18 Weeks

Week 18 is the beginning of my 5th month of pregnancy! I feel like it's all getting really exciting now!

Details from http://www.babycenter.com/ My comments today are in.....PURPLE

How your baby's growing:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead (I'm noticing them now - but of course I want MORE MORE MORE! I usually feel the baby at work when I'm sitting at my desk or at night when we're watching TV on the couch.). His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit ("standing out from his head a bit", Like my brothers?). A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born (If you haven't done so already please donate to my MS Walk! MS is the breakdown of the Myelin that my baby is now growing. How wonderful would it be if my baby could be kept from the worry of having MS!) . If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place (Yay!). If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound. (I've really never known any boys that like to hide their genitals, have you?)



How your life's changing:

Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow. (You can say that again!)

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.

From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort. (I have really grown to love my body pillow, especially now that Eric is sleeping in the other room. I wake up with fewer aches and pains and I find I can really get comfortable. It's great. I've also started prenatal massage so no more massages for me on my back or my belly!)

If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon (March 23rd at 9am and I can't wait!!!). This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album! (The form I got says that our ultrasound will be 3D which is SO GREAT! The 3D ultra sounds are amazing!) I've attached an example below of a 3D Ultrasound. Isn't that crazy!!!!