Anastasia’s pregnancy diary - weeks 18-20

That damn book again. ‘Week 19: You are probably feeling a lot better and happier these days, especially since your baby’s kicking has given you tangible proof of his presence.’ My temporary relaxation gave way to genuine worry and the image of a happy, content baby got fuzzier and fuzzier. I called the midwife and she very casually told me not to worry about it, that the baby was moving but I just didn’t recognise the feeling. Many first-time mums think it’s just wind, she said. She mentioned that I probably have very strong stomach muscles, which can mask the feeling for quite a while (I must admit I quite liked that explanation).

In the middle of week 20, I put on my headphones for another episode of ‘listen to my baby’s heartbeat.’ Nothing. Couldn’t find it. Where was it? As I moved the mini-scanner around on my tummy, it nearly popped out of my hand! Something had caused it to shoot straight up, knocking it right off my belly. What the heck was that? I cast the earphones aside and put both hands on my belly. There it was again. An unmistakable, alien-like protrusion from the inside, accompanied by the funny-tummy feeling you can sometimes get on a lift. Wow. Then I actually saw the skin on my stomach pucker with another kick. This was it. The moment I had been waiting for. My baby has moved and there’s no mistaking it for wind. I was so happy I woke my parents up at 5am to tell them. Nick couldn’t wait to get home to see (feel) our baby’s new trick. Of course, the little sprout didn’t oblige when I asked her to perform for her daddy, but she and I know what she’s capable of.

Has anyone noticed I’ve started calling the baby ‘she’?

Take a look at Josa Young's pregnancy diary for week 18.