Pregnancy Week by Week: How Your Baby Grows

My Baby

Baby size

Pregnancy development

My Baby

Baby size

Pregnancy development

My Baby: Week 18

Size

14.2 cm

Weight

190.0 g

Mummy, I am the size of a sweet potato now. Has your tummy grown in size as well? With the increased amniotic fluid level, my "home" in your uterus has become larger and I am getting more active.

Popular questions for moms-to-be

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Pregnancy Care

Keep the backache away by sitting upright or performing light exercises such as prenatal yoga.
Sleep on your side (preferably left side) as it allows for maximum blood flow and nutrients to the placenta and enhances kidney function.
If you notice your hands and feet swell often, place them at a height to drain out excess fluids. Also, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
If worry is causing you to lose sleep, try out a few relaxing breathing techniques before you hit the sack for a good night's rest!
You may experience dry and itchy skin, so use a good moisturiser to keep the scratching at bay.
To prevent leg cramps, try to stretch your calf muscles before bed and stay hydrated

Pregnancy Symptoms

You are ravenous. Your baby’s rapid growth is probably making you hungry every few hours.
Your hands and feet are swollen. This pregnancy symptom can be bothersome, but it is common.
As your baby grows rapidly, there’s a lot of pressure on your back, leading to a backache.
Due to increased pressure on the veins of your nose, you may experience nosebleeds.
You may also be experiencing leg cramps, so stay hydrated.
You might be experiencing heartburn, indigestion and/or constipation.
You may have started to feel your baby's movements in the womb.
Stretch marks may have started to appear.
You might experience swollen, irritated and bleeding gums due to elevated pregnancy hormones.

Your Baby's Development

Your little one is moving, and wow! As your baby rolls, tumbles, and flexes his/her limbs in your womb, get ready to feel stronger kicks and nudges.
He/she can now yawn--so you may catch a glimpse of this during an ultrasound.
Because your baby's hearing is well-developed, sudden and loud noises may even startle him/her.
If you're carrying a boy, his penis will have now formed distinctly. If you’re carrying a girl, her vagina, womb (uterus) and fallopian tubes are in place.

Recipe of the day

Winter Pears

Festive1st trimester2nd trimester 3rd trimester

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Foods to avoid

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Activities To Avoid

Can I get plastic surgery? ❌>
Mummy, please don't do any plastic surgery during your pregnancy. Please consult with your doctor if it is allowed before proceeding as there may be adverse affects to your baby.
Can I go to a bar? ❌>
Best to stay away from bars when pregnant. The germs and possible inhalation of cigarette smoke is not good for you and your baby. And even a small amount of alcohol can harm your developing baby.

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Activities To Do

Can I take pictures? ✅>
Hello mum-to-be! Yes you may take pictures so long as you're not putting yourself in stressful situations. Twisting yourself into a pretzel to get a perfect shot is NOT going to do you any good so just watch it!
Can I take a bus? ✅>
Hi mum-to-be! You can of course ride that bus, just be careful about getting on and off, as well as keeping your balance if you are standing. Be aware that the bus is also a breeding ground for a lot of possible sicknesses, so just be alert and stay away from those sneezing or coughing excessively!

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Foods to eat

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