Pregnancy Week 18: Fetal Development, Back Pain, Food Cravings & Dill Pickle Dip Recipe by 30Seconds Pregnancy

About Baby

At about 7 ounces, your little pumpkin is the size of a bell pepper (or that chicken breast you’re grilling tonight). Myelin, a protective coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system, is starting to form around Baby’s nerves. The brain is developing the areas that handle the senses of smell, touch, taste, sight and hearing. Baby’s cutest accomplishments this week? He or she can yawn and hiccup!

Photo: Baby at week 18 of development

About Mom

Is your baby already being a pain in the … back? Probably. As your center of gravity changes because of your growing uterus, it can cause your back muscles to strain. Add to that the relaxin that’s relaxing (now you get the name!) your ligaments, back pain may rear its ugly head. Elevating your feet and a warm bath can help soothe those muscles. And you may also want to start lying on your side and placing a pillow under your hip. (And tell your partner that you’ve been prescribed a back massage!)

Have you scheduled your ultrasound yet? If not, now is the time to get it on the books. During your ultrasound the doctor will check on Baby’s growth, confirm your due date, check on all the vital parts like the placenta and umbilical cord, confirm the number of fetuses and … you know! The fun part! You may be able to tell if you’re having a boy or girl. Baby will have to cooperate for this, but if you want to know the sex, be sure to tell your doctor – and don’t forget to ask for a photo for the baby book.

Food Cravings

While craving pickles is pretty cliché, some women actually do crave the salty crunch of a brined cucumber. Here’s a refreshing dill pickle dip to help satisfy that craving:

You’ll need:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• chopped fresh dill (optional)
• optional mix-ins: capers, lemon, chopped garlic, chopped shallot, chopped green onions

Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine the cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl until well blended.

2. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Serve immediately or cover and chill.

Here are more easy recipes to make during your pregnancy! 

We had 35 women share what they craved during pregnancy. You have got to read this! Here's a sneak peek:

• "My sister craved edamame hummus with her first and ate it all the time and since then has never been able to eat it since!"

• "Olive Garden's salad dressing. I would actually go there and buy it before they eventually started selling in stores."

Bump Talk

“I love healthy stuff and junk an equal amount. Whatever I’m craving, I go for it. I’m never trying to lose weight – or gain it. I’m just being.” – Kelly Clarkson

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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