18 Weeks: "Ain't She Sweet" or "Mother Nature's Son"?

 So when is this belly going to show up and stop making me look like I'm just big in the middle?

What's new this week?
Whattoexpect.com
This week, your baby is hitting the height chart at five and a half inches long (remember, that's crown to rump) and weighs about five ounces (the weight of that boneless chicken breast you're making for dinner). And now for the skill of the week (drum roll please...): The art of the yawn has been mastered by your baby (someone's sleepy!).  In fact, you might catch a glimpse of that adorable yawn if you're getting  an ultrasound this month. You'll also glimpse of all the fetal movement your baby's doing - twists, rolls, kicks, and punches.  And would you believe your baby is finally big enough for you to start feeling those movements now (or anytime in the next few weeks).  So get ready! Something you won't see on the ultrasound, but you'll know is in working order, is your baby's nervous system, which is maturing rapidly at this time.  Nerves, now covered with a substance called myelin are forming more complex connections. And those in the brain are further specializing into the ones that serve the sense of touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing.  Talking about hearing, your baby's is growing more acute making your little one more conscious of sounds that come from inside your body (which means you could both be listening to each other hiccup - a skill that your baby has by now).

Next week is our ultra sound.  We will get to see our little one and possibly find out the sex.  What an exciting time!
Before we find out the sex, I thought we could do a few tests on the old wives tales that are famous for predicting gender. Now most of the websites that I got these from said that these are complete bunkum but I think they're fun. So on with the show...

High or Low?
The way you are carrying during your pregnancy is one of the most oft cited ways of determining the sex of your baby. The general story goes that, if you're carrying low, you're having a boy. If you are carrying high, then you must be having a girl.

It is wayyyy to early to tell, as you can see in the picture.  So the answer is UNSURE. 


With Every Beat of My Heart
If you're having a girl, then the fetal heart rate will be above 140. A boy will have a heart rate below 140.

At our last appointment, the heartbeat was 160 so that means GIRL.

Sweet or Sour?
Many people believe that your cravings are caused by the sex of your baby. So, if you can't get enough chocolate, you could be having a girl. Does the idea of drinking straight lemon juice sound delicious to you? Then those sour cravings are a result of the little boy inside of you.

I always crave sweets. But I also like sour stuff. I eats way more sweets though (I ate like 17 brownies yesterday) so we'll mark that down as GIRL.


The Spice of Life
 It is said that craving spicy foods means you're having a boy.  The opposite is true for a girl.

I'm definitely craving spicy foods so that means BOY.  

Weight Gain
The belief is that, if your husband puts on weight during your pregnancy, then you will be having a girl. If he doesn't put on a pound, then you're carrying a boy.

I think Andrew has actually lost weight training for his triathlon so I think that means BOY.

Breakouts
Some believe that getting acne during your pregnancy indicates you're carrying a girl. Maybe the acne is caused by twice the amount of female hormones?

I haven't had too many breakouts. So mark another one down for a BOY.

So Sick
It is said that if you are sick early in your pregnancy with morning sickness, you will have a girl.

I definitely had some nausea early on in pregnacy so that means GIRL. 

Chesty Chestersons
If you have dramatic chest development, then you will have a girl.

My development in that area has been somewhat dramatic according to quite a few people so that would mean GIRL. 

Chinese Calendar
This link shows a cute calendar from TheBump.com .
My age at conception was 28 and the month was March.

Prediction: BOY

So what's it gonna be??????

Click here to take survey

There will be a very small prize available for the person who gets all the answers correct.  GOOD LUCK!