18 Weeks

Happy Independence Day! I'm now 18 weeks along and feeling every minute (and more!) of it. Last week I had so much energy, but this was a much busier week. It seems if I do any sort of walking, or especially when I vacuum, my sciatic nerve goes nuts and I can't walk. The pain in my lower back and shooting down both my legs is the worst I've ever had! I have gotten hungrier -- one day this week I had five meals! I did do a lot that day, though, and most of it was healthy. :) I don't know if I've gotten much bigger in the last week, but I did gain 2.5 pounds (making it six overall). Here's today's pic... sorry, I must've missed week 18 with Lauren!

Here's what's going on with baby: "Head to rump, your baby is about 6 inches long 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."

And with Mommy: "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. 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."