Fetal development at 18 weeks of pregnancy
As the baby grows, the pregnant woman enters her second trimester. At this time, the fetal body system begins to become more complete and the organs gradually take shape. How is your baby\’s development going at 18 weeks of pregnancy?
Body shape and size
At this time, the fetus has a distinct shape, and its fingers and toes have also grown into small and regular details. The baby is approximately 14.2 cm long and weighs approximately 190 grams. The baby\’s skin is transparent at this time, so the purple veins will be very obvious. The baby is gaining weight, and the proportions of his head and body are beginning to approach those of a normal adult. At this time, the baby has no teeth, but the gums have begun to form.
Organ and system maturity
The baby\’s small alveoli begin to gradually form, and the salivary glands in the mouth are also forming. The fetus\’s kidneys are producing urine and are gradually becoming more complete. Pregnant women at this time need to pay attention. If intrauterine growth retardation is caused by intrauterine infection, chronic hypertension and other reasons, some health problems may occur after birth.
Hair, nail and speech development
At 18 weeks, your baby\’s hair has grown and is developing color as it grows. At this time, the nails are complete, the baby can already control his fingers independently, and the hands and feet have begun to move normally. Although babies cannot hear sounds from the outside world, they can already start to behave like sticking out their tongues and pouting at will, laying the foundation for future language development.
Precautions for pregnant women
Pregnant women need to start prenatal check-ups at 18 weeks, which generally include measurement of uterine height and waist circumference, B-ultrasound examination, amniotic fluid index test, blood test and urine test, etc. Pregnant women need to maintain a high-quality diet and consume more foods rich in protein, calcium and iron to ensure the normal development of their babies. At this time, you need to avoid violent shaking of the body and sleeping on your stomach. Do not wear high heels, underwear and tight-fitting clothing, and do not come into contact with harmful substances and higher doses of electromagnetic waves. Pregnant women who find themselves with abnormal conditions such as low back pain, nausea, sore buttocks, etc. should consult a doctor promptly.
Summary
The fetus at 18 weeks of pregnancy is growing rapidly and its body is gradually improving. Pregnant women should pay attention to prenatal check-ups, strengthen nutrition and physical management, and lay the foundation for the healthy growth of their babies. At the same time, you must abide by the doctor\’s advice, pay attention to the body\’s reaction, and avoid the influence of some adverse factors as much as possible. Correct management can eliminate most of the difficulties during pregnancy and allow your baby to grow healthily.
