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Pregnancy Guide/Second Trimester/Week 18

Week 18: Dad's Guide

Second Trimester • Baby is the size of a a cordless drill

Week 18 of 4045% there

👶 Baby Update

Size: A cordless drill

Baby's nervous system is developing rapidly — myelin (protective coating) is forming around nerves. If you're having a girl, the uterus and fallopian tubes are in place. Yawning and hiccupping in there.

💕 What She's Going Through

She may be feeling baby kick for real now (not just flutters). Back pain increasing. May have trouble sleeping comfortably. Blood pressure might be lower than normal, causing dizziness.

💪 What You Should Do This Week

  • Put your hand on her belly and wait for kicks — this is your first physical connection
  • Help her find comfortable sleeping positions (left side is recommended)
  • Research your company's paternity leave policy and start planning your time off

🚫 Don't Say This

I can't feel anything.

Kicks are subtle at first and baby might stop when you touch. Be patient. Your turn will come.

🛒 Gear Tip

If you haven't ordered a pregnancy pillow yet, do it NOW. The U-shaped ones work best.

🧠 Dad Hack

Eat something sugary and then put your hand on her belly — baby often gets active after sugar.

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