Diary of a Pregnancy: Weeks 17 and 18

by | Aug 31, 2021

Week 17

Hello little Baby,

Well, I read that you are the size of a pomegranate! I have no idea how big a pomegranate gets as I have never eaten one, but by the way my tummy has grown this week it must be a good size..

I have noticed that I am starting to have an increase in body fluidsโ€ฆ. This is due to the increased blood supply and temperature regulation. I sweat really easily, get flushed and my nose gets stuffy. Increase in vaginal discharge is also noted (as long as it is not offensive smelling, itchy or excessive I donโ€™t have to worry about any infection).

My boobs and belly have started getting a bit itchy, I guess the skin is stretching now, so time to spoil myself with some lovely moisturisers and use them every night. I really would like to avoid/reduce any stretch marksโ€ฆ

I am gaining weight more each week which is encouraging. You are growing well and my body is keeping up. The weight gain is within normal limits so no need to worry. My friend with twins is also noticing it and looks very pregnant already. So exciting!

I have noticed weird dreams nowโ€ฆ. The other night I dreamt I gave birth to a two headed bunny!! Seriously?ย  Apparently this is quite normal, so there is no need to worry about you arriving with a head we did not know about.

Hello my Mommy!

Ha haโ€ฆ no I donโ€™t have two heads, and yes it is normal for mommies to have these outrageous dreams. I am perfect and growing nicely, my cartilage is starting to lay down bone, I am getting some subcutaneous fat and my umbilical cord is getting bigger and stronger.

I have a sucking reflex and enjoy sucking my thumb. I am producing vernix caseosa, which is a thick protective layer on my skin, which keeps me waterproof. I have developed sweat glands, so I understand what it could mean to get sweaty!

Preggy tips:

  • Take nice tepid showers if you are feeling hot and sweaty.
  • Moisturise your skin every day.
  • Donโ€™t overeat for two. You only need around 2 200 extra calories a day right now. Just choose healthy options.
  • Use light cotton underwear to prevent vaginal infections. If the discharge is a lot, you can use unscented panty liners.

ย 

Week 18

Hello little Baby!

So you are the size of a large artichoke. That I know, so you are really a cute little bundle now.

I am really feeling pregnant this week. I have started getting swollen feet and ankles if I am standing or sitting for long times. It is fine as long as my blood pressure etc is normal, which it is.

If I lie on my back to read I sometimes feel a bit breathless. This is because the heavier uterus is pressing down on the blood vessels behind it. Itโ€™s not a problem, as I just turn onto my side and it improves. So itโ€™s not a good idea to lie on my back for prolonged periods (like at yoga or doctorsโ€™ rooms). My body very quickly tells me to shift if that happens.

I got some leg cramps last night, so I am making sure I stay hydrated and taking my preggy vitamins.

The highlight for this week is that I am going to start looking at preggy clothes online and at the local stores. I have been able to get away with the normal looser items in my cupboard up till now, but this week, I can see they are really stretching to keep up!

I am also researching antenatal classes in my area. Some, like @smallbeginnings_dbn offer an online course, which is great during Covid restrictions!

Hello my Mommy

So this week I am getting chubbier. My bones and nerves in my ears have developed, and I love hearing your voice, your heartbeat, and the blood going through the placenta. I love it when you talk and sing to me, and I love music. My head is the same size as the rest of my body, so I look more like a baby. The placenta is the same size as me now. It is amazing, and supplies all the hormones, vitamins, minerals, fats, protein and oxygen that I need. It also removes all my waste.

I am yawning, hiccupping, sucking and swallowing. I am moving around a lot, kicking and punching. You canโ€™t feel me yet, but it wonโ€™t be long now.

You are able to see whether I am a girl or a boy on an ultrasound now.

ย Preggy tips:

  • ย Drink plenty of water and make sure you are getting enough calcium, magnesium and potassium in your diet to help with cramps.
  • Use a pillow under the mattress at the end of the bed to elevate your feet whilst your sleep. This helps with cramps as well as swelling.
  • Doing some stretches like childโ€™s pose and cat pose will help with achy backs. ( if your doctor has okayed you to do exercise, of course).

 

Our Diary of a Pregnancy series is written by Sr Des Meyer, a Perinatal Educator, in private practice, who is based in Durban North. Sr Des has been a Childbirth Educator and Well Baby Clinic sister since 1991. Her passion lies in educating new parents to enable them to achieve their goals as confident parents. “Knowledge is power and a good foundation for the exciting years ahead.”