ADVICE RATING |
 4.73 (Highly recommend) from 4 votes (258 Visits) |
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18 weeks |
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by mcm  (April 2008) (rank 5th) |
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The placenta is in its final stages of development and is almost fully formed. This is a life support for your baby, providing nutrients and also processing waste for Mother to dispose of. The placenta developed from the egg where baby comes from and continues to grow with baby. Through
the blood vessels of the umbilical cord the placenta provides the nutrients which helps baby to develop and grow. The placenta provides the hormones to sustain the pregnancy. It is important that a healthy placenta is maintained. Having a healthy diet and refraining from smoking with definitely help.
The hormones help to prepare your body for the arrival of baby, such as your body changing to accomodate breastfeeding. Your breasts get bigger, more fuller ready for producing milk or colostrum (baby's first feed though not nourishing helps to build baby's immunity). You may find your ligaments are softer (in preparation for giving birth) and this may cause mild pain. I like to take care in getting up and not rushing around as not to get sharp pains.
Constipation may become a problem as the digestive tract is relaxed (blame pregnancy hormones again! - progesterone). Increase fibre intake and ensure you are drinking enough water as well as basic exercise and it should be more comfortable. Laxatives are generally not recommended in pregnancy.
Now at 18 weeks with my forth baby I can feel movements like tiny kicks. I am obviously pregnant as my belly is out there! With first babies you may not be showing as much or feeling much movement but it will happen soon enough.
