18th week of pregnancy refers to the secondtrimester, the fifth month of bearing the fetus. In fact, it does not differ much from, say, 17th or 19th, yet this week is important because a woman can feel the movements of her child.
What happens to the woman's body and the developing fetus?
So, 18 weeks of pregnancy:what happens to a woman and a future child? As a rule, at this time the woman clearly begins to feel the movements of her baby. If you are 18 weeks pregnant, there is no stirring, then this is not a serious cause for concern, especially if this is your first pregnancy. In fact, the future child begins to move from the moment of launching the heart, which does not stop its contractions right up to the very end of the life path. Just a little man is so small that the future mother can not hear his movements. Nevertheless, at the next appointment with a gynecologist, the first thing a pregnant woman should tell: "I have an 18th week of pregnancy, I do not feel any perturbations."
General condition of woman and child
The second trimester of pregnancy is the mosta favorable period for both the baby and mom. 18 weeks of pregnancy - what happens at this time? As a rule, the morning toxicosis and malaise are gone, the woman feels excellent, the mood has already leveled, the tummy is not very big yet, but it is already noticeable to others.
The length of the fruit reaches more than 14 cm, weight - about200 g or even more. In the womb enough space for him, the child moves in different directions, actively turns, kicks. Such movements with ultrasound can even interfere with the determination of gender.
18th week of pregnancy: sensations of a future mother
At this gestational age may appearsensations of drawing pains in the abdomen when taking an uncomfortable posture. To be frightened of it it is not necessary, there is such phenomenon because of quickly growing uterus, a stretching ligament. There may appear yellowish discharge and, regrettably, constipation - because of the fetal pressure on the intestines. And, most importantly, there is a good appetite! A woman who expects a child needs to balance her diet so that the baby receives as much nutrients as possible, especially when it's 18th week of pregnancy.
"I do not feel the child's movements!"- Another complaint? The reason to be alert, but also not to panic, after all, everyone is all individually. Someone first feels the movements of the crumbs at 15 weeks, and someone on the 22nd. , in particular, due to the developing fetus, gaining weight and growth, the uterus increases, the amount of amniotic fluid.The abdomen is enlarged in size and ready for milk production.The belly is already noticeable on the 18th week of pregnancy, many want to touch this natural wonder; let it be done or not - d ate the taste and desire of the mother herself.
Development of the fetus
Fetal development, 18th week of pregnancy - at this time the following events occur:
- the immune system is no longer so helpless, produces substances that can fight viruses and infections;
- the baby has grown, its length can reach 20 cm, weight - from 150 to 250 g;
- there is a fatty tissue, the bone system is strengthened, there are root molars;
- A child at the 18th week of pregnancy can for the first time clearly report to the expectant mother about her existence as a wiggle;
- unique fingerprints were formed, handles can suffice one another;
- the genitals have developed, you can determine the sex of the baby;
- the heart was formed, the motor activity increased;
- eyes can distinguish between light and darkness;
- and, most interestingly, your baby is already able to hear my mother's voice; you can start to sing to him and tell tales for the night.
18 week of pregnancy, I do not feel any perturbations! Norm or deviation?
The first movements of the future mother can hearBefore going to sleep, when calms down. Thin women will feel the tremors a little earlier than having excess weight. If pregnancy is the first - the feeling will appear a little later than the next. Women say that joyful and anticipated kicks are like the movement of gases through the intestines or the slight tickling of the butterfly's wings, and anywhere in the abdomen. Tiny is still very small, he has enough room in the tummy, he tumbles in it, as he pleases. As the baby grows, the tremors become more distinct. Therefore, both active movements of the crumbs and their absence are the norm. But if the mother says to relatives: "18 weeks of pregnancy, I do not feel any perturbations," she should calm down, the time for such a pleasant event is rather individual.
Necessary research on this period
A woman does not visit her doctor during this period.less than 1 time per month. At each visit, there is a weighing, measuring blood pressure, listening to the fetal heartbeat, measuring the height of the bottom of the uterus. Take urine for analysis. Visits to specialized specialists are made according to the indications for a particular woman and her condition.
Lifestyle and diet of a pregnant woman
Proper nutrition, stay in the fresh air,gymnastics for pregnant women - all these are integral parts of a healthy lifestyle. A woman's nutrition should be balanced. For the correct development of the baby, replenishment of the body's need for calcium and prevention of osteoporosis, a woman needs to add milk, cottage cheese, and dairy products to the diet, otherwise the baby will take calcium from her mother's reserves (usually teeth). Additionally, you should not use chemical preparations containing this element, everything should be in moderation. Foods that contain high-grade proteins, meat and fish, must be in the diet! To prevent constipation, you need to consume as much fiber as possible in fresh vegetables and fruits. Vitamins can be obtained by a woman from natural products, as well as from complexes for pregnant women prescribed by a gynecologist.
What dangers lie in wait for this deadline?
At all terms of bearing can lie in waittheir dangers. This week is not an exception to the rules. The danger of miscarriage does not leave the pregnant woman now. The risk of its occurrence becomes higher due to existing chronic or acquired diseases of the future mother. The threat of spontaneous termination of pregnancy as a result of uncontrolled intake of medications is not ruled out. The greatest danger is the discharge from the genital tract of a reddish shade, in this case, the doctor should be promptly treated! Monitor the state of the intestines.
Instead of concluding
Perhaps the most important recommendations.The correct psychological attitude - the main thing that should be. First of all, understand to yourself that such a state of a woman's body is natural, she fulfills her mission, inherent in nature, to endure and give birth to offspring. Therefore, everything that happens to your body is a normal process. Customize yourself only for the best, often think about your baby, about how he will stretch out his tiny little hands and say "Mom". Avoid stress. The kid already hears and hears everything. Nervous behavior of the mother, chronic fatigue and depression will lead to the development of a disorder of the nervous system and a decrease in the protective properties of the child's immunity. It is noticed that the crumb is sensitive to the mood of the mother and when she experiences the latter she starts moving more actively.
