18 Weeks Pregnant

Read about...

• Your Baby
• You
• 5th Month of Pregnancy Video
• Diary of a Daughter

Your Baby

Your little one is growing!

He/she is more than five inches long now and probably weighs about five and a half to about six and a half ounces. Weight has doubled since last week!

Full movement of the arms and legs have been discovered and believe me your child will use them! You may be feeling motions pretty consistently; your little has grown large enough now. If this is the first time you are pregnant, however, it may still take a couple of weeks until you are certain that the butterflies you feel in your stomach are actually messages from your baby.

Whether you feel it or not, your baby is twisting and rolling around. He/She has even mastered the yawn. :-)

Your child's nervous system is in a rapid maturing phase and should be in working order by now. Nerves are developing and are now surrounded by myelin � allows the nerve cells to exchange signals.

Although the ears may still appear to be sticking away from the head they are in position. Hearing has become a little more sensitive now. Not only are sounds from outside of the womb being heard, but internally as well.

The eyes are looking straight ahead. Studies have shown that at 18 weeks pregnant, the fetus is starting to become sensitive to light. For example, if you spend time in a solarium (not recommended!), your child will turn his/her back againts the light.

At this point of the pregnancy your doctor should be able to tell the sex of your child. If you are expecting a girl her fallopian tubes and uterus are in place. Should your child be a male his genitals are developing and visible in an ultrasound if he does not hide them.

Do you want to know the gender of your baby? Share you opinion in our baby gender poll here.

You

Changes are becoming more evident this week: increased hunger, weight gain, visible changes with your skin. No worries these changes are all normal.

An increase in hunger is expected... you are eating for two. But remember that those two are you and a still tiny little friend of yours. A huge calorie intake will put weight on your body, not your baby's - guaranteed! (Sorry!)

Try to focus appetite towards foods that are high nutrients. Foods such as the pint of New York Super Fudge Chunk, Cheetos, chili cheese dog from Ron's Hotdog Stand around the corner, etc, although may sound good are not exactly the healthiest of foods.

Vegetables, maybe a grilled chicken breast are better for both you and your baby. And one small piece of chocolate... ;-D

Comfort is a must at this point. Your tummy is growing larger. Therefore baggier clothing may work better for you.

Also find a comfortable way of laying on your side. Ideally, you should be sleeping as much as possible on your left side. That will maximize blood flow and nutrition to your uterus and baby.

By laying back the uterus can fall back and possibly apply undue pressure on a vein. Some moms almost faint if they lay down on their back later on in pregnancy or at least become very uncomfortable and dizzy. At this point your cardiovascular system is already going through changes and not reacting as quickly. No need to add to this change by laying on your back.

You may be experiencing dizziness from time to time. As long as this does not occur too frequently you should be ok. Should it occur often maybe discuss it with your doctor. Going from a sitting or laying down position to a standing position should be taken slowly. This will help with your dizzy spells.

You may start to notice unusual marks and/or spots on your skin. Do not panic. These are only temporary. If they appear to be abnormally irritated, talk with your doctor. You may take precautions such as wearing a hat that covers your face while in the sun, sunscreen and clothing that keeps your skin hidden from the sun will help. If you are in the sun try to stay shaded as much as possible.

5th Month of Pregnancy Video

If seeing is believing for you; watch this video explaining the fifth month of pregnancy in pictures and words.

Instructions: When watching the video clips, start the videos by clicking the small arrow down to the left, not the large one in the middle of the screen. If you're using Internet Explorer as your browser and the video doesn't start, try clicking twice on the small arrow.

Diary of a Daughter