18 gestational week

18 gestational week corresponds to the 5th month of pregnancy and falls in the second trimester. Most pregnant women in already feel the movements of the fetus and this brings them great joy. The belly continues to grow and can hardly go unnoticed by the surrounding people.

Fetal size and development in the 18th gestational week

• Height – 14.2 cm.
• Weight – 190 g.
• Head circumference – 15.1 cm.
• Abdominal circumference – 13.1 cm.

The future child already weighs 200 g and is 15 cm long. Its head diameter has reached 15.1 cm and the abdominal circumference almost 13.1 cm. The legs and arms are fully formed, as well as the toes. Compared to before they are now more proportionate. At this stage of pregnancy, many women feel the movements of the fetus for the first time. However, for now, their frequency can only be measured with the help of special instruments.

The sex organs in both sexes are fully formed, including the internal ones. The thickness of the placenta has reached 21.2 mm. The uterine tone is lowered, which is important for the smooth continuation of pregnancy. If still on ultrasound the doctor can not determine the sex of the child, you can try to guess by the shape of the abdomen, its appearance or with the help of funny folk legends.

What does a pregnant woman feel during the eighteenth gestational week?

Did you feel the baby’s movements for the first time? It’s probably something very slight, but it’s enough to make you happy for the rest of the day. Pretty soon the sensation will repeat, and in a week or two you’ll even be able to count them.

According to doctors, from now on it is normal for a pregnant woman’s weight to increase by half a kilogram per week. This is because the fetus begins to actively gain subcutaneous fat, in addition, the amount of amniotic fluid increases.

Thirdly, the uterus continues to grow, and hence the abdomen. It is possible that stretch marks are already part of the appearance of the pregnant belly.

It is possible to feel pain in the lower back. To relieve tension, you can try slight forward bends.

During the 18th gestational week, the risk of kidney disease decreases. The bad news is that it’s not impossible for your legs and arms to go numb already.

You can notice this by the marks left on the body when you wear tight clothing. If the swelling is serous, it is advisable to reduce salt congestion. It is one of the main factors for the retention of excess fluid in the body.

If it is summer, it is recommended to consume slightly salted water.

In case you notice problems with your eyesight, do not postpone the examination with the eye doctor. Dark spots may appear in front of the eyes – this phenomenon is temporary, but can definitely scare you. The good news is that it disappears after the pregnancy is over.

In individual cases, you may face more serious vision problems. If these are present, the gynaecologist will recommend a caesarean section.

And during the eighteenth gestational week, it is desirable to monitor the vaginal currents. They may become more abundant as the level of progesterone is elevated. This should not worry you.

This type of discharge improves the protective barrier of the vagina against various infections.

Bleeding in the fifth month of pregnancy may be seen due to the lower lying placenta. As a rule, at the moment it is located almost at the bottom of the uterus. If a problem is suspected, consult the doctor.

The pregnant woman’s menu in the 18th gestational week

The nutritional menu of the pregnant woman continues to be varied and still rich in calcium and vitamins that facilitate its absorption.

At the onset of symptoms of vitamin deficiency, it is advisable to start taking extra through supplements. Consult a doctor for dosage.

What is seen on ultrasound?

At this stage of pregnancy, you can see the brain, which is divided into two hemispheres. You can also see the bicameral heart and the shaped face.

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