Week 18

What the heck is baby doing in there at 18 weeks? A lot! He’s working his muscles and practicing all kinds of moves. (Can you feel them yet?) Over the next few weeks, you should make sure to start sleeping on your side. That’s because baby (and your uterus) are getting big enough to press against large veins in the back of your abdomen, which can reduce the amount of blood going to your heart, making you feel lightheaded, or worse, lowering your blood pressure. Of course, your veins aren’t the only things that are prone to pressure — you might be too! Not only are you super busy, but you might be having some not-so-fun symptoms, like swollen feet or hands, backaches, leg cramps and nosebleeds. And the stress and discomfort might be keeping you up at night around week 18. Be sure, in your hectic schedule, that you plan some time to unwind. (Great excuse for some pregnancy pampering! Can you say prenatal massage?!) It’s important to give your body and your mind a break for a little while. That just might help you get the sleep you need, too.

your baby’s the size of a sweet potato!

She’s about 5.6 inches long and about 6.7 ounces now and she keeps on growing rapidly. (That’s why you’re probably feeling so hungry.)

your baby at 18 weeks

• Can you believe she’s yawning, hiccuping, sucking and swallowing?
• And she’s twisting, rolling, punching and kicking, too — and she’s big enough that you might be able to feel her doing it!

Pregnancy symptoms at 18 weeks

• Baby’s kicks — they’re getting stronger!
• Swollen feet and/or hands. An annoying pregnancy symptom, but nothing to worry about as long as the swelling isn’t sudden or severe.
• Back aches. Baby’s putting a lot of pressure on your insides.
• Leg cramps. They can be a sign of dehydration, so drink up!
• Varicose veins, a product of all that extra pressure on your circulatory system.
• Trouble sleeping. Your mind is working overtime and you’re getting more and more uncomfortable.
• Increased pressure on the veins in your nose may be causing nosebleeds.

your must-do’s

• Schedule your mid-pregnancy ultrasound, if you haven’t already

your nice-to-do’s

• Start sleeping on your side
• Practice your kegels
• Plan a date night with your partner

pregnant.thebump.com