PREGNANCY WEEK 18
Our little one is nearly half a pound now and very human looking. Pads are forming on the fingertips and toes, and the eyes are looking forward rather than out the sides of the head. Meconium, the baby's first bowel movement, is accumulating within the bowel. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place and If it’s a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
If you notice your belly making jerky movements in sync, don't panic; your baby may have the hiccups!
If you're having an ultrasound to verify fetal age or for other reasons, your care provider will probably schedule it between now and 20 weeks. It's often possible to determine your baby's sex at this stage, and you'll be able to tell arms from legs and all sorts of delightful details!
An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories. Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.
Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.
From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort
Sweating is one of the body’s mechanisms of cooling down, so the hotter you feel, the more you will sweat. You may develop heat rash or sore spots from sweaty skin rubbing together, such as between your legs or under your breasts. Try to keep cool, avoid the midday sun and drink lots of water.
