Weeks 18 to 22 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions
At this stage you may find that your nausea and fatigue are gone. You may feel better overall and have more energy. But you might now also have some new discomforts, like sleep problems or leg cramps.
You may start to feel your baby move. These movements can feel like butterflies or bubbles.
Babies at this stage can now suck their thumbs.
Get some exercise every day. And avoid caffeine late in the day.
Take a warm shower or bath before bed. Try relaxation exercises to calm your mind and body.
Use extra pillows. They can help you get comfortable.
Don't use sleeping pills or alcohol. They could harm your baby.
For leg cramps, stretch and apply heat. A warm bath, leg warmers, a heating pad, or a hot water bottle can help with muscle aches.
Stretches for leg cramps
Straighten your leg and bend your foot (flex your ankle) slowly upward, toward your knee. Bend your toes up and down.
Stand on a flat surface. Stretch your toes upward. For balance, hold on to the wall or something stable. If it feels okay, take small steps walking on your heels.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
