Your Pregnancy at Week 18

​​Are you comparing your belly to other pregnant bellies? Remember every body and every pregnancy is different. Height, shape, genetics, and pre-pregnancy weight all play a role in determining the size, placement, and timing of your baby bump. At each prenatal appointment, your midwife or doctor should be tracking growth and development. They will let you know if there’s anything to be concerned about.

At 18 weeks, the extra fluids you’re carrying around all day are supporting your pregnant body … and possibly causing a bit of swelling in your feet and ankles. This phenomenon, called edema, is caused by the fluid collecting in your body’s cavities and tissues and – thank you, gravity – amalgamating at the ground. Keep your feet elevated whenever possible. Propping your feet up with a pillow every now and again can work like magic to bring the swelling down. 

Another magic trick would be if your partner put their hands on your ankles and feet with a little rub-a-dub-dub action. While this puffy inconvenience is totally normal, you should keep an eye on it. If you are concerned at all, talk with your midwife or medical practitioner about it.

Your mind is busily preparing for your new arrival, your body is busy growing a human being, and in the middle of all that are aches, pains, pimples, and... gas. The ups and downs of pregnancy are exhausting, but once you're holding that bundle of joy and staring into those perfect, trusting eyes, it will all be entirely worth it. Below is a list of symptoms you might experience this week.

Baby kicks: your baby’s movements are becoming less responsive and more purposeful! As the part of their brain responsible for movement develops you may notice more patterns in when and how your baby moves. 

Sleep complications: between getting up to use the bathroom, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and even heartburn– you may be struggling to get a decent amount of sleep during the night. 

Swollen ankles and feet: some swelling is normal and expected during pregnancy, but it’s best to keep an eye on any sudden changes so your healthcare provider can ensure there isn’t anything to be concerned about.

Backaches, headaches, and hip pain (oh my!): aches and pains are an uncomfortable, albeit normal, part of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about safe pain relief options that may offer some comfort.

Clumsiness: if you find yourself falling off-balance a little more than usual, you are not alone! Your expanding belly causes a dramatic shift in your center of gravity, which can cause increased clumsiness. 

Heartburn, indigestion, and/or gas: as your baby continues to grow and press on internal organs, your digestive system is likely to feel the impact of cramped quarters. This, paired with continuing hormone fluctuations can result in heartburn or indigestion. Talk to your medical care provider about options for relief if you’re feeling too uncomfortable.

Pregnant dreams: vivid dreams can be some of the more interesting pregnancy symptoms. While the cause is unknown it may have something to do with hormones, or the fact that nausea or frequent urination means you are not sleeping as deeply and can remember your dreams more easily. 

Acne: while some individuals are basking in clear skin and pregnancy glow, others may be experiencing Increased acne. Even though you may not have had a break-out since high school, acne is common during pregnancy for the same reason it’s often seen during puberty– hormones!

Stretch marks: there are many skin changes throughout pregnancy, and itchy stretch marks is just one of them! As your baby continues to grow and your body grows to accommodate, your skin may experience stretching, leaving marks and causing discomfort. You can utilize lotions and creams to soothe irritated skin; but stretch marks are largely genetic and not something you should feel guilty for not “preventing”. 

Weight gain: it is impossible to sustain a growing baby without some degree of weight gain. If you are concerned about whether or not your weight gain is in the normal range (or too much/little) talk to your doctor so they can advise you.

Have you signed up for a childbirth class yet? If you are thinking about it, it's not too soon to start looking at what's offered near you. Limited class sizes tend to fill up more quickly than you'd expect. Some classes will last a couple of days, while others span over a couple of weeks or months. Do your research before deciding which birthing style is best for you. There are many techniques, such as Hypnobirthing, water birthing, the Alexander Technique, and the two most common types: the Lamaze Technique and the Bradley Method.

The Lamaze Technique teaches that childbirth is a normal, natural, and healthy process. It empowers individuals and families through education and support. This method should help you approach childbirth with confidence and explores ways to find strength, or comfort, during delivery, using various techniques for relaxation and eliminating counterproductive responses (like tensing up).

The Bradley Method emphasizes having a natural childbirth alongside the active participation of your partner. Traditionally, this course is given in 12 sessions and focuses on nutrition, exercise, and techniques for relaxation, and highlights the importance of trusting your instincts during childbirth. The Bradley method also encourages and is highly supportive of breastfeeding.

Write in your pregnancy journal - what do you think you are having? A boy? A girl? Write down your prediction!

By week 18, you’re probably anxiously awaiting your upcoming prenatal appointment. An ultrasound is usually scheduled sometime between weeks 18 and 20. Your OB will use this time to check your baby's growth, fluid levels, heart rate, and movement, look for any abnormalities, AND determine the gender of your little one! You should be able to bring your partner, or any one person, with you. You should also be able to get photos and/or a video of the ultrasound. Check with your midwife or doctor to see what the office policies are, regarding this special, revealing ultrasound.

Should you find out the gender? There are reasons for and against finding out the gender at this point in time. Knowing ahead of time can allow for nursery personalization, gender-specific name selections, toys, and clothing, and gives you the ability to genuinely picture what life after childbirth might look like. Alternatively, keeping your little one's gender a surprise builds suspense and gives parents something truly exciting to look forward to, which could color the delivery of baby number two or three pretty. You and your partner should come together when determining which path is right for both of you. And it's possible your baby will make the decision for you, because if he or she isn't ready to reveal their private parts, the most practiced sonographer won't be able to uncross those little legs.