Week 18 where is my uterus

However, sometimes the scan could pick up something you're not expecting. If this is the case, then you may be offered further tests. You can decide whether to have them or not.

The sonographer may be able to tell you at this scan — but not everyone wants to know, and it's not always the hospital policy to reveal the sex of the baby. If you don't want to know, then make this clear before you start. Did you know that prescriptions are free during pregnancy?

NHS dental treatment is also free. Ask your midwife, GP or health visitor for the application form FW8. Your certificate will be valid for up to a year after your baby's due date or date of birth.

With any luck you're getting into the groove and can manage your symptoms as your body expands. You should never feel in agony, or unable to cope, so talk to your midwife or doctor if you find yourself struggling with your day-to-day life. Tommy's, the baby charity, has a further list of common symptoms.

Your baby, or foetus, is around That's approximately the size and weight of a sweet red pepper. Your baby's reflexes are developing this week — and on the agenda will be hearing, feeling, swallowing and sucking. They will also be doing a lot of wriggling around and moving their little arms and legs.

This is a good week for planning and getting things done. Make a 'to do' list and start ticking things off — it's amazingly therapeutic. Put 'me time' on the list, in case you forget that you're important too.

Many women will tell their employer after they've had their first pregnancy scan at around 12 weeks. Once you tell your employer, you have maternity rights and can attend antenatal appointments during paid work time. You can also ask for a risk assessment of your workplace to ensure that you're working in a safe environment.

It's a good time to tone up those muscles 'down under'. Gentle exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze, cough or jump around on your future baby's trampoline. Get the muscles going by pretending that you're having a wee and then stop the 'urine' in midflow. Nerve protection. Myelin, a protective insulation, is starting to form around baby-to-be's nerves. This covering continues to grow until your baby's first birthday. Girl and boy parts defined. Having a girl?

The fallopian tubes and uterus are now in proper position. Genitals may be visible on your next ultrasound. How big is my baby at 18 weeks? Baby is yawning Now for the skill of the week: The art of the yawn has been mastered by your baby, along with hiccupping, which you may feel soon, too!

Baby's nervous system is maturing quickly Something you won't see on the ultrasound — but you'll learn is in working order — is your baby's nervous system, which is maturing rapidly when you're 18 weeks pregnant.

Quick growth Is it a girl? How Big Are Week Bumps? Read More. Bloating and gas Finding it hard to contain the gas bubbles? Try to relax — tension can cause you to swallow air, which only adds to the problem. Some women also swear by magnesium supplements or milk of magnesia — which can also help ease constipation — but talk to your doctor before taking them.

Bleeding gums Those pesky pregnancy hormones cause mucous membranes in your body, including those in your mouth, to swell, which can mean inflamed, irritated and bleeding gums. Edema swelling in feet and ankles As your body tissues accumulate excess fluid —your pregnant body requires extra fluid to support you and your baby — you may notice swelling in your ankles and feet. The reason: Fluid tends to pool there thanks to the law of gravity.

Reduce water retention in your feet by avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time — and try to keep your legs elevated when you can. Interview pediatricians. Time for relaxin? Pump iron.

Be wary of supplements. Avoid some workout moves. Also off-limits: deep-knee bends, back bends, jumping and bouncing. Get ready for tiny kicks. Reviewed June 24, View Sources. If you experience swelling of your ankles, face, or hands, or if you swell or gain a lot of weight quickly, you should also call your doctor. This could be an early sign of preeclampsia , which is a serious pregnancy complication that requires prompt medical attention.

You should also contact your doctor before taking any new medications or herbal remedies. In the upcoming weeks, your belly will continue to grow. You may have more energy and an increased appetite. The second trimester of pregnancy starts at week 13 and lasts until week Learn about weight gain, skin changes, and common discomforts. A new study finds that epidurals do not affect child development in their later years. A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm.

It's often benign. Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Changes in your body. Your baby. Share on Pinterest. Twin development at week Other symptoms that could occur during week 18 include: Carpal tunnel syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common complaint among pregnant women.

Body aches Body aches, such as back, groin, or thigh pain, may begin during your second trimester. Skin changes and itching An itchy abdomen is common during pregnancy. Start in tabletop position on your hands and knees with a flat back, and then round your back upwards as you gently pull your stomach up in cat pose. Hold it for a few seconds before resuming tabletop.

It can help you maintain a comfortable sleeping position on your side to accommodate your 18 weeks pregnant belly, and it can even reduce back and hip pain too. Getting Pregnant. Popular links under Pregnancy First Trimester. Popular links under Baby Baby Month by Month. Popular links under Toddler Toddler Month by Month.

Baby Products. Swelling can be an annoying pregnancy symptom. If it is, tell your doctor right away. Baby is putting a lot of pressure on your insides, causing aches and pains in your back. Plus, pregnancy can take a toll on your posture, which can also lead to backaches. Leg cramps.