Week 18 of Pregnancy

FACTS:

A skilled ultrasound operator can now determine if your baby is a boy or a girl. Although ultrasound scans have become a routine part of antenatal care, you may choose not to have one if your pregnancy is problem-free.

More and more your baby will be moving about, testing its reflexes. The amniotic fluid provides a perfect environment with enough space for the baby to bounce about, kicking and grasping – at times energetically.

When you are standing and moving around, the rocking movement pacifies your baby. On resting, however, you may notice the baby wakes and becomes more active.

TIPS:

Your posture becomes vitally important as your body compensates to support the extra weight. Because pregnancy hormones soften and stretch the ligaments and muscles that support your joints, this will add to your backache. Try to maintain as straight a spine as possible and avoid the tendency to thrust your stomach forward. Doing this will compress the lower spine and disrupt your nerve flow. You will feel this as jabbing pains or numbness in the buttocks and legs.

If you have trouble sleeping, try experimenting with additional pillows placed around your body for comfort. A bath with two drops of lavender essential oil is a safe and effective way to wind down and soothe sore muscles before bedtime. For more tips on how to get a good night’s rest click here

If you plan to renovate, arrange to have any jobs that may be harmful to the developing baby, such as stripping paint, painting, sanding or sealing, completed while you are staying elsewhere.

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.


Give a Comment