Thursday, June 25, 2009

18 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

Head to rump, my 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 I'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.

How my life's changing: An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Trying to make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Maternity clothes are a must now as my appetite and waistline grow. My cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester my blood pressure will probably be
lower than usual. Have to be careful not to spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or I might feel a little dizzy. I'm learning that from now on, when I do lie down, it's best to lie on my 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.) Positioning a pillow behind or under the hip or upper leg helps for comfort.

On another note I wanted to post a couple pictures of the room decor I will be using. I registered at Baby's R Us yesterday but they do not carry the bedding I "had" to have so I had already purchased it online.


























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