This was at 18w 2d I’ve seen other peoples ultrasound at 20-21 weeks and their baby wasn’t this big do you guys think he’s going to be a big baby ?? He’s 8oz half a pound the tech said #DoYouThinkhestobigfor18w
WeMoms
9 Apr 2024
Your body at 18 weeks of pregnancy
Your Body
at 18 Weeks
Welcome another week of your pregnancy journey!
Each week of pregnancy is a new adventure filled with excitement, surprises, and perhaps some exhaustion.
So fear not, we're here to keep you feeling positive and empowered!
Symptoms of the week
Cravings
Round Ligament Pain
Nice Hairs
Libido boost
Craving Incidence: Occurs in a significant number of pregnancies, driven by hormonal fluctuations and nutritional needs.
Round Ligament Pain Prevalence: Common as the uterus expands, causing discomfort due to stretching of supporting ligaments.
Libido Boost: Fluctuations in sexual desire are noted, attributed to hormonal shifts and psychological factors.
Round Ligament Pain Prevalence: Common as the uterus expands, causing discomfort due to stretching of supporting ligaments.
Libido Boost: Fluctuations in sexual desire are noted, attributed to hormonal shifts and psychological factors.
Your baby is growing, and so is your body. You may notice some stretch marks, but they're a reminder of the incredible journey you're on.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Edema (swelling) in the extremities is expected, resulting from hormonal influences on fluid retention and venous pressure. While generally benign, sudden or severe swelling should prompt medical consultation to exclude preeclampsia.
Hormonal elevations contribute to melasma and linea nigra formation, with these hyperpigmentation changes typically resolving postpartum.
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) reflects physiological adjustments to increased metabolic demands and diaphragmatic pressure from uterine growth, usually manageable with pacing and positional changes.
Round ligament pain underscores the physical expansion necessary to accommodate fetal growth, manageable through gentle exercise and positional comfort measures.
Hormonal elevations contribute to melasma and linea nigra formation, with these hyperpigmentation changes typically resolving postpartum.
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) reflects physiological adjustments to increased metabolic demands and diaphragmatic pressure from uterine growth, usually manageable with pacing and positional changes.
Round ligament pain underscores the physical expansion necessary to accommodate fetal growth, manageable through gentle exercise and positional comfort measures.
Top Asked Questions
Top 5 questions answered
When should I start thinking about a birth plan?
It's a good idea to start thinking about your birth preferences now, and to discuss them with your doctor.
What are some safe exercises to do during pregnancy?
Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are safe for most women.
What are some common skin changes at 18w?
Darkening of the nipples and a linea nigra (a dark line on the belly) are common.
When should I start thinking about maternity clothes?
You may need to start shopping for maternity clothes soon if you haven't already.
What can I do to reduce swelling during pregnancy?
Drinking plenty of water, resting with your feet elevated, and wearing compression stockings can help.
Taking care of yourself
- Birth Plan Considerations: Initiate birth plan discussions in mid-pregnancy to align preferences with clinical care.
- Exercise Guidelines: Low-impact exercises, such as swimming and prenatal yoga, are recommended for physical well-being.
- Skin Changes Management: Mild, non-irritating skincare routines can help manage dermatological changes.
- Maternity Wear Timing: Transition to maternity clothes as comfort necessitates, typically by the second trimester.
- Edema Reduction Strategies: Maintain hydration and consider compression stockings to alleviate lower extremity swelling.
Research childbirth education classes
In case of psychological difficulties do not hesitate to talk about it
When working in a seated position, rotate your ankles to stimulate venous return
Wear a medical restraint (ask your gynecologist or midwife for advice)
Teaser for next week
There will certainly be some surprises and some continued symptoms like your growing belly.
But a fun possibly new feeling is that "in the mood" feeling coming on.
Check it out next week to get some more details.
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Vanessa
8 Jan 2024
Is anyone else suffering with sleep currently 18w and wake up with anxious thoughts maybe 5 times a night 😩😩😩
Amber
I’ve been having some very vivid dreams to the point I feel like I’m in an 80s slasher film. But I’ve been having issues sleeping too, I don’t recall doing this when I was pregnant with my first boy.
27 Mar 2024
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Vanessa
Thank you for replying it’s nice to know I’m not alone 🥹 are you finding yourself getting up multiple times a night ?
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Savannah
15 Oct 2023
So we're 18w 2d.. have any of y'all felt pressure or a heaviness in ur vagina?? Maybe not all the time but it's definitely there. #pressure
Tahtiana
Yes I have especially when I’m carrying something
27 Mar 2024
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Savannah
It's been over 10 yrs since I was last pregnant so I feel I forgot what happens lol
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Nicole
23 Jul 2023
Is it weird that I’m 18w and my baby is still sitting low? Every time he kick I feel it in my lower abdomen like right before my vagina.
Nicole
I know my last appointment I was 15w and he was still low and she said it wasn’t nothing for concern, he was just down there chilling. It did make it harder for her to find the heartbeat so she had to bring the ultrasound machine out but I just figured he would be more up by now lol we’ll see when I go to my anatomy scan on the 31st.
27 Mar 2024
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Destiny
26 Jun 2023
Im 18weeks+4day & This Little One Is Soo Active Already 😭 Like Literally Feeling So Much Flutters. Anybody Else Feeling The Same At 18w?
🦋Morgan🦋
At 18 weeks I felt the same 😊
27 Mar 2024
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Destiny
It Makes Me Realize Im Really Pregnant Again🤣💕
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katelynn
8 Jun 2023
how far along we’re you when your belly button popped out? i’m almost 18w and my OB said my bellybutton looks like i’m already at 20w😟 it’s definitely close and i am not ready for that!!!
Amaris
Mines out I'm 18 weeks to, it popped at like 16 😂, this my 3rd baby
27 Mar 2024
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Caitlynne
This is my first baby and it popped out at 16 weeks and I’m 17 weeks now on vacation with a belly that looks like I’m well into my 20th week 😂
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Allie
1 May 2023
Just curious if this is for sure girl parts? I can’t tell completely because I don’t see the three lines. This was our anatomy scan at 18w 4d.
Allie
See that’s why I’m confused because I don’t see the “hamburger shape” but I also thought it could just be swollen girl parts too.
27 Mar 2024
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Lexy🩵🩶
Yours is most def a girl.
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Qui qui 👼🏾💙🕊🌈👶🏾💙
1 Feb 2023
19weeks today made it pass 18w with no contractions 🙌🏾 God is good we almost there baby. At 22 weeks everything gone b new to me. Keep baking cnt wait to have u in my arms and bring u home 💙
Jasmine
God is good 🙏🏼
27 Mar 2024
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Shaina
9 Jan 2023
Baby boy is showing so much at 18w and 2days 🤩. I just had to take cute bump pics. Excited for what my maternity pics will look like in a couple of months.
Miracle
This is at 18 weeks with my baby boy
27 Mar 2024
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Hannah
1 Aug 2022
According to my profile it'l says I'm 16 weeks pregnant. I am actually going to be 18w tomorrow ☺️ Anyways when did y'all start to feel baby kicks
Jada
A lot Of People Said Around 18-22 Weeks, I’m 18 Weeks Too 🤣💕 & I Can’t Wait Either Lol
27 Mar 2024
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♥️Maysons Momma♥️
I'm 17 weeks
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