WEEK 18: Baby Can Stretch, Hiccup and Hear Everything You Say | Preggo Nancy | Scary Mommy

Your Body at Week 18 Pregnant - While you may be in the middle of what is often dubbed the “honeymoon” period of your pregnancy, that doesn’t mean you’re not experiencing some serious discomfort. Your joints and ligaments are loosening up to prep for the baby, causing some aches and pain in your lower back and hips. If you haven’t already done so, try a belly support band during the day and a pregnancy body pillow at night. A belly band may ease some of your discomfort while also providing support, and the pillow can ease some of that stress off your hips. You should also be sleeping on your left side for better circulation.

Your pregnancy at 17 weeks:    • WEEK 17: Estrogen Levels Are Skyrocke...  
Your pregnancy at 19 weeks:    • WEEK 19: The “WTF is Up With My Skin”...  
For more on your pregnancy at 18 weeks: https://www.scarymommy.com/18-weeks-p...

Now that your blood volume has doubled, your heart is working overtime even as your cardiovascular system is slowing down. All these changes can lead to low blood pressure and it’s important you don’t ignore signs of faintness and dizziness. When standing up from a lying or sitting position, do so slowly. Make sure to keep hydrated, as dehydration can bring on those symptoms, as well.

Your Baby at Week 18 Pregnant. You’re Growing a Uterus Inside Your Uterus.
Your little one is coming in at 6.5 to 7 ounces and measuring a whole 6 inches long, or the size of an ice cream sandwich. Your baby has its own unique fingerprints, is fully blinking, and can hear you. Your little tot is doing all kinds of acrobatics and pirouettes in there and some women are starting to feel the little movements and flutters called the quickening. But if you have not felt these by week 18, there’s nothing to be alarmed by, you will soon.

In addition to Olympic-level gymnastics, this is a busy time for the baby. It is growing eyebrows and lashes, yawning and hiccupping, and those tiny fingers and toes are growing nails. Per the American Pregnancy Association, a protective layer called meylin is growing around the nerves and if you’re expecting a boy, his genitals may be detected in your next ultrasound. If you’re expecting a girl, the fallopian tubes and uterus are now in their forever home in the body. You’re growing a uterus inside your uterus!

Varicose Veins
Hormonal changes and an increase in your body’s blood volume adds pressure on the veins, resulting in varicose veins in some women. Most women who get this symptom tend to see them on their legs, buttocks, and vaginal region. Keep feet elevated as much as possible for circulation, wear specialized compression stockings, keep hydrated, and stay active.

Heartburn
Heartburn is a common pregnancy symptom during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, and that’s because hormones like progesterone and relaxin slow down digestion and relax esophageal muscles, which in turn allows acid to make its way back up. Thankfully, there’s something you can actively do to lessen just how bad your heartburn is. Avoid spicy or greasy foods, have several small meals during the day instead of large ones, avoid lying down right after eating, and elevate your head at night.

Breast Growth
By the start of the second trimester, you may notice your breasts are larger and fuller without feeling sore, tender, and painful to the touch. They are preparing for milk production and may increase in as much as a cup size and a half by the time you give birth.

Watch More Preggo Nancy:
   • Preggo Nancy | Scary Mommy  

Stay Connected with Scary Mommy
YouTube:    / scarymommytv  
Site: https://www.scarymommy.com
Facebook:   / thescarymommy  
Instagram:   / scarymommy  
Twitter:   / scarymommy  
Giphy: https://giphy.com/scarymommy

About Preggo Nancy:
Have no fear! Preggo Nancy is here…the week-by-week pregnancy guide to help you through the overwhelming, exciting and confusing stages of growing a human. This first of it’s kind, 35-episode series of humorous and informative “what to expect” videos will be a go-to for all pregnant moms.

About Scary Mommy:
Scary Mommy is the #1 media brand creating fun, honest and unfiltered content for moms. We tell engaging stories that connect with millions of women united by motherhood.

Disclaimer: While the information in this video has been prepared by a qualified medical professional, it is meant solely for informational purposes, and not as medical advice. It should not be used as an alternative to professional care. Some Spider, Inc. makes no representations as to the accuracy of the information contained in the video.