Congratulations! This week marks the half way point of your pregnancy. It has been 18 weeks since the date of conception and your baby's crown-to-rump length is 5.6 to 6.4 inches. The fetus weighs about 9 ounces and your belly definitely has an obvious bulge. Your waistline has expanded and is no longer visible. Your uterus has now moved up enough that it is pushing your abdomen outwards. The top of your uterus is even with or just below your navel.
Sex organs are showing clearly on this girl
For the remainder of your pregnancy, the growing uterus puts pressure on your lungs, stomach and kidneys. This will make you feel short of breath, the need to urinate more frequently and can cause indigestion. The added pressure on your abdomen can also cause your bellybutton to protrude and cause an `outy` instead of an `inny`. Many pregnant women begin to notice stretch marks around this time as well. Your abdominal muscles are being stretched and pushed apart as your baby grows inside of you.
Your baby's skin begins to thicken this week and will develop four layers. Your baby's sebaceous glands secrete a waxy substance called vernix caseosa. Your baby will be born with this wax and it will look like paste. The vernix caseosa is crucial because it protects the fetus' fragile skin from the continuous immersion in amniotic fluid. Lanugo hairs secure the vernix caseosa in place and it is thick around the eyebrows. Scalp hair and toenails are beginning to form at this point. Hair can also be seen on the upper lip and eyebrows.
Around twenty weeks, most doctors will order a routine ultrasound to check the baby's development. Measurements will be taken and the sonogram technician will check to make sure there are no defects or abnormalities. Your ultrasound technician can also see how long your cervix is and can tell you approximately how much your baby weighs at this time. Most expectant women also find out the sex of their baby during this time! If your sonographer does not offer pictures, ask them for a copy of the photos.
didderty - 25 minutes ago
no problem!!! i have always felt lazy around my mil because she is such a busy body and i'm not going to lie---sometimes it does get on my nerves......but like you said....you get along, she is willing to help in any way she can....it could be a lot worse :) everything will be just fine, i promise :) have a great day!
newmomma2010 - 28 minutes ago
didderty- thanks so much i guess that's what i needed to hear. just happy to know i'm not the only one having these issues, i'm sure i will be so thankful once it is all over with... :) she was saying how she is gonna teach me to cook family recipes and how when the baby gets here she will be here all the time... but i guess i should be ver grateful my mil loves me and it could be alot worse. thanks again!!!
didderty - 34 minutes ago
newmomma2010-my mil is the same way. she is always cleaning and organizing and i ALWAYS feel lazy around her. she is mowing our yard right now as we speak, ha ha!! i have just learned that i have not asked for her help or for her to do the things that she does but if she feels like doing them then have at it. i am very independent and have a really hard time letting people help me do anything so it was hard to get used to at first, however, i have just learned to thank her and tell her she didn't have to do whatever and as long as she knows i am thankful and that i didn't ask her to do it....then everything is ok in my book. you will be so stressed about everything with the wedding, accept the help your mil is giving you and you will be so happy you did!!
newmomma2010 - 1.1 hours ago
So i am trying not to gt stressed out.... getting married on the 15th 8 days away (before my belly gets too big lol) it already looks like i'm smuggling a basketball under my shirt. :) and the bf is leaving everything up to me, all his family is coming down on sat and the house is a wreck i have to set everything up for the wedding , reception and so on. sigh..... any advice in dealing with future MIL while pregnant? she is really nice, but too nice i feel like i am lazy around her cause she is always cooking and cleaning and i have a feeling that she won't let me do anything cause i'm pregnant. don't get me wrong she is so nice i just worry i'll look like the lazy person.
jessicalynn21 - 1.2 hours ago
Yeah I don't over do the caffeine either. I don't tihkn with my son I drank not one drop. But this time it's different I want it all the time but I only give in once in awhile. Sometimes I just take a few sips of something not drink the whole thing.
babybrown2010 - 1.9 hours ago
I drink coffee. But my doc said not to over do it. I also drink a glass of soda every once in awhile so I don't get caffine headaches.
TASHAx - 2.3 hours ago
Lol, I got mine bob'd before i got pregnant and its just at my shoulders, hoping for it to grow nice a long soon. Its really really thick too which drives me mad, just slap it up in a pony everyday :)).
pregoteacher - 2.4 hours ago
Going to get my hair all did today! So happy! I was thinking to let it grow, but man it is driving me crazy! So short it will stay for now! I'm way to hormonal to deal with it!
