20 week Ultrasound and Check-up, 10/27/08

Today was our 20 week visit to the doctor. We had our ultrasound, which confirmed we still have a baby boy! His heartbeat was 143 then 146, very consistent. He was very active throughout the entire ultrasound. Some movements I can feel, others I cannot. He has grown quite a bit in the last month. Dr. Gilliam said his anatomy looks great! We saw the 4 chambers of the heart, stomach, kidneys, bladder, 5 fingers, 5 toes, 2 arms, 2 legs, little boy parts, spine, brain, pretty much everything. He is turned lenghwise across my belly right now, instead of up and down. I suspected this because I keep feeling him on one side of my belly. I have gained 7 pounds since our last visit (total of 12 lbs). Dr. Gilliam was pleased, she said I should gain a full 30 pounds by the end, and we are halfway there! Hard to believe.

We are so proud and excited! Thanks for checking in.

Week 20 Update

HERE WE ARE, CREEPING UP ON 20 WEEKS! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! THIS INFORMATION WAS TAKEN FROM PREGNANCY.ORG. THIS IS WHAT OUR LITTLE GUY IS UP TO THIS WEEK. WE GO FOR OUR 20 WEEK ULTRASOUND ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH. Week Twenty We're half way there! The rapid growth stage is about over. While things have slowed down, this next stage is vital to survival. The baby's heart grows stronger. Find a quiet place, lay flat on your back. Locate your own heartbeat by finding your pulse. Next lay your hand on your belly. You may be able to distinguish the two heartbeats! His legs are reaching their relative size. With the increase muscle develop occurring as well, you will start feeling much more than tiny flutter kicks soon! Immunities are being transferred from you to your baby now. These immune cells will protect him from viruses you've already had for up to six months after birth! The nerve cells for taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch are now developing in specialized areas of the brain. Production slows down as existing nerve cells grow larger and make more complex connections. Your baby may startle in reaction to loud sounds. Amazingly, he can actually hear noises outside of the womb. Familiar voices, music, and sounds, that baby becomes accustomed to during his development stages often are calming after birth. Baby is about 6.46 inches (16.4cm) and weighs around 10.58 ounces (300g).

Week 18 Update

Week Eighteen (Information from pregnancy.org) This is what our litte guy is up to this week! Vernix (a white cheese-like protective material) forms on baby's skin with the lanugo (soft, lightly pigmented hair covering the body and limbs); both serving to protect your baby's skin during the months in water. Your placenta continues to grow and nourish the baby. Don't forget those prenatal vitamins! Tiny air sacs called alveoli begin to form in lungs. He'll be putting these lungs to good use in just a few months! His vocal chords are formed. He goes through the motions of crying but without air she doesn't make a sound. Features of your baby's heart, including ventricles and chambers, should be visible during an ultrasound. Your baby measures about 5.59 inches (14.2cm) this week and weighs about 6.7 ounces (190gm).