What Changes Can You Expect at 18 Weeks Pregnant? Symptoms of a Baby Boy
Introduction
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey that affects women both mentally and physically. As the baby grows inside the womb, many changes take place, which vary depending on the sex of the baby. At 18 weeks pregnant, women can expect to experience some unique changes that indicate the gender of the baby. Ladies who are carrying a boy will experience different symptoms than those carrying a girl. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the symptoms of a baby boy that women can expect at 18 weeks pregnant.
Body
1. Increased Appetite
Moms-to-be pregnant with a baby boy tend to have an increased appetite than those carrying a girl. This desire to eat more can be attributed to the high levels of testosterone, which influence the metabolic rate, leading to more food consumption. Mothers carrying boys may crave salty and savory foods, and their bodies tend to burn calories faster.
2. Excessive Weight Gain
Mothers of boys gain weight more quickly than those carrying girls. The high testosterone levels metabolize food more swiftly, leading to increased weight gain. It’s common for women carrying boys to gain about 3-5 pounds more than women carrying girls. The excess weight may primarily locate itself in the belly and hips.
3. Lower Belly Positioning
The position of the belly can indicate whether an expectant mother is carrying a baby boy or girl. Women expecting a baby boy often have a lower belly positioning than those carrying a girl. Boys carry lower in the uterus, hence mothers carrying boys have a bump that sits lower than expectant mothers of girls.
4. Hair and Skin Changes
Mothers carrying baby boys often experience hair and skin changes. Hormones play an integral role in these changes, and boys tend to have different hormonal make-up than girls. Women carrying boys experience an increase in hair growth and may notice a change in their hair texture. Gestating boy babies can also cause the skin to develop acne or become oilier than usual.
5. Increased Energy
Expectant mothers of boys report experiencing higher energy levels than those of girls. The increase in energy can be attributed to the testosterone hormone present in boys, which speeds up the metabolic rate. Mothers of boys tend to sleep less than those carrying girls and are more physically active.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pregnancy is an incredible and exciting journey for expectant mothers. At 18 weeks pregnant, women can expect to experience some gender-specific changes that indicate the sex of the baby. Those carrying baby boys will display different symptoms than those carrying girls. From increased appetite and excessive weight gain to lower belly positioning, hair and skin changes to increased energy levels, mothers of boys will undergo unique changes that will make their pregnancy journey one to remember.