TASHAx - 2.7 hours ago
Hi everyone :D I lovee coke at the moment i don't overdo it though. I'm a sucker for cadburys chocolate just now, sitting here enjoying a twirl and a cup of tea :) x
pregoteacher - 3.6 hours ago
lol...I have drank coffee (when I can stomach it) and diet coke w/ all my pregnancies never really thinking about it. Some days I may drink 2 cokes and others I know that I overdo it. Anyway--my smallest baby was 8 lb. 5 oz. so I don't think it stunted their growth one bit.
melbchick88 - 8.2 hours ago
is so excited that im having a baby boy
katey361 - 12.3 hours ago
Hahahaa I am drinking a coffee right now... eek. It is necessary though. I can't stay awake past 8 pm anymore without one. I am a geriatric.
dezire - 14.8 hours ago
im from week 38 And ive drank regular coffee though my hole pregnancy not thinking nothing about it..Till I read up on the internet that it stunts the babys growth that totaly scared the Sh out of me..and havent touched in 2 months!! Good luck to all you ladys have healthy babys and it will all be over before you know it!!
didderty - 17 hours ago
congratulations bubasbabe!!! that is wonderful, my little girl is kicking me right now :)
bubasbabe - 17.2 hours ago
Went to the dr. today and it looks like we're having another one for TEAM PINK!! Now that I know we're having a girl it seems to make the pregnancy more realistic, ya know? I can't believe that we're half way done, ciz' I STILL don't look prego! I've gained 7 lbs and I feel really good. I got my flu shot today and found out that my 10 yr old has pnemonia. Good thing the day started out so well!
jessicalynn21 - 17.5 hours ago
I have really given in to my caffeine cravings. Coffee yesterday and now a red bull. Oh how i've missed my daily red bulls.
didderty - 17.8 hours ago
i've been craving carrots, i bought some real carrots not the baby ones and they are delicious!!!! i also fixed squash and zuchini last night and am having it again tonight....i think i have heard somewhere that if your body is deficient in some vitamins your body will crave that?!? maybe i am crazy but i am long overdue for some vegetables in my life! i also have my ice cream after dinner so its not like i'm being completely healthy :)
thirdcharm - 18.7 hours ago
Moving on to week 21 tomorrow.... feels good to know that we are still moving forward! I have decided that my dh doesn't are to ask so I agree.... don't care to tell! I will enjoy this time on my own and watch him come crawling back when he finally sees how much it sucks to miss out on the whole experience! He can't share memories with his video games and cell phone - but I sure an with the babe! Keep going strong ladies - and yes - chocolate is wonderful!
kcslady - 19 hours ago
beloneesmommy- I know what U are talking about!!! Yes I do too. I just know if I do as soon as I open the door there will be a line to go in after me or somthing. Si yeah, I feel U sister!
babybrown2010 - 19.9 hours ago
Hey ladies!!! Well went to the doctor today and he keep running from the doctor. So we searched for him for about 10 mintues until he sat still. lol. they are also making me do another ultra sound but that makes me happy to see him. Have a good weekend everyone. Anyone else start Christmas shopping?
didderty - 20.5 hours ago
beloneesmommy-YES!! i am very lucky though and my best friend works here so what i normally do is have her go to the bathroom with me and run the water in the sink....that way if anyone comes in nobody can hear!! i have learned not to hold it or it causes big hard problems, literally ha ha...so i make myself suck it up and go when i have to. if my friend is here of course. the women i work with can be so immature and stupid about using number 2 that unfortunately that is the measure i have resorted to! :)
babybaby - 20.7 hours ago
just got back from a week get away to NYC.. was lovely but hard with my 13month old son and bein preg on a 7-8hour flight!! but hey i made it and im home! :)
tryed to register with a docs as i moved area 3weeks ago and just found out my registration is not complete which means i still do not have a hospital appt for a scan :( im so impatient want to know if my bub is ok and what sex but could be another few weeks befre my scan now! totally pissed of with the docs....sorry to rant on about it i hope all you guys are well and helathy and bubs to be are takin care of there mamas
beloneesmommy - 20.9 hours ago
okay I am probably just a freak but does anyone else have a problem going # 2 at work.
kcslady - 21.5 hours ago
THANKS CHARLIE!!! Its not my crazy pregnant imagination!!! I cant wait to feel it again!!! I love this web site, I think all you ladies make this alot 'funner' Have a great day!!
