Hey mommies, this is your 26 weeks of pregnancy and also the last week of your second trimester. You are just a few days away from entering your third trimester. Learn more about your body’s development and baby’s growth during 26 weeks.
Baby’s Size
Your baby is in the size of an acorn squash, 30cm in height and weighing 910g by this week.
Baby’s Development at 26 Weeks
- Sleep routine: Your baby is starting to develop regular sleep and wake patterns. Don’t be surprised if he is active while you are not doing anything and sleeping when you are on the move.
- Immune system: Your little one is starting to build up immune to protect against infections after birth, thanks to the placenta. Between the placenta and colostrum (the antibody-rich pre-milk), your body is working hard to protect the baby.
- Eyes: This week baby’s eyes are forming. And soon, they will start to open! You can only be certain with his eyes’ colour until a few months after birth.
- Lungs: The lungs are now starting to produce a surfactant, which can help the lungs inflate properly with each breath once he is born.
- Skin: The baby’s skin is starting to take on a reddish color, though it is still slightly translucent.
- Lashes: Your baby’s eyelashes are also starting to grow.
Mommy’s Belly Development
By 26 weeks pregnant, you have probably gained about 7 to 9 kilograms or about 12 to 19 kilograms if you are 26 weeks pregnant with twins.
Your belly will keep growing about a centimetre each week for the rest of your pregnancy.
26 Weeks’ Symptoms
Your 26 weeks’ pregnant symptoms are mostly discomforts — and are steadily getting more uncomfortable as baby grows and your body begins to make changes to get ready for childbirth.
- Trouble sleeping.
The closer you get to your due date, the tougher it might be to get some rest. Watch your caffeine intake, stay hydrated and get a little exercise (take walks!) to help your body settle down at night.
- Swelling.
You might not like the puffiness, but it is normal to have some mild swelling around week 26 of pregnancy. But it is important to watch out for swelling that is severe or sudden, which could be a sign of a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. Call your doctor if your swelling seems worrisome.
- Headaches.
These are often due to hormone fluctuations or stress. But you can get also get headache if you are hungry or dehydrated, so continue taking care of yourself and baby by eating at least every few hours and keeping a glass of water by your side for frequent sipping.
- Pregnancy brain.
Is it getting tricky to remember stuff? That may be a physiological symptom of hormone fluctuations, but it also might be because, well, you are thinking about a lot of things.
- Braxton Hicks contractions.
Notice your belly occasionally feeling really tight? That is a contraction. Braxton Hicks might be more noticeable for women who are 26 weeks pregnant with twins.
Don’t freak out though, your muscles are flexing to practice for labour. As long as the contractions aren’t steady or severe, they are normal. Tell your doctor if the contractions are painful or don’t stop; those are signs of preterm labour.
- Higher blood pressure.
A slight boost in blood pressure is normal at 26 weeks pregnant. If your doctor sees too high of a boost, they might have you monitored more closely. That is because hypertension could be a sign of preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. These potentially dangerous pregnancy complications would need to be addressed right away.
What To-Do This Week
When it comes to meat, fish or poultry, half-baked isn’t baked enough for you. Cut through the thickest part of cooked meat and chops to make sure the middle is grey or brown, and not a speck is rare. Instead of searing fish and serving it rare or medium, bake, broil, grill or poach it until it is cooked through.
Between your burgeoning belly and aching back, it is not easy to stand up. Anyhow you still need to stand straight, but avoid the tendency to thrust your hips and stomach forward.
Try not to throw your shoulders back when you are walking. Instead, think straight line between your shoulders and your hips when you are up and about.
To see what that feels like, stand back up against a wall and while you are at it, do some standing pelvic tilts. Sit smart by putting a pillow behind your lower back for support.
Wash up in the kitchen: That goes for your hands first and foremost, and also for your dish towels, countertops, sponges. Everything that is even remotely a part of the food-prep process, including the food itself.
Be extra vigilant about this when handling raw meats, eggs, poultry or fish. Also wash your hands with warm, soapy water before, during and after you touch these foods, and be sure to clean the utensils, cutting board and towels you handled along the way.
Wipe or wash the lids of cans before you open them so dirt and bacteria won’t contaminate the contents. Wash fruits and veggies thoroughly before eating them, even the ones you intend to peel.
Tips for The Week
Choose cage-free eggs when possible, and only buy ones that have been kept refrigerated. Throw away any that have cracked, and keep even your cooked eggs in the fridge at all times.
When preparing eggs, cook until the whites have set firmly and the yolks have begun to thicken. And of course, never consume them raw in salad dressings, sauces or mousse-type desserts unless you are using the pasteurized variety. If you are using raw, unpasteurized eggs for baking, resist the temptation to lick that raw batter.
Every baby responds differently to Mom’s exercise routine. Some may be lulled to sleep by the movement, while others might seem to start a workout of their own.
How do you know the amount of workout is too much for your baby?
A kick count can tell you: After the 27th to 28th weeks, your baby should move two to three times within the first 30 minutes post-exercise (once he woke up from that nap).
Every path is challenging and this second trimester of your pregnancy is never an easy one. But you should be proud of yourself as this is the final week of your second trimester before you enter the third and final trimester. All your sacrifices are being remembered and will pay you with a priceless gift soon.
Stay strong and keep updated with us throughout your pregnancy journey only at Motherhood Story.