fetal development week 18

Photo by wntg1grl 

We're joining Kim (aka wntg1grl), a stay-at-home mom of three who's expecting twins, on her exciting journey from bump-to-babies. Check back every week for the latest developments.

Week 18
What's Happening with Mom:
We have decided on names for our twin girls: Sadie Gene and Shae Marie I am nervous about my upcoming anatomy scan next week. I really hope the tech didn't make a mistake and they are really girls! Once we have that confirmed, we will go ahead with the planning.
I am growing quickly, and doing too much really affects my breathing ... I get short of breath very easily!

But where, oh, where, have my other symptoms gone? My nausea is gone, my constipation is gone ... the only things I have left are back pain, headaches, and head rushes. I actually panicked when the two big ones disappeared. I went to the doctor right away to make sure the babies were still there. They used a Doppler and found two different heart rates, so all was good.

My older boys started public school yesterday. We're getting back into the routines, as they have started soccer games and practices. It's been very hot here in San Diego county, which is tough on me, but they don't seem to mind too much.

What's Happening with Babies:

Now that all of our organs have developed, we'll focus on gaining weight and size. We have acute hearing now -- we hear the heartbeat and blood moving through the umbilica' cord, as well as Mom's voice. When one of our brothers screams too loud, we try to cover our ears!

Question of the Week from Answers:

How can I stay hydrated while pregnant? Every time I drink I always have to use the bathroom. How do I know if I'm getting enough fluids for me and the baby? -- armymom_10

Ames826: "Its a known fact that you have to drink LOTS and LOTS of water while pregnant. The more you drink, the more you pee. The lighter your pee the better, because that means you are hydrated. The darker it is, the more you need to drink. I keep fluids next to me at all times. Especially in this hot weather."

Past Weeks:

Week 17

Week 16

Week 15

Week 14

Week 13 

Week 12

 
Other pregnancy calendars: