18 Weeks Pregnant

You’re just about 50% through your pregnancy at 18 weeks pregnant. If you were having morning sickness, you should be feeling much better by now. . In fact, you should be feeling pretty energetic at this time in your pregnancy.

Many pregnant women are still feeling quite good at this point in the pregnancy. They are enjoying showing off the pregnancy, and they aren't too uncomfortable yet. Your belly should be showing to some extent now and you may need to switch to maternity clothes if you haven't done so yet.

By 18 weeks pregnant you’ll be experiencing the baby’s movements as small kicks and fluttering movements. As your pregnancy progresses these will be getting stronger. You can use this as experience in making an assessment of your baby’s general wellbeing by the amount of movements you experience.

Don’t try to fret too much about your weight at 18 weeks pregnant, as long as you are eating well and healthy. Most women may have put on about nine or ten pounds or so. By making good food choices you'll gain less excess weight.

Every calorie should be made to count as you are making a new person to bring into the world! Be sure to continue to eat fruits, vegetables and protein foods and cut back on desserts that a high in sugar. Drink plenty of water as contractions will occur due to dehydration.

It is better to eat several small meals per day than three large ones. You'll maintain a good blood sugar level without overeating. This strategy also works well as baby grows larger and your stomach gets squeezed by your growing uterus.

Staying healthy by exercising is also very important. Even if you only take a walk around the block or the mall a few times a week, you'll feel better and your labor will go easier than if you didn't exercise.

You may also become aware that at about 18 weeks pregnant it is harder to be comfortable when sleeping. You may need to experiment with different sleeping positions. It may be helpful to use extra pillows or a body pillow made for pregnant women.

Enjoy your pregnancy and your changing body. It’s only for a short time so you may as well enjoy it as best you can. Visit http://www.healthyclicks.org for articles on pregnancy many other health issues.