Pregnancy – Week 18

You should be able to feel the fetal movements quite clearly now. Pregnancy causes the membranes inside the nasal passages to swell and your nose might become blocked. You will find there are several physical changes besides the predictable weight gain and might also be noticing an increase in vaginal discharge.

Mum

You will definitely be wearing larger, more comfortable fitting clothes now.

An ultrasound may be suggested to assess fetal development and growth and to verify the due date. Gender may also be determined if baby is in the right position but this is not always accurate.

An ultrasound at this stage can detect some physical abnormalities such as heart problems, kidney disorders, spina bifida and cleft lip.

Some women suffer pregnancy amnesia, a feeling that your memory is not as good as it usually is.

Bub

Baby is measuring around 15cm (6 inches) now and weighs about 200 grams (7 ounces). Taste buds are developing and can distinguish sweet from bitter.

Baby may be startled by loud noises. He doesn’t make a sound yet but goes through the motions of crying. He can hear mum’s heart beat, her stomach rumbling and blood moving through the umbilical cord.

Alveoli (tiny air sacs) begin to form in the lungs and the vocal chords are formed.

Tips

Take your partner and get a glimse of your baby with an ultrasound.
Treat yourself to a new pair of low heeled shoes for stability as your body continues to enlarge.