Week 18: You are My Sunshine

Welcome to your fifth month of pregnancy! You’re well on your way, and your baby bump will be harder to hide! People may also be able to tell that something is different about you based on your “pregnancy glow”! This glow corresponds with more hydrated skin from increased oil production and a rosey, flushed appearance from increased blood flow. Hopefully, you have many beautiful memories from sharing your pregnancy with others. It is so important to receive love and support from those closest to you! Most importantly, if you haven’t already, find someone who can relate to what you’re going through or empathize with your struggles. Having a support person who has gone through similar experiences and who you can listen to all your struggles, questions, and joys will help you emotionally cope with the difficulties of pregnancy. It makes a world of difference to know you aren’t alone and that others have gone before you. Women have been successfully giving birth and coping with pregnancy for thousands of years! You got this!

Your baby is 18 weeks! As you get closer to your 20-week detailed ultrasound, you may be curious to know the gender of your baby. In contrast, others may be happy to keep this a surprise until birth. Either way, your baby’s external genitalia are clearly defined by this week. If you are having a baby girl, she has produced all the eggs she will have in her lifetime already. If you are having a baby boy, his testes have formed. Regardless of whether you are having a boy or a girl, your baby looks like a tiny human this week!