MoiraK - 21.5 hours ago
bobick...I'm with you. I have only felt little flutters here and there. I can't wait until I can feel her move all of the time like others... it will be so exciting for Ray to feel her too...
boribk - 22.3 hours ago
Well i can t feel anything strong but a little worm... well hope you ladies have a great Weekend
jessicalynn21 - 22.4 hours ago
I've been feeling little one on the outside a lot more. I tried to get dh to feel last night for the first time but he said he couldn't. So then I just said watch my stomach n he couldn't. But he is moving and kicking ALL the time. If Im not moving around he's awake ! I can't wait for my u/s next week!!!
charlihadley - 22.6 hours ago
kcslady- welcome to half way!!!....yes i feel by kicking on the outside with my hand alll the time...lol i can even watch my belly wiggle around lol
jessicalynn21 - 22.6 hours ago
Was hit heavy but the MS this morning. Looks like it's going to be the same as with my son. Random days I just get light headed and start throwing up. I was trying to cook the boys breakfast, got really hot and felt light headed, laid down on the tile floor in the kitchen to only start throwing up. I couldn't even finish cooking I had to call John down to finish. I was breathing really really hard I was kinda scared for a while but after about 10 mins. I could breathe normal but still felt like crap and threw up a few more times. The worst part is now when I throw up I pee. lol my 6 yr so was really grossed out by that.
kcslady - 23 hours ago
woo hoo, 1/2 way point!!!
I am SOO happy to be here!! How are You all this morning? Anyone feeling the baby kick on the outside yet? Swer I have 3 times now, but I keep wondering if is my imagination, cuz I want to so bad!!! LOL who knows.....
CocoTen - 1 days ago
Good morning Ladies, Hope everyone has a good day.. I woke up in a good mood since finally I got a full 7hrs of sleep..lol.. Charlihadley -Hope you feel better.. And TASHAx - I've been the same way for the past 3 weeks, I feel you it sucks..lol
boribk - 1 days ago
Charli- Aww i feel bad for you... this is my first child but i bet im going to be the same way..
charlihadley - 1 days ago
i am really sad today :(....my son is goin to be taying the night at my husbands parents house. i know he is going to have a BLAST, and i know the gparents, and my sil and bil are thrilled to death to have him for the night...but i am soooo sad he wont be here with me :/....were together 24\7....i get so sad when i dont have his company. and this isnt my hubbys weekend off, so we cant go do anything cause he will be working late :/...then working all saturday morning, maybe hewill get off in the afternoon. its a 45 min drive on a two lane road the whole way there...lots of wrecks and head on collisions, so i am terrified of him being in the car with anyone but me......so im going to drive him down there...hope me and hubby can go pick him up...gosh i just love him ore than anyone in this world, and i get soooo upset thinking about anything happeneing tohim...i crid myself to sleep worried sick ....gosh....it must really be my pregnncy hormones, cause i have cried a lot lately worrying about my son :/
didderty - 1 days ago
ha ha!! well if you ever need to vent feel free to let me know!!!
TASHAx - 1 days ago
hi everyone. woo i swear i've never been like this in my life, every second day i'm constipated and it's annoying! anyone else having this problem? x
ashybunz - 1 days ago
didderty - dungeons and dragons, exactly! my bf has turned into the biggest nerd I know! its so lame! I will be half a sleep and I can hear him shouting at his online friends about whatever stupid beast thing they are attacking. Get a life! I told him the same thing 'dont think you willbe able to play your little games for 12 hours straight when the baby comes!' i refuse to raise this child alone b/c my bf is too busy slaying dragons!
didderty - 1 days ago
ashybunz-it might as well be world of warcraft....he used to play that now he plays warhammer online (pretty much the same exact thing). ha ha, it just cracks me up at how long he can stay on that game....when he was laid off from work he would do the same thing, play all day and all night and he would be going to sleep as i was getting up for the day to go to work. now he plays from 4 (when he gets off work) until about 11-12 at night. EVERY NIGHT!! i told him to enjoy it now because once baby is here, this will not fly!!! glad to see that i'm not the only one in the dungeons and dragons (that is what i think of when i think of those games) boat ha ha!
