18 Weeks Pregnant

This pregnancy is flying. I'm 18 weeks already and can't believe it.

Thankfully after last week's worries, this week has been a good one. No spotting after last Sunday and I'm now really feeling my baby move - hubby even felt some little "kicks" last night and this morning too, which I know really brings it to life for him.  Before now he's just had to put up with a fat moody wife.

For some reason this week I've also picked up "the Best Friends' Guide to... pregnancy" by Vicki Iovine. Despite being very Americanised, meaning a lot of the references to the care you'll receive are incorrect, it's given me a good giggle. I didn't read it when I was pregnant with my son, or rather I started, but as I was convinced I was going to by Mother Earth, I didn't find it's references to this type of parenting amusing. This time, of course, I do. I've been there, done that and leaked on the t-shirt. Being published in 1995 though, there is a very clear message to me that the experience of pregnancy, for us mums to be at least, seems to have improved. There is much more tolerance and acceptance and most importantly it seems, maternity clothes. This is the chapter that did have me laughing out loud yesterday. The following is actually a recommendation of what you SHOULD wear (just visualise if you can...)

"Women who work in offices or other businesses that require a professional and polished appearance can be stymied by their pregnant bodies..... Since dressing to de perceived as a competent professional person has often involved copying traditional men's fashions to a certain extent, we suggest once again that you borrow some clothes from your partner's wardrobe. Some particular treasures that you might find in there are wool trousers, white dress shirts and waistcoats.....My Friend Maryann recently showed up at a birthday luncheon in a pair of her husband's trousers over a bodysuit, held in place with braces....."

Maybe you disagree and can really imagine this look on yourself, or may have even tried it.... I'm sorry Vicki, but despite you claim that "no matter how big your partner is, you will eventually outgrow even his clothes" I will not be trying this look. My husband is over 16 Stone, I am currently 10st 5lb. I will NOT be putting on 6 stone in the next 5 months...

Despite all this, it's a good read and if you haven't already, you should give it a go.

So, this is me, 18 Weeks Pregnant:

According to BabyCentre this week, my baby is twice as big as he was last month but he still weighs only about 190g (6.7oz). Meanwhile, most of the weight I've gained is from amniotic fluid, placenta, and water retention. Although things may seem calm on the surface, my little one is kicking, flexing, reaching, rolling, and even sucking his thumb now. His hearing is now functioning and he will be listening to my heartbeat. :0)