Pregnancy Update: Week 18

I am now in week 18 of my pregnancy (almost 5 months at that). So far, so good. So good in the sense that I can manage to travel 8 short and long rides a day, to and from work. However, there are times that I find myself wishing that I'm just at home working and looking after the kids at the same time. In times like these, I simply console myself by saying this pregnancy will soon be over and that everything will be back to normal for me.

So, how am I and the baby doing in week 18? We're good, yeah! Although I'm not sure if I'm already placenta previa totalis-free. I haven't visited my OB-GYNE since my prenatal checkup last April and haven't had another ultrasound yet, so I have no clue. But still, I'm hoping that the placenta already migrated and that the baby shifted position from breech to head first. Anyway, on June 1, I'm planning to visit a new OB-GYNE near our vicinity. Only then will I know how my pregnancy condition is.

For now, I just update myself with what to look forward in pregnancy week 18 by researching on the Internet. So far, here is what I found out:

The Mom:

The hormones in pregnancy can cause changes in the appearance of your skin and hair. You may find that you have uneven patches of color or a butterfly shaped one called "the mask of pregnancy". These changes are more common in dark-skinned women. Your capillaries under your skin on your face can increase, causing you to look flushed. This is sometimes referred to as the "glow" that pregnant women are thought to have about them. You can use your foundation to cover both of these.

Your hair may appear thicker, it may gain a little curl, or it may start thinning. You will find that whatever your hair type, it usually becomes worse, i.e. dry hair becomes dryer.

You can now feel your uterus just below your navel.The average woman has gained close to 12 pounds by now.

SYMPTOMS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE

• Breast Changes, tenderness, fullness, darkening of the areola
• Frequent Urination
• Constipation
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Occasional headaches
• Stretch Marks (cocoa butter can help with these)
• Itching

The Baby:

This week your baby is about 5.6 inches long and by the end of the week will weigh about 5 ounces! She is really growing! You are also growing as well, Mom! You can probably feel your uterus just under your navel. You have probably gained about 10 to 12 pounds.

Source: http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/weekbyweek/week18.html
Image Source: www.babycorner.com