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.
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You may start to feel your baby move. These movements can feel like butterflies or bubbles.
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Babies at this stage can now suck their thumbs.
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Get some exercise every day. And avoid caffeine late in the day.
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Take a warm shower or bath before bed. Try relaxation exercises to
calm your mind and body.
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Use extra pillows. They can help you get comfortable.
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Don't use sleeping pills or alcohol. They could harm your baby.
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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.
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Stretches for leg cramps
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Straighten your leg and bend your foot (flex your ankle) slowly upward, toward your knee. Bend your
toes up and down.
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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.
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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 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.
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
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