18 weeks

madiereid · July 2012

Hi all,

18 weeks down and a ton more to go. Is anyone else feeling underconfident in the fact that you are in the inbetween showing a big belly and not really showing at all? Recovered anorexic right here, and wont hardley let my husband touch me. But I am healthy, and my peanut is healthy as well. the heartbeat is 145, and from day one everyone is saying its a girl. Everything is going well Except I am dealing with bad constipation. How do you relieve it naturally the Bran isnt working:) Also, is it ok to not have swelling of the feet? I feel like that is a huge common sign, and I dont have it or the back aches. Is this normal?

disneydiva84 · July 2012

Hey there!

I definitely struggled with the in-between look for awhile. I work in a hotel so everyone was staring and I could just see them thinking hmmmm.... too many hostess dounuts or pregnant and then to top it off they wouldn't ask! But i've definitely noticed more of a bump this week that is more easily distinguished. Hang in there

Constipation comes and goes but honestly i've noticed that the more water I drink the better i feel.

Umm i am in the not swollen feet club too lets be thankful while we can

Best wishes!

oneyedsally · August 2012

My belly finally popped out so now it's pretty obvious I'm pregnant. But for a long time I was in between and I looked flabby. If you want it to be more obvious try to wear a belly band or maternity pants to smooth out your tummy, and pair it with a shirt that is obviously a maternity top. After I started doing that, coworkers who I hadn't specifically told started congratulating me. Maybe add in a bit of a waddle so it's really apparent why you're putting on weight! I had some serious eating and exercise issues before getting pregnant and struggled with the idea of gaining weight until now because it just looked like fat, but don't worry you'll get there.

For constipation, I drink lots and lots of water whether I'm thirsty or not (although I always am), and a mug of hot liquid like tea in the morning helps too. Also my prenatals have a stool softener and a form of iron which does not constipate, which I think has saved me from the worst of it. I use CitraNatal DHA, they were prescribed by my doctor.

kar0108 · August 2012

I use probiotics. They are incredible! I have problems going normally, so being pregnant on top of it all makes it so much worse. I think I went 5 times the entire time I was pregnant with my son five years ago. I started taking them right before I got pregnant with this one to help me and they are amazing!!! I gave some to a friend to try who is having blockage caused from being so constapated and she tried them and it worked for her. They really are great. You can find yogurt with probiotic in it, but the best thing to do is take the supplement. They can be expensive, but are worth it. They are really good for your digestive system in restoring its natural balance, and it is much better than taking any type of laxative or stool softener. I personally think they work much better as well, as I have tried other things and they did not work when I was not pregnant. So I would recommend probiotics, trust me, its worth it! Take them everyday, and in about 3 days to a week you will feel so much better!

Karen

Olichkaa · February 2013

try yorgurt, it helped me go SOOO much

ksgraham · February 2013

My doctor wants me to drink 100oz of water a day! That will help with hydration and constipation according to her. If more water isn't helping you can always clear out with prune juice and then eat yogurt every day. My legs/feet have not swollen at all but my lower back and hips do hurt...especially when I stand all day. As far as I understand (this is my first, but I am a nurse) every one is different and no pregnancy is the same. If you ever have any concerns though it's good to ask your doctor. I completely understand worrying about what is normal and what isn't but I am trying to pay attention to MY body and my symptoms

brainsurg41 · February 2013

Definitely up the water and cut out some of the salt from your diet. Potato chips and other salty snacks can cause swelling. But don't be too alarmed, all of us get different symptoms, you might totally escape the back aches til the end. (And the rest of us will be soooo jealous. ;-))

CathyO13 · March 2013

For the constipation I'd recommend eating prunes at least once a day, it has worked for me! And do not worry about not having the common signs not everyone is the same, like I do not have swollen feet or hands but you might get them later on or after you deliver, again everyone is different.

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18 weeks

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