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PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 18

Week 18: By now, you are most likely feeling pregnant. Joy, apprehension - even frustration are to be expected by the expectant mother. Educate yourself on the changes your body is going through and learn how hormones affect your emotional stability with our pregnancy timeline - all the information you need to complete a healthy pregnancy!

Week 18 Overview

Baby's beefing up! This week your budding baby is starting to fill out a bit. Up to this point all growth has been of the musculoskeletal system and organs. Now that everything is in place, baby will start gaining weight.

At this time the baby's heart and circulatory system are becoming more complex. While the baby depends on you for oxygen and nutrients throughout gestation, he/she will have to adapt instantaneously at the time of birth. It is during the 18th week of gestation that an ultrasound can detect some heart abnormalities. If an abnormality is detected further ultrasounds may be required throughout the pregnancy to monitor the baby's development.

In addition, your baby will become more sensitive to light over the next week or so. If you place a bright light on your stomach, the baby will likely move away from the light. Go ahead - try it!

Baby's Physical Development

• Crown-to-rump, baby measures 5 to 5.6 inches long and weighs about 5.25 ounces.
• The rapid developmental growth baby has been experiencing begins to slow a little this week.
• Bones are hardening.
• Legs are growing longer.
• Ears are almost in position.
• Pads of fingers and toes are formed.
• Fingerprints are developing nicely.
• Fetus looks more human.

By now you have probably gained around 10 to 13 pounds, although this number can vary greatly. If you have gained more than this your physician may recommend that you speak to a nutritionist. A nutritionist can help ensure that you and your baby are getting the proper nutrition your bodies require. Eating healthier during pregnancy is a lifestyle change that will benefit you now and later!

Can you feel your uterus by now? It can be felt just below your bellybutton. This week your uterus is about the size of a cantaloupe or a little larger. Of course, you can expect this size to change in the coming weeks. If you've been feeling dizzy lately it may be the result of your uterus applying pressure on your blood vessels. This pressure makes you prone to dizziness anytime you rise quickly from a sitting or prone position.

On your monthly trip to the doctor you can expect the following:

• Weight and blood pressure checked
• Urine checked for sugar and protein (signs of gestational diabetes)
• Hands and feet checked for swelling
• Legs checked for varicose veins
• Fetal heartbeat
• Fundal height measurement (how big your belly is getting)
• External examination of uterus by palpation
• An opportunity to discuss your pregnancy symptoms as well as any questions you may have

Time to Start Thinking About

Next week you should be able to find out whether you are having a boy or a girl. Do you really want to know? Discuss this with your partner - sometimes it's nice to be able to plan - then again there's nothing like anticipating a surprise!

If you have other children, now might be a good time to let them know about the newest member of the family. Experts recommend getting children used to the idea of a new baby early. Becoming a big brother or sister might take some getting used to.

Tips for Mom

You may have suddenly been plagued with nasal congestion and occasional nosebleeds. These nasty nasal changes are believed to be caused by changes in circulation. Hormonal changes cause mucous membranes of the nose and nasal passages to swell and bleed more easily. To alleviate this problem avoid decongestants and nasal spray, use a humidifier instead and stay hydrated. Petroleum jelly is also helpful in lubricating nasal passages.

You may begin to experience skin discoloration. This "mask of pregnancy" as it is called is a result of your hormones working overtime. Extra deposits of pigment may appear as dark patches on the cheeks, nose and forehead as well as on the nipples and in a line from the navel to the pubic bone. Sun can intensify the coloration, so wear a hat or use a sunblock whenever you go outdoors in sunny weather. Skin discoloration can also be caused by a lack of folic acid so be sure you are eating lots of green leafy vegetables, oranges, and whole wheat bread. These spots will disappear after your baby is born.

When brushing your teeth does your toothbrush acquire a red or pink tint? Bleeding gums are a common result of pregnancy. Hormonal changes cause gums to become swollen and inflamed. To maintain a healthy mouth be certain to brush and floss on a regular basis. Also, antiseptic mouthwashes help keep your mouth feeling clean and reduce the potential for gum infections. If a trip to the dentist is necessary, be sure to inform them that you are pregnant.

Tips for Dad

With all the changes mom is going through she may need your help managing her stress. One great way to be there for her is to initiate evening walks. A regular walking routine will not only help her combat stress and fatigue, it will help her body prepare for childbirth. A joint evening ramble is also a great way to spend some quality time together before baby invades your home.

Prenatal Care Checklist

• Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
• Try a body pillow.
• Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
• Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
• You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
• Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
• Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
• Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
• Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.

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