desired, you can get a special pillow for pregnant women. Many women claim that it was she who became their real salvation.
Edema is noted on the limbs and face. To reduce them, you need to limit yourself to salt intake. But the amount of water drunk per day, there is no need to limit. Water without gas is necessary for both the pregnant woman and the baby.
Discharge from the genital tract will be considered normal if it is whitish or slightly grayish in color, odorless, or with a slightly sour smell. At the 18th week of pregnancy, their more abundant manifestation is possible. Pregnant women are more likely to develop thrush. And if the discharge has acquired a curdled character, and itching and burning have appeared in the vaginal area, do not postpone a visit to the doctor.
Often, pregnant women in the second trimester feel a surge of energy, an irresistible desire to clean the house, to equip it somehow in a special way. The expectant mother increasingly wants to spend time with the people closest to her. And even very sociable women prefer the solitude of the "nest". Here she can sit in silence for a long time without doing anything and just listen to the stirring of the child inside her. Sometimes a woman can plunge into thoughts about the upcoming birth of a child at the most inopportune time, for example, in the midst of a meeting, an important business meeting.

Some may be frightened by confusion in thoughts, when a woman can hardly remember simple words or concepts. This is a temporary phenomenon that will take the entire pregnancy and part of the postpartum period. The main thing is that a pregnant woman remembers important things for her, and forgetfulness in trifles can be reduced to a joke.

Sometimes some women have unreasonable panic attacks, especially at night. In this case, there is an increase in heart rate, difficulty breathing and a feeling of squeezing the chest. You just need to try to relax, turn on quiet calm music, open access to fresh air, and convince yourself that everything is in order.

Avoid negative emotions and stress, otherwise it may affect the condition of the baby. He will experience oxygen starvation due to a disturbance in the mother's circulatory system. As a result, this can lead to a slowdown in development and even to premature birth. In addition, stress can have a depressing effect on the immune system.

18th week of pregnancy: fetal development

At 18 weeks, the baby reaches a length of 12-14 cm, and weighs about 150 g.

This week continues the active development of the brain. The number of neurons progressively increases, the furrows and convolutions deepen. A sheath (myelin) begins to form around the nerves themselves. It is designed for protection and transmission of impulses.

The thymus gland (thymus) appears on the anterior surface of the fetal neck, which is responsible for the production of lymphocytes. They play an important role in the child's immune system. Interferon and immunoglobulin begin to be produced, which are involved in protecting the baby's body from infections. At the same time, the function of the adrenal glands starts. Now the adrenal glands are the largest endocrine gland.

Facial features are more and more clearly defined, and the baby is already able to grimace. The ears are in their final position. The rudiments of future molars are formed. They are located much deeper than the rudiments of dairy. The vocal cords are fully developed.

The skeletal system is strengthened. The arms and legs are fully developed, and the phalanges are pronounced on the fingers. Moreover, an individual pattern called “fingerprints” has already formed. And on the fingertips, future nails are already visible - nail buds. The length of the foot during this period reaches 2.5 cm. Interestingly, the ratio of the foot to the length of the thigh and lower leg is laid during development and persists throughout life.

The baby becomes active, and because. there is still enough space for him, then he does all kinds of somersaults, flips, crosses his arms and legs, touches his face and sucks his thumb. It is believed that such active movements are very useful for the baby: they have a good effect on his muscular system and brain development.

During this period of development, the ability to respond to light appears with the eyes still closed. The baby also responds well to sounds. Therefore, singing, talking and fairy tales will not be superfluous on the part of the parents. The main thing is that the sounds are not harsh, but the intonations are calm and gentle.

Vessels show through the thin skin, and therefore it appears bright red. And the skin itself is covered with a kind of lubricant, which is produced during this week of development. This lubricant protects the skin of the baby from damage during constant exposure to the aquatic environment.

The first signs of accumulation of subcutaneous fat appear. Girls have formed uterine (fallopian) tubes and uterus. In boys, the external genitalia are already clearly visible, although the testicles are still in the abdominal cavity.