crystalkae - 1 days ago
I really want to start shopping for clothes for my baby boy.. however, everything out right now is winter clothes, and March here doesn't really call for winter clothes.
ashybunz - 1 days ago
didderty - does your husband play World of Warcrsft? Lol. Thats the game my bf is addicted to and its really bad b/c he will start playing when he gets home around 7pm and I wake up to go to work around 6am and he is still playing! and every so often he is still on the damn computer when I get home from work at 3pm. Its really sickening.
janice55 - 1 days ago
thanx every1 im staying reaaly possitive!! jez thats scary about that girl with swine flu...hope she pulls through this...i reaaly dont know what to do about the injection as ive enough on my plate with baby having problems as it is!! jessica yes im hearing good stories with happy endings about babies in similar circumstances...hope ill have the same happy ending!!! my fiances sister has the same problem with her legs she says she just wants to rip them off!lol
abbra - 1 days ago
morning. My baby decided to hide its behind behind my pubic bone and therefore we are still team - NEUTRAL. I really hoped to get to know, but ah well :) at least everything is more than normal :)
jessicalynn21 - 1 days ago
Morning! Up @ 4 am with restless legs. Toss n turned for an hour before I came down here. I was behaving trouble turning because every time I did DH would wake n ask if I was ok. lol JANICE- You are in my thoughts. Do not give up hope. My friend is a few weeks ahead and I believe I told you before about her having being told the same thing. Well, every time she goes back now things are looking better and better!!
krissiehoran - 1 days ago
hi girls,@ janice, way to never giving up! it paid off to be hopeful the last time and i think you are right, this little bubs is going to surprise everyone with her strength! thinking of you :) @ charlie, i know my friends are more excited about the baby and feeling my bump than dh and i just have a feeling that something is up, like something bothering him but i think i will just give him some space to work it out and get stuck into my great book! @ babychristion2 omg thats terrible and really scary. my friend just told me the other day that she had swine flu back in sept and was given tamiflu and it took 2 weeks for her to recover but she did thank god and had a beautiful baby boy 3 weeks ago both healthy and doing well. she was too scared to tell people she had it and kept to herself for the last few weeks of her preg, bless her! so it seems the important thing is to get the shot but get the one that doesnt have the additive. hope everyone is feeling well this morning xx
melbchick88 - 1 days ago
BLUE TEAM, ladies so excited found out today we are having a healthy baby boy
stephaniehope - 1 days ago
That is so scary and horrible. It's not fair it's suppost to be one of the happiest times of your life. I will say a pray for her.
Babychristion2 - 2 days ago
I want to share a story of a lady I know through a friend... she is 28 weeks pregnant.. no underlying health conditions at all.. besides of course being 28 weeks pregnant.. and she is in the HOSPITAL- hooked up to a ventilator and has a less than 50% chance of surviving. She has H1N1- and I guess the baby is doing fine.. but they feel like if they dont take the baby.. she will die. The baby may survive when they take it.. but will have a lot of issues.. I feel so awful. She has no idea what is going on..
I couldnt imagine....
I guess we picked a fine time to be having babies huh? So sad!! We have enough stress in our lives and now we have to constantly stay safe and away from this sh*t.
lilmamamads - 2 days ago
Janice- your baby will be perfect and healthy and beautiful- We are all here for you! tell us anything and vent anytime.
beautifulash - 2 days ago
does anybody have yahoo? lol i would love to instant message
tj9779 - 2 days ago
Hey all, congrats the girls are gaining. My DH is depressed he really wanted a boy!!!! I am trying to cheer him up. He has 3 girls already..2 with me and I have a stepdaughter!! I just want to spread cheer to all of you guys and to him. Keep your head up ladies!!!
The due date from members in week 20 is from Sunday 21 March 2010 up to & including Saturday 27 March 2010. See the full timeline here
Not on the list? This list is updated twice a day.
The list shows members who were online within the last 14 days at the time it was generated.
It may take up to 12 hours before you see your name after you've made changes to your due date or if you haven't been online for 14 days or more.