If you follow our Special Pregnancy Week by WeekYou may have noticed that we have rested for a few weeks, a thing of the holidays; But now we are getting back to the rhythm with great enthusiasm, as we have reached week 18 and it could be said that we are almost halfway through gestation. It is surprising (and it is not the first time we have said it) that despite its small size, the fetus is already highly developed, and its body is capable of performing many different functions.
You see, it is only about 14 centimeters, and it weighs 150 grams, imagine what it still has to grow until the moment of delivery! Although the cartilage is turning into bone and the inner ear is already connected to the brain through nerve endings, so probably, while you go about your daily activities, even while you sleep, you can listen to your heart, and his; it is even possible that at some point get to perceive some sound from 'outside'. And now we continue with other changes in your baby, and in your body.
Week 18 of pregnancy: neuronal maturation and changes in the face
A baby still very small, but also very strong who sleeps a lot and also moves around and around and kicks: the amount of amniotic fluid is large compared to the size of the baby, and that gives him a lot of freedom of movement. Facial gestures such as yawning or grimacing are surprising, and make you even more eager (if possible) to meet the baby. There is still some time left, so just take the moment to get to know yourself a little more and connect with the being that you carry inside..
The heart in an 18-week fetus.
There is a general concern among expectant mothers, and it has to do with all kinds of congenital anomalies, although heart diseases generate considerable concern. The safest thing is that your baby's heart does not have any malformation and is working perfectly, shortly they will practice a new one by means of which you will verify that this is the case (it will be, approximately in week 20).
Now, and as a curiosity, we will tell you how this organ that filters and at the same time pumps blood, influences the control of the functioning of the respiratory system. As you already know, it is not until after birth that the lungs breathe providing oxygen to the newcomer; previously, oxygen (like other nutrients, is supplied to the fetus through the placenta and umbilical cord. Why does this happen? It turns out that the right atrium of the heart sends blood to the left, bypassing the lungs, using for this a small organ unknown to most.
It's called the foramen ovale, and it closes at birth. Tell you that in the next diagnostic imaging session the cameras and valves of the tiny heart are already appreciated. And you also see the ossifications that continue to grow and shape the skeletal system, while the cartilage also develops.
Week 12 of pregnancy: mom should adopt a healthy pathway style
Your state of pregnancy is more and more evident, and you will also feel heavier and heavier, at the same time that you must make efforts to maintain balance when changing posture or starting to move from a sitting position. and there could be no other way since the uterus is distended and will surely reach almost the level of the navel. It is normal then that it compresses the bladder, which will force you to get up several times during the night rest to go to the bathroom.; and during the day you should also urinate more frequently.
If it is your first pregnancy, they will have told you that you can suffer from constipation, and it is so, but do not worry excessively because it is easy to prevent. The cause is the same that causes frequent visits to the bathroom: the uterus is also compressing the rectum. Help your body by drinking lots of water, and eating foods with fiber (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains / bread, ...), within a balanced diet in nutrients.
We advise you to establish a routine of care and maintain it, because as time passes you may notice that it is difficult for you to maintain attention and concentration, so you turn small health gestures into habits, you can continue them with almost no effort. In addition to a healthy diet that we mentioned in the previous paragraph, mild to moderate physical exercise is actually convenient; Find a physical activity that you like and satisfy you (stretching, walking, swimming, etc.) and reserve at least 30 minutes a day to do it. If you have other children, you can involve them even if you have to adapt the rhythm. The benefits will not only be physical, but also psychological and emotional.
And now, yes, we end this 18th week of pregnancy, and in 7 days we will return with the next one, this time without interruptions. We wish above all that you live this stage of your life with intensity, and that you take advantage of the wonder of pregnancy to take great care of yourself.