Families For Life | Pregnancy: Week 18

Your little Einstein is busy forming complex connections between nerve cells.

What's happening to your baby?

Your baby is roughly the size of a capsicum and is between 12.5 and 15.5cm. Can you feel your precious child kicking and stretching around the womb? Perhaps you can feel your baby hiccup. This week, it's all about nerves as a protein substance called myelin grows, which will continue to do so for a year after birth. This protein substance helps nerve cells transmit messages between each other. Your baby's brain is focusing on the five senses and the little dear can even manage a little yawn.

What's happening to you?

Your back might be starting to ache with the increased weight of your belly; try some stretches using a fit ball to relieve the pressure. If you want some "me" time, look into having a prenatal massage that offers special beds you can slide your belly into for support. Your feet might swell as you experience fluid retention. What's a pregnant woman to do when this happens? Hit the mall to get some comfortable shoes, of course! They will support your increased weight gain, help with stability, and make you look and feel better.


By Associate Professor TAN Thiam Chye Head & Senior Consultant, Dr Janice TUNG Senior O&G Resident,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital

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