Pregnancy Update: 18 weeks

18 weeks

Sorry I’m a few days late updating, I was waiting until my OB appointment yesterday just in case there was anything new.

I can’t believe I’m almost halfway done. Like wow. This pregnancy seems like it’s flying by! I remember last time I felt like I would be pregnant forever, but now I’m starting to wonder how I’ll find the time to get everything ready. I’m feeling TONS of movement now throughout the day. The little babe is kicking away as I’m typing this! Oh, and I also got my first stranger comment. Luckily it was a harmless “when are you due” rather than one of the countless statements that makes pregnant women immediately want to punch said stranger in the face. I’m sure I’ll hear one soon though.

According to Babycenter, here’s what this week is all about:

See the bigger picture.

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. 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. 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’re having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you’re having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Now the personal stuff:

Symptoms: I feel pretty normal besides the back pain. And my belly getting in the way of bending over.

Weight gain: I gained 2 pounds this week, so up 5 total.

Cravings: none

Medical stuff: Nada. Baby is doing great. At the OB yesterday the heartrate was a steady 159.

Best thing this week: Getting my first new baby gift!