Week 18
Welcome to week 18! Your baby is now over 5 inches long and weighs 5.5 ounces on average. You uterus is probably less than an inch below your belly button now.
Make sure that you are watching your diet and your weight gain.
You don't want to gain too much too early in your pregnancy but you also don't want to not be gaining. |
Image used with permission by Desiree
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While no one recommends dieting in pregnancy, keep an eye on your fat intake and the food choices you are making. Try to avoid empty calories (from pops & sodas), fatty, fried food and foods high in fat. Also make sure you are drinking AT LEAST 64oz of water a day (althouth 86 is more recommended when you are pregnant). By this time you should have gained approximately 10-13 pounds.
Tips for Mom
While your baby may be living inside you and be connected to you, your baby is a unique individual. It has it's own blood supply that does not come in contact with yours. It has it's own DNA and genetic makeup and its own unique fingerprints. It gains oxygen and nutrients from you through the umbilical cord. It is the cord that will keep your baby alive and growing while inside your womb.
Many women begin to notice aches in their backs around this time too. While your belly and baby are growing, your center of gravity changes and you find your back arching more to adjust to the weight gain in front. Some women prefer to see a chiropractor through pregnancy to help with the backaches. Still others prefer heat and aetaminophen. Remember NOT to use a heating pad or to take a hot bath. A warm bath may help to relieve the pain. Also a microwavable bean bag can be used. Don't forget to exercise, as this too can help reliee tension in the back and to strengthen the muscles.
Star thinking about the hospital you will deliver in. Find out where your doctor has "priviledges" (meaning where he can deliver and look into a tour. You may also start looking into a birthing class such as Bradley or Lamaze. |
