The ultimate HerFamily guide to your pregnancy: Week 18 5 years ago

The ultimate HerFamily guide to your pregnancy: Week 18

Week 18 – you're in the 2nd Trimester! Read more about trimesters here.

This week....

Your baby

At around 12cm, it's about the size of a small mango. Is it a boy or a girl? If it hasn’t been clear already, an ultrasound at this stage can usually tell you (that is, if you want to know). If you are keen to keep baby's gender a surprise, have a look at these gems for some super name inspiration.

If you are keen to keep baby's gender a surprise, have a look at these gems for some super name inspiration.

20 Unisex Irish Baby Names That Are Totally Magical

The baby's little ears are now standing out at the side of their head, and your baby may be hearing external voices and sounds. This is a great time to have all the chats with little Miss or Mr Kick-a-lot.  Your baby will start becoming very active at this stage and you are

Your baby will start becoming very active at this stage and you are almost half way through your pregnancy! Woo hoo!

You

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If you haven’t already felt those first movements, you’re in for some excitement over the next couple of weeks. Your partner, however, will have to wait longer to feel anything through your belly.

As your growing uterus and shifting organs apply pressure to your diaphragm, you may start to have shortness of breath — especially when you sit down. Your nesting instinct will also be coming in waves.

REQUIRED READING: 10 Fun Things To Do When The Nesting Instinct Kicks In

baby kicks

If you think you might have a footballer on your hands with all those kicks, in which case check out these superb soccer baby names.

You may be wondering at this stage if everything you are feeling is normal. You need to have a look at these hilarious illustrations to give yourself a laugh! No accidental peeing!

Pregnant women

Time to channel your inner designer; no better time than right now to start gathering nursery inspiration!

READ: Gender Neutral Nurseries You Will Want To Steal

People (mother's in law) may be piling on the pressure to find out the baby's gender but stick to your guns! Here is why: 9 Reasons Why Keeping My Baby's Gender A Surprise Was A Great Idea

Make sure your partner is playing his part; foot rubs, back rubs, hugs, tea. In just a few short weeks it will be all about the baby, so capitalise on having a captive audience in the shape of your other half.

More exciting times ahead! Skip on to Week 19 as you inch ever closer to holding your cute little bundle!