18th week of pregnancy: ultrasound

Between 18 and 20 weeks, a second scheduled ultrasound is scheduled. First of all, its goal is to exclude defects in the development of the fetus, the detection of heart defects, as well as Down's disease. At the same time, the circumference of the abdomen and the head of the child is determined, the fronto-occipital size is measured, as well as the length of the limbs: the dimensions of the humerus, femur, forearm and shins.

The study of the site of attachment of the placenta is very important for assessing risks and deviations from the norm - the diagnostician pays considerable attention to this issue. It is optimally attached to the posterior wall of the uterus. However, the main thing is that there should be at least 7 cm from the lower edge of the placenta to exit the uterus.

Information such as the number of fetuses, the date of the upcoming birth and the age of the fetus is confirmed.

With a convenient location of the fetus during ultrasound, you can determine the sex of the child.

With the help of the study, the presentation of the fetus is determined. In other words, that part of the child's body is indicated, which is closer to the area of the exit from the uterus. Doctors call the cephalic presentation of the fetus ideal for childbirth, because the head has the largest dimensions, and it will be easier for the rest of the body to be born. In about 20% of cases, a breech presentation is determined. If, due to the fact that the child is located diagonally or transversely, the presenting part is not indicated by the doctor during the examination, you should not worry in vain. The final evaluation of these data will be carried out at the 30th week of pregnancy, and only then will the tactics of labor management be chosen.

The amount of amniotic fluid and their transparency, the tone of the uterus and the size of the cervix are also subjected to close attention.

Pregnant women at high risk of developing chromosomal abnormalities are screened. In this case, the indicators of three more markers are taken into account: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) and estriol. It should be noted that the indicators of these analyzes are not decisive, but serve to select the direction in further research.

18th week of pregnancy: medical examination

Examination by an obstetrician-gynecologist. With timely registration, this should be the 4th visit in a row. One of the important, but not the only, is the examination in the gynecological chair. During this procedure, the condition of the uterus is assessed, the nature of the discharge is taken into account, swabs are taken for the flora (to exclude possible inflammatory processes and some infections) and cytology (the nature of the cervical cells is assessed).

Equally important is the measurement of blood pressure and pulse count, as well as weighing and evaluating the kilograms gained. The circumference of the abdomen is measured and the height of the fundus of the uterus is determined. Using a stethoscope, the doctor will listen to the baby's heartbeat.

Urinalysis (to exclude diseases of the urinary system).
Complete blood count (to exclude the development of anemia and other diseases that can complicate the course of pregnancy).

18th week of pregnancy: nutrition

A woman should approach the issue of nutrition with the utmost responsibility. Nutrition should be healthy, properly balanced and varied as much as possible. Carefully monitor the calorie content to avoid gaining excess weight. By the 18th week of pregnancy, toxicosis disappears, and many women "break down" and become extremely immoderate in food. In no case should you drink alcohol, smoked meats and pickles. The latter can cause fluid retention in the body of a pregnant woman, which will inevitably lead to edema. You should also exclude fatty foods and significantly limit sweets.

A developing baby is in dire need of trace elements and vitamins. Therefore, cereals (especially buckwheat), beef liver, tomato juice should be present in the diet. These foods are high in iron. To maintain the correct balance of calcium in the body and the expectant mother and baby, it is necessary to consume dairy and sour-milk products. A good dinner will be a glass of kefir and fat-free cottage cheese.

To normalize digestion, do not forget about vegetables and fruits. They can be consumed in any form, but it is advisable to give preference to raw, or with slight heat treatment, in order to preserve the maximum of vitamins. Note for yourself that vegetables cooked in a double boiler or slow cooker almost do not lose their valuable properties. Wholemeal flour products are also useful.

Please note that it is better to use fruits that are grown in the same climatic zone with the region where the expectant mother lives. They will be easier to digest and will bring more benefits than exotic ones. Pregnancy is not the time for experiments, because it is impossible to predict the body's reaction to a particular new product.

Protein should also be included in the diet, as the main building material for all systems of the child's body. Protein foods include: meat, fish, poultry, eggs and beans. At least once a week should be fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines.

During this period, the developing body of the baby is in dire need of folic acid and vitamin C. You can provide it with these essential substances by including cabbage, beets, celery, and apple juice in the menu.

