Pregnancy: 18 weeks

How the child grows:

The child grew to 14 cm and weighs almost 200 grams. He is busy with flexing his arms and legs - movements that you will begin to notice more often. His blood vessels are visible through thin skin, and his ears are in the correct final position. Around the nerve fibers, begins to form a protective coating - myelin, this process will last a year after the birth of the baby. If you have a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are already formed, and if the boy, then with an ultrasound examination, you can already see the primary sexual characteristics.

Important: the development of each child is strictly individual. Our information is designed to give you an idea of the development of the fetus.

Changes of the future mother

Hungry? Excessive appetite is a fairly common phenomenon at this stage of pregnancy. Choose foods that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, candy). Large, comfortable clothes - at this stage, already a necessity, due to the growing appetite and increased waist size.

Your cardiovascular system is subject to significant changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure is likely to be lower than normal. Do not change the position of the body too sharply, as this can cause dizziness. From now on, try to sleep on your side, because lying on your back, the uterus can pinch the main vein, reducing the blood flow to the heart. Put back or between the legs of the pillow for more comfort.

If you have not already undergone an ultrasound examination in the second trimester, soon it will be assigned to you. This painless procedure helps to control the growth of the child, identify certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine the exact length of pregnancy and see the number of embryos. At the examination, you can notice the movements of the child, and also see how he sucks his thumb.

"If you get very tired during the day and fall asleep literally, find a place where nobody will bother you (close the door of your office or sit in the back seat of your car), wind an alarm for 15 to 20 minutes, close your eyes and try relax. "- Laura.

3 Questions about ... Training

• Do I need to change my schedule?

In most cases, if you are healthy and your pregnancy runs without complications, you can continue your usual activities during the first trimester - with some changes taking into account the growing abdomen. Adhere to a moderate style of physical activity and avoid sharp and intense movements.

• I had a sedentary lifestyle for quite some time, but I would like to start some exercises. How can I do it?

First, discuss your plans with the doctor, after which you may start with short (approximately 15 minutes several times a week) and gradual exercise. Walking is the easiest way to perform regular physical activity. Many women like to swim during pregnancy, as water helps maintain their extra weight. Others are enrolled in prenatal yoga classes to strengthen their muscles.

• What is Kegels?

Kegels - exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor: urethra, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. Kegels helps prevent urinary incontinence during pregnancy, increase blood circulation to the rectal and vaginal area, in order to prevent hemorrhoids and accelerate the healing after childbirth.

Exercise:

• Strain the muscles of the vagina, as if trying to stop the flow of urine. Do this exercise using only the pelvic muscles, without using the abdominal muscles and muscles of the legs. Do not hold your breath.
• Hold this voltage for eight to ten seconds, then relax. Repeat up to ten repetitions three to four times a day.

This Week's Activities: Choose courses for future parents. To find convenient locations and professional courses, consult a doctor.

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