At 18 weeks of pregnancy, you are well into the second trimester.... This is what happens to you and your baby:

Your physical changes

Your belly is growing rapidly right now....During the second trimester, you should plan on gaining a healthy 1-2 pounds per month....If you started your pregnancy underweight or overweight, that will change....don't be surprised if you gain half a pound this week.
Your baby is also increasingly active..it won't be long before you feel him kicking and pulling.

Your child

Your fetus is about 13 cm long and weighs about 200 grams this week....this is a big week for your baby's senses....his ears are coming out of his head....your baby may hear your voice....your baby's eyes are now facing forward and may detect light.
your baby's nervous system is developing rapidly....a substance called my nerves....a substance called your nerves..from nerve cell to cell Other... Many women are having a second trimester ultrasound this week to monitor their baby's progress and make sure their baby's organs are developing properly... You can also find out your baby's gender during the ultrasound.

Twin development at week 18

Each baby now weighs about 7 ounces and measures 5.5 inches from head to bottom.. Fat stores are now accumulating under your baby's skin.

Symptoms of pregnancy in week 18

If the pregnancy is going smoothly, your symptoms may be mild this week....you may experience increased energy, but you will also feel extremely tired at times....when you feel tired, a short nap can help....other symptoms that may occur at 18 weeks include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common complaint among pregnant women... This disease is caused by compression of the wrist nerves and leads to tingling, numbness and pain in the hand and arm.. Sixty-two percent of pregnant women report these symptoms.

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If you work at a computer, make sure your sitting position is ergonomic... You should also avoid prolonged exposure to vibrations, such as power tools or lawnmowers.... Wrist splints may help reduce pain symptoms.
The good news is that most pregnant women develop carpal tunnel syndrome after giving birth...

Body pain

Body pain, such as back, groin, or thigh pain may begin in your second trimester....your body is changing rapidly....as your uterus expands and your stomach pushes out, your center of gravity shifts....this can contribute to body aches....this can lead to body pain....the weight gain of the baby can also put more pressure on the pelvic bones. You book an appointment, tell him how many months you are pregnant... Leg cramps are also common at night... Drink plenty of fluids and stretch your legs before going to bed... This can help prevent cramps... Exercising during the day can also help.

Skin changes and itching

An itchy belly is common during pregnancy....you may also experience itchy hands and feet....avoid hot showers and itchy or stiff fabrics....a mild moisturizing cream can also help.
You may also have a black line on your lower abdomen....this is harmless and usually goes away after birth...unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it.
Recent Review of Topical Prevention Methods showed that cocoa butter and olive oil, which are commonly used as topical treatments, were not effective in preventing or reducing stretch marks.

Other symptoms

Symptoms you experienced during pregnancy such as heartburn, gas, bloating and frequent urination may continue this week.... You may also experience nose and gum problems including congestion, gum swelling or dizziness.

Things you should do this week for a healthy pregnancy

If you haven't been to the dentist in a while, make an appointment. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant.. Pregnancy hormones may irritate the gums and cause them to bleed.. Pregnancy increases the risk of periodontal disease, which is associated with premature birth.. Routine dental care should be safe during the second trimester, but x-rays should be avoided during the second trimester..

If you haven't already, you should see a pediatrician.... Choosing a Specialist Pediatrics is a big decision for your baby, so it's best to start looking early... Asking friends for doctor recommendations or calling a local hospital for referrals is a good place to start... Childbirth classes will help you prepare for another birth and teach you what to do for another birth.>

To maintain a healthy weight, maintain a nutritious diet.. This should include foods rich in calcium and iron and foods rich in folic acid such as leafy greens and citrus fruits.. If you have a sweet tooth, eat fresh fruit instead of cakes or processed sweets....

When should we contact a gynecologist

If any of the following symptoms occur in the second trimester, you should contact your doctor:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Increased vaginal discharge or foul-smelling discharge
• Fever
• Shiver
• Pain with urination
• Moderate to severe pelvic cramping or lower abdominal pain

You should also contact your doctor if your ankles, face, or hands swell, or if you quickly swell or gain weight... This could be an early sign of preeclampsia, which is a serious pregnancy complication that requires immediate medical attention... You should also contact your gynecologist before taking any new medications or herbal products.

You're almost halfway there

At 18 weeks you are almost halfway through your pregnancy.... your belly will continue to grow in the coming weeks

Source: Healthline