18 Weeks

I am now 18 weeks pregnant. Only 22 more to go. I am almost to the halfway point. I definitely have a lot more energy, but still big periods of exhaustion. I am feeling the baby moving a lot more, though not quite as much as at the beginning of last week. He or she is taking it easy, this week, I think. Matt and I need to sit down and start thinking about names a bit more seriously...so far we each just been jotting down ideas as they come to us.

Here is both the belly picture and the info update:



18 WEEKS
You're gaining weight and your baby is too, weighing over 5 ounces (.14 kg), and measuring more than 5 inches (13 cm) in length. What an adorable pair you are! Baby's rapid growth period is beginning to slow down, but his or her facial features are starting to form. Your baby can now yawn, frown, smile, and make other facial expressions. Taste buds have developed, and your baby can sense bitter from sweet, and swallowing reflexes are now present. He or she may even start getting the hiccups! Because baby's eyes are still developing, they're very sensitive. If a light is shined onto your belly, your baby might flinch and try to cover his or her face.

Now that your uterus is about the size of a cantaloupe, you may begin to experience backaches. A shift in your center of gravity (upward and outward), along with increased hormone production, can cause some joints to loosen. As a result, you're more prone to twisting your ankles or wrists, so take care when exercising. Your heart is working about 50% harder now, so don't be surprised if you feel a bit out of breath.