Week 18

My Baby's Development

Your baby’s ears move to their final position and they stand out from the head. They start brushing up on your lullabies. So, in the coming weeks, your baby will probably be able to hear! The middle ear bones and the nerve endings from the brain are developing. Your baby will hear sounds such as your heartbeat and blood moving through the umbilical cord. Your baby may even be startled by loud noises! Your baby's eyes are also developing. They're now facing forward rather than facing to the sides. The retinas may be able to detect the beam of a flashlight if you hold it to your abdomen.

Until now, your baby's bones are developing but were still soft. They begin to harden or ossify by this week. Some of the first bones start to ossify are those in the clavicles and the legs.

My Body

You may be preparing for a life with your baby. Your preparations should extend beyond decorating the nursery and gathering the layette, though. This is a good week to begin your search for a pediatrician for your baby. Schedule visits to meet with potential doctors to discuss issues such as appointment availability, immunization schedule and when to call in an emergency. You need to learn about their practices and procedures.

Some good questions to ask: How many doctors are in the practice? Which doctor covers nights and weekends? What is their policy on phone calls? Which hospitals they affiliated with? What kind of insurance they accept? What specialists do they work with? How they handle emergencies?

It's important that you familiar with your baby's doctor. So, do your research and make your decision carefully.