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Week 18

What's Happening To Your Body

Maintaining healthy habits like eating right, sleeping and getting moderate exercise daily, will help your baby’s growth as well as improve your well-being during and after the pregnancy.

Sleeping may be more difficult as your body grows bigger. Try propping yourself up with pillows to help you find a more comfortable sleeping position. You can also try doing pelvic tilts before lying down. Also, remember to urinate right before going to bed to minimize nighttime bathroom trips.

You may also be getting light-headed or dizzy. This is also normal. The only cause for concern is if it happens more than several times a day or severely enough to result in fainting. This is usually caused by moving from one position to another too quickly. The best thing to do is to move slowly when changing positions.

Don’t worry if vaginal discharge (usually a whitish color) is increasing as pregnancy continues — this is completely normal.

As you’re preparing for life with the baby, an important choice is to select a pediatrician. This is a good week to start scheduling visits to meet various doctors. You should be aware of the doctor’s appointment availability, immunization scheduling, emergency situations and what insurance they accept. It’s important to feel comfortable with your baby’s doctor so do your homework now and make an educated decision.

What's Happening To Your Baby

Your baby is the size of a bell pepper. Your baby measures 5 to 5.8 inches (12.7 to 14.6 cm) long from crown to rump. At this point, your baby weighs about 5.3 ounces (148.8 grams).

Your baby’s ears are approaching their final position. Your baby’s eyes are also beginning to face forward and the retinas may be able to detect light.

Your baby’s bones will continue to harden and the pads for his of her fingers and toes will form. They will gain the characteristic swirls and creases that form finger and toe prints.

The meconium (early fecal waste matter) will start to collect in the baby’s intestines. The baby’s heart is starting to build up muscle and pump about 25 to 30 quarts of blood a day.

Read This Next: Week 19

In Case You Missed It: Week 17