{"id":10209,"date":"2021-04-26T10:27:12","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T14:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10209\/week-18-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2024-03-22T17:34:34","modified_gmt":"2024-03-22T21:34:34","slug":"week-18-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10209\/week-18-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"18 weeks pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For more information about week 18 in a twin or multiple pregnancy, tap here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You may notice <\/span>Baby<\/span> turning it up a notch in terms of moving and grooving all around the womb. And you might also notice your appetite increasing. In week 18 lots of growth is happening with both you and your little one!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How\u2019s Baby<\/span>?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Baby<\/span> is getting bigger all the time and now weighs almost 8 ounces (223 grams). Your little one is punching, kicking, and thrashing about harder than ever in your womb \u2014 pretty soon, you may even be able to feel it! Baby<\/span>\u2019s facial features are continuing to develop, and your baby can now yawn, hiccup, and swallow. They\u2019re beginning to develop a coating of myelin on their nerves, a substance that protects and facilitates the brain\u2019s communication with the rest of the nervous system. Myelin is important for Baby<\/span>\u2019s brain development, and the best way to support this growth is to make sure you\u2019re getting enough healthy fats, like DHA or Omega-3s.<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s new with you?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

By now, you\u2019ve \u2014 hopefully! \u2014 noticed that the second trimester trades many of the debilitating side effects of the first trimester for more minor annoyances. You\u2019ll probably notice your appetite growing to keep up with Baby<\/span>\u2019s growth.\u00a0 As your little one starts storing fat to keep themselves warm after you give birth, it\u2019s important to make sure that you\u2019re eating a range of nutritious foods that will help you feel good and help your baby grow well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another common finding at this time is low blood pressure, so it\u2019s recommended that you don\u2019t rise up from a seated or lying down position too quickly, as that might make you feel dizzy and light-headed. Experiencing lower blood pressure during parts of pregnancy is normal because your circulatory system expands a lot to meet the demands of pregnancy. This period of lower blood pressure generally lasts until around halfway through the second trimester and then will start to normalize. Until it does, support your body by drinking lots of water and don\u2019t be afraid to slow down a little to give your body a chance to catch up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/h5>\n
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Read more<\/h5>\n