Pregnancy Week 17 and Pregnancy Week 18: Developments and Precautions

This is the period when the mother starts to feel the movements of the baby. As the pregnancy progresses the movements become stronger and more frequent. In pregnancy week 17 and pregnancy week 18 several changes start occurring in the body of both, the mother and the baby. Changing body of mother:rn1. The mother starts gaining weight during this period because the baby’s weight has been doubled in the last two weeks. rn2. The average weight gain of the mother during this period is around 9 to 13 ounce. rn3. At this point you can notice the swelling in your abdomen. The belly starts growing and starts pushing other organs to accommodate baby.rn4. By pregnancy week 18 the uterus is below the navel and you slowly begin to look pregnant.rn5. You may also notice a periodic pain in your legs called sciatic nerve pain.rn6. The blood pressure may be lower than the usual.rn7. Your gums and nose may often bleed occasionally. Growing baby:rn1. The baby weighs about 3.5 ounces in the 17th week and about 5.25 ounces in the 18th week.rn2. The length of the growing baby in pregnancy week 17 is about 4 to 4.8 inches and about 5 to 5.5 inches in pregnancy week 18. rn3. During this period fat begins to form and continues till the baby is born.rn4. Baby starts developing hearing capability because the parts of the brain that processes nerve signals from the ears start developing, also the bones through which sound is passed to the inner ear has hardened.rn5. The baby’s skin is still OK and transparent and slightly wrinkled and hence the blood vessels flowing underneath their skin makes it appear purply red.rn6. Their finger tips and toes start developing pad under them.rn7. Tiny air sacs (alveoli) get formed in the lungs of the baby. Points to consider:rn1. Always have a healthy diet consisting of all the essential nutrients for the mother and the baby. Healthy snacks like dry fruits will boost your protein intake.rn2. Start wearing maternity clothes that are loose and comfortable.rn3. Keep observing the baby’s movement and if there is a change in the frequency of movements then immediately consult your doctor.rn4. If you are having a discharge accompanied by itching or burning then immediately take medical treatment as you might have a yeast infection. Making pregnancy easier:rn1. Take small naps that will help your tired body to get some rest.rn2. Sleeping on the left side is advisable because sleeping on your back can compress your pelvic muscle. With these simple points in mind, you can comfortably pass your pregnancy week 17 and pregnancy week 18. Moreover, monitoring pregnancy week by week will definitely help in maintaining good health of baby and mother.