According to the authoritative opinion of obstetrician-gynecologists, a close to ideal daily menu should be approximately as follows: 200g of cereals (cereals, pasta, bread), 2.5 cups of vegetables, 1-2 cups of fruit, 150g of meat and legumes and 3 cups of dairy products.

And remember that not only will junk food not bring your baby any elements necessary for development, but it can also harm.

From this week, make a good habit of talking to your future baby, remember, he is already listening to you carefully. No less useful for both the expectant mother and her baby will be listening to calm relaxing music.
A very good soothing effect of music will complement the foot massage. In addition to relaxation, it is useful in terms of preventing edema.
Note the regularity of fetal movements. With a decrease in the activity of the baby within 1-2 days, seek the advice of a specialist.
Visit the toilet regularly. An overfilled bladder not only creates additional discomfort, but can also contribute to inflammatory processes in both the bladder itself and the kidneys.
It will not be superfluous to start preventing stretch marks on the abdomen and chest.
Visit a dentist. Caries is the cause of many diseases.
Buy high-quality underwear to strengthen and maintain the muscles of the back and abdomen.
When choosing casual clothes for pregnant women, give your preference to natural fabrics. At the same time, clothing should not restrict movement, and the skin should be well ventilated.
When driving a car, it is advisable to get special seat belts. Their peculiarity is that they correctly fix the stomach without squeezing it.

If you are planning to travel by plane, be sure to check with your doctor. It will determine whether you can experience overload, and whether the stress associated with a change in time or climate zones will not hurt.
Add comfortable low-soled shoes to your wardrobe, they will go a long way in reducing back pain. If you can’t imagine your life without heels, then choose shoes with a small and stable heel.
It will be very useful and informative to visit prenatal classes, where they will tell you everything about preparing for the birth of a baby, about proper breathing and relaxation methods, learn about the basics of caring for a newborn and much more.
Try to avoid excessive physical exertion, frequent bending of the torso and a long stay in an uncomfortable position. This threatens with serious consequences, up to miscarriage or premature birth.
Refrain from hot baths and saunas, as well as prolonged exposure to the sun. It is advisable to take solar procedures before 10 am and after 5 pm. Please wear a hat and sunscreen. During pregnancy, under the influence of estrogen, age spots often appear. Often their number depends directly on exposure to the sun.
If you visit open water while pregnant, try to make sure it is environmentally friendly enough to not harm you and your baby. If there is no such confidence, it is better to refrain from swimming in it.
If your work involves a long sitting position, take care of the footrest. And at home for a few minutes, lay your legs so that they are above the level of your head. To do this, it is enough to lie on your back and rest your legs against the wall. These simple manipulations will improve blood flow in the limbs and protect against possible varicose veins. In addition, you need to get up from your chair every hour and do a light workout.
But for those whose work is associated with a constant stay on the move, if possible, it is better to change the type of activity, or in general, refuse such work during pregnancy.
Sleep should last at least 8-9 hours - only then your rest will be complete.
Spend more time walking outdoors, preferably in a park area. So you saturate the baby's body with oxygen.
Start doing pelvic floor strengthening exercises (Kegel exercises). In everyday life, these muscles are practically inactive, and eventually weaken. Training will also help facilitate the movement of the child through the birth canal during childbirth. In addition, these exercises can enrich your intimate life.

The exercises are extremely simple and are based on the contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the perineum. Sit upright with weight distributed on the pelvic bones, not leaning on the sacrum. Squeeze the muscles of the perineum as if holding a stream of urine. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then slowly relax. For the first time, 5 repetitions will be enough. Gradually work up to 20-30 sets at a time. It is enough to perform kegler exercises 2-3 times a day. With regular performance, the effect will be noticeable in a couple of weeks. Your ultimate goal is to feel the pelvic muscles and control their work.

18 weeks pregnant. Photo ultrasound

18 weeks pregnant. Video

Read this article:

You are in your 18th week of pregnancy, halfway through. Your child grows and gets stronger, his bones are strengthened, the nervous system continues to develop. Now the baby begins to hear not only what is happening in the body of his mother, but also the sounds that reach him from the outside world.

