In the eighteenth week of pregnancy, the most apparent of pregnancy symptoms become very real. You will love to eat and the huge appetite would be beyond control. The cravings will leave chance at any dieting attempts and it will soon show by way of an enlarged belly. Soon, expecting mothers will notice a difficulty in maintaining balance all thanks to the huge body size. Don't panic, all these side effects of pregnancy will return to normal after giving birth. Right now, just eat and enjoy life. As for the other tips and changes around this time, it is suggested that you lie on your left side as otherwise there is unnecessary pressure on your pelvic veins.
The baby is now about five and a half inches long and weighs approximately 7 ounces. The child's growth is faster in this phase of the second trimester of pregnancy. Baby's stomach, intestine and colon are developing. The stool that the child will soon pass after birth is also being formed. He can now sleep inside your body. Skin remains transparent and is kind of pink in color. Blood vessels are visible through the skin. The child's protective cover known as Myelin, that continues to form till about one year after birth, is beginning to form. The prostate gland is also beginning to develop. Vernix, a textured substance, is now covering the child's body to protect him/her during the remaining weeks of pregnancy.