Week 18 of pregnancy | Second Trimester

Week 18 of your pregnancy means that you’re fast approaching the half way mark. It also means that Mom may be battling to sleep, and that Baby’s digestive system is one step closer to soiling nappies….

MOM
With your body growing as fast as it is, it’s only natural that it may disrupt your sleep patterns. Many pregnant women find that they suffer from some degree of insomnia during the course of their pregnancy. If the problem lies in being physically uncomfortable, try to use a pillow to support one leg or your slowly protruding tummy. Should you be suffering from backache, ask your partner to give you a light back or neck rub before bed.  However, you may find that the problem is not physical at all – you may just need to relax a little. A warm bath before bed is always soothing and adding 1-2 drops of lavender oil to the water will help in calming you and is good for promoting sleep. Another trick is to drink a small hot milk drink such as Milo or Hot Chocolate before bedtime. This may, however, mean a trip or two to the bathroom in the middle of the night. With bladder issues in mind, be sure to go to the toilet before bed to empty your bladder, thereby cutting down on at least one bathroom trip in the night.

BABY
At approximately 20 centimetres and 180 grams, your baby is growing rather quickly by now. Pads on the fingertips as well as the toes are forming this week, and your baby’s bones continue in ossification (hardening). Meconium (the first faecal matter) is starting to be produced by the digestive system and will accumulate in the bowel.

DAD
Even when your partner is not pregnant, she may vent if she’s in a bad mood. During a pregnancy more than ever, let her vent all she needs and just understand that she doesn’t necessarily want you to take action – just be her support system and talk to her when she needs it.

All is said and done for Week 18. Next week we take a look at the effects of pregnancy on your skin and we celebrate Baby’s uniqueness.