The second week of the fifth month is the 18th week of pregnancy, or the second trimester. There are no fundamental changes in the body of the mother and child, however, this period is important as an establishment of an invisible contact between the expectant mother and her baby.

Feelings of the expectant mother

It is believed that it is at the 18th week of pregnancy that the expectant mother begins to hear and feel the first movements of her child. This happens because the baby is growing, and in the uterus, which gradually rises up, there is less free space for the baby to move.

If the expectant mother does not feel the activity of her baby for a period of 18 weeks, do not panic. Doctors believe that women of a fragile physique are the first to feel the baby's motor activity. Fat ladies feel the activity of their child a few weeks later.

As soon as the mother begins to feel the movements of her baby, she should begin to pay close attention to this. On average, during these few weeks of pregnancy, the baby is active 4-8 times per hour. If the tremors occur more often, this may be due to the fact that the baby does not have enough oxygen. Under such circumstances, the expectant mother should immediately pay attention to her lifestyle, start walking more, do breathing exercises and consult with her doctor regarding the development of an individual exercise program or the opportunity to attend special yoga classes for pregnant women.

The condition of the uterus and the size of the abdomen

During the 18th week of pregnancy, the uterus continues to grow. It rises almost to the level of the navel. It is similar in size to the average melon. For this reason, in addition to pleasant sensations, the expectant mother begins to experience uterine pressure both on her internal organs and on the navel from the outside.

An increase in the uterus directly affects the size of the abdomen. The 18th week of pregnancy is the time when it is almost impossible to hide it. The center of gravity in the body of the expectant mother shifts, a specific manner of walking begins to develop. Pain in the lumbar back, characteristic of all pregnant women, begins to be felt. There is nothing wrong with them, but in order not to aggravate the situation, at this stage of pregnancy it is already necessary to acquire special clothes that support the tummy.

Baby development

The size of the fetus by 18 weeks averages just over 14 cm in length. The weight of the baby is somewhere around 200 g. Despite the increase in his height, he can still move freely in the uterine cavity, roll over, move his arms and legs. It is generally accepted that such movements are very useful for its development.

By 18 weeks, the baby's arms and legs are fully formed. A unique skin relief, called a fingerprint, has formed on the fingers. The baby's brain is actively developing, and with it the immune system, which helps the fetus of an infection that gets to it.

The eyes of the baby of 18 weeks are still closed, however, he is already reacting to the light penetrating into the mother's tummy. It is worth noting that the baby's reaction to noise also occurs.

Moreover, the baby reacts not to the internal sounds of the mother's body - he is used to them, but to sounds coming from outside. Loud and harsh noises frighten the baby, so the mother should not stay for a long time in places where, for example, loud music is played. If the child is still afraid of a loud sound and begins to actively express it with movements, then the mother needs to calm him down with her voice. You can talk to him quietly and kindly, you can sing a few lullabies to him.

Ultrasound and necessary tests

A repeat ultrasound examination is traditionally ordered by doctors between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. This is an opportunity for happy parents not only to get the first photo of their long-awaited child, but in the best case even to find out their gender.

Ultrasound at the eighteenth week of pregnancy is aimed primarily at identifying defects in the development of the fetus. It is important to find out where the placenta is attached - a special organ that provides the flow of nutrients from the mother's body to the baby. Ultrasound examination helps to identify the risks of placental abruption and take timely measures.

If we talk about tests, then only a urine test is mandatory for a period of 18 weeks. It is done in order to find out how the kidneys of the expectant mother function.
The attending physician, if necessary, may prescribe a blood test. This happens when there is a suspicion of low hemoglobin. This is done in order to prevent a lack of oxygen supply to the fetus. If this problem is not identified at the 18th week of pregnancy, then in the future it will have an extremely negative effect on the development of the fetus.

