In the 18th week of pregnancy, you might notice that your pregnancy belly becomes more evident as the waistline shrinks and the uterus begins moving towards the pelvic area. Your body continues to change during week 18 of pregnancy. You may find a few new symptoms popping up and others continuing from the previous weeks. Let us learn more about the symptoms and how does your body change during week 18 of pregnancy.
How Does Your Body Change During Week 18 of Pregnancy?
Your little one is growing and might give you little flutters now and then. Your body might also undergo several other changes in week 18 of pregnancy. Let us discuss all of these symptoms one by one:
1. Fetal Movements
You might feel a sudden flutter in your belly. You might have just felt the movement of your little one. While it is common for women to feel fetal movements, there is nothing to panic about if you do not feel it. There is still time for the little one to grow and give you the kick and play.
What to do?
Enjoy the moment. If you feel any adverse pain, do consult your doctor.
2. Swelling
You might suddenly feel that your ring has come tight. You may notice that your fingers and legs are swollen. Swelling is widespread during pregnancy. Your body requires more fluid to support the growing fetus and you. These excess fluids create swelling in your body. Ankles and feet are also prone to swelling.
3. Varicose Veins
The excess pressure in the circulatory system might cause the veins to turn blue and bulge. The blood volume is expected to increase by 20 percent during pregnancy, which weakens the veins and causes varicose veins. While it may be painful, it will go away after the delivery.
What to do?
Apply compressions to the veins to soothe the effects of varicose veins. Above all, patience is the key to getting rid of varicose veins. It would take six to 12 months post-delivery to get rid of it.
4. Clumsiness
Most of the mothers notice that they are getting clumsier and prone to dropping things more often. It is a common phenomenon during pregnancy, and there is no big concern. Clumsiness occurs due to the following reasons:
- You are carrying more weight now. The center of gravity might change, making it difficult for you to balance.
- Muscle coordination may be reduced.
- The increase in pregnancy hormones might loosen joint control.
- An increase in back pain may make you feel imbalanced.
- If you are not sleeping properly at night, you might feel tired and lose control.
What to do?
Clumsiness is very common and not a cause of serious concern. However, take preventive measures if surfaces are prone to falling or being imbalanced.
5. Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are yet another common and mysterious pregnancy symptom. It is a mystery because the reason for the leg cramps is not known. It is believed to be caused by the extra weight you may put on during pregnancy and the swelling. Stretching and applying heat massage could ease the pain from cramps.
6. Bleeding Gums
The body’s overproduction of pregnancy hormones results in plaque, which is the cause of bleeding gums during pregnancy. This is also known as pregnancy gingivitis. You may practice healthy dental hygiene to avoid or ease the pain of bleeding gums.
7. Stretch Marks
You might notice small lines of stretching in your belly and abdomen. As your uterus expands, the pressure on the skin makes it grow and causes stretch marks. Several OTC gels are available that help to vanquish stretch marks after delivery.
8. Bloating and Gas
You may often find yourself bloated and feeling gassy during pregnancy. The increasing pregnancy hormones are the primary culprit for bloating. Try to avoid spicy and gassy foods to get rid of bloating and gas. Concentrate more on eating healthy food, including fibre-rich fruits and vegetables.
9. Pregnancy Brain / Forgetfulness
You may find yourself in a situation where you forget everything. You will often forget where you kept the things you use often or why you entered the room. It is common to ignore things during pregnancy. There is nothing to be worried about. You will get back to normal after delivery. Until then, you may seek help from people at home to make you more comfortable.
The 18th week of pregnancy brings in several symptoms you might have already been used to in the initial stages of pregnancy. Your little one is growing and appears to be the size of a sweet potato. More weeks are coming—gear up your body to face all the upcoming changes and symptoms.
Happy pregnancy!
Read Also: How Does Your Body Change in Week 19 of Pregnancy?
