2nd Trimester - Week 18

Geri_Berri · **Geri_Berri**

The hormones in pregnancy can cause changes in the appearance of your skin and hair. You may find that you have uneven patches of color or a butterfly shaped one called "the mask of pregnancy". These changes are more common in dark-skinned women. Your capillaries under your skin on your face can increase, causing you to look flushed. This is sometimes referred to as the "glow" that pregnant women are thought to have about them. You can use your foundation to cover both of these.

Your hair may appear thicker, it may gain a little curl, or it may start thinning. You will find that whatever your hair type, it usually becomes worse, i.e. dry hair becomes dryer.

You can now feel your uterus just below your navel.The average woman has gained close to 12 pounds by now.

SYMPTOMS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE

Breast Changes, tenderness, fullness, darkening of the areola
Frequent Urination
Constipation
Indigestion or heartburn
Occasional headaches
Stretch Marks (cocoa butter can help with these)
Itching

The Baby:
This week your baby is about 5.6 inches long and by the end of the week will weigh about 5 ounces! She is really growing! You are also growing as well, Mom! You can probably feel your uterus just under your navel. You have probably gained about 10 to 12 pounds.