Possible pains and their causes

The joy of feeling the first movements of the baby is overshadowed by back pain and heaviness in the mother's stomach. According to numerous surveys, there is not a single woman who did not suffer from lower back pain during pregnancy. This is due to an increase in the uterus and a shift in the center of gravity in the body. At 18 weeks, back pain begins to manifest much more strongly. To minimize discomfort, the expectant mother needs to discuss with the attending physician the necessary set of exercises aimed at strengthening the back muscles. In addition, there are now a sufficient number of special yoga courses for pregnant women. In addition to exercises, it is also necessary to attend to the purchase of special supportive underwear for expectant mothers and a bandage in order to evenly distribute the load on the spine.

At 18 weeks, abdominal pain may appear. They are of two types. Aching pain in the sides indicates stretching of the abdominal cavity due to the growth of the uterus. This is a completely normal and inevitable process. However, if the pain comes in contractions, then you should immediately consult a doctor, as this may be due to the fact that something bad happened to the unborn baby. Delays in providing assistance with such pain can result in premature termination of pregnancy.

The nature of the discharge

If the pregnancy is normal, then the discharge at the 18th week of pregnancy is unremarkable. They must be uniform and transparent. If their color changes to greenish or gray, an odor appears or the consistency becomes purulent or curdled, you should go to the doctor and consult. This may be due to the ingestion of an infection in the body, which is treated with medication. In this case, there is no direct threat to the life of the baby - amniotic fluid and the placenta protect it from bacteria. Nevertheless, treatment should not be delayed, there is a possibility of the manifestation of defects in the amniotic membranes at a later date, which will facilitate the entry of pathogenic microbes to the baby.

If suddenly the discharge becomes brown or bloody, then you should immediately call an ambulance. This means that there is a direct threat to the life of the baby and the health of the mother. This can lead to a lot of reasons of an exclusively individual nature.

Nutrition for a pregnant woman

Nutrition during pregnancy is an important and responsible issue, which should be approached with great attention and accuracy. Ideally, the diet should be formed at the very beginning of pregnancy, and a woman should adhere to it throughout the entire period. Under no circumstances should you overeat. Nutrition should be regular, balanced, but not excessive. The amount of sweets and fats consumed will have to be reduced.

A pregnant woman should receive proteins in the required quantities. Therefore, the expectant mother should regularly eat meat and fish. Chicken or rabbit meat is ideal for this.

In order to avoid calcium deficiency in the body due to pregnancy, milk and dairy products should be included in the daily diet of the expectant mother. Low-fat kefir and cottage cheese are perfect for these purposes.

Fresh vegetables and fruits will not only facilitate mom's digestion, but also provide the baby's body with essential nutrients. Celery and freshly squeezed carrot juice in the required quantities will supply the child's body with vitamin C, and apples and tomatoes will be very useful for his developing circulatory system.

Most pregnant women suffer from edema in late pregnancy. They are difficult to avoid, but can be reduced by carefully controlling the amount of salt consumed in food. You can start doing this already at 18 weeks. You will also have to watch the liquid you eat.

Weight of the expectant mother

The first months of pregnancy are always characterized by toxicosis. By the 18th week of pregnancy, toxicosis disappears and the woman constantly wants to eat. These urges are best controlled and fed within a predetermined diet. Gaining 4-6 kg in 18 weeks is quite acceptable and even normal. However, if the weight increases by more than 6 kg, then it is necessary to reconsider your diet, since with excess weight it is difficult not only to bear and give birth to a child, but also to recover, having already become a mother.

Any changes in diet should be discussed with your doctor. Independent attempts to stop weight gain can be detrimental to the health of the fetus or even cause an abortion.

sexual activity

As mentioned above, toxicosis disappears, and good health and a desire for intimacy begin to return to the woman. Doctors note that the sexual appetite in most women increases many times during pregnancy. Therefore, you should not believe idle speculation that sexual activity can harm the baby. It is reliably protected by the amniotic membrane and, if you do not show excessive activity, sex can have a beneficial effect on the baby, who perfectly feels the mood of his mother.

Intimate life during the period of expectation of a child helps many spouses to get closer, learn more about each other's new position and experience new bright and pleasant sensations. However, the attending physician may prohibit a couple from having sex during pregnancy for a number of individual reasons, such as a low placenta or amniotic fluid leakage.

Have a bright mood and easy pregnancy!