26th Week Of Pregnancy

As you enter your 26th week of pregnancy, your baby is continuing to grow and develop at a rapid pace. During this week, your baby’s organs, muscles, and bones are all continuing to mature and strengthen. Your baby’s skin is also becoming less translucent and more opaque, and they may have even started to grow a full head of hair by now.

Your baby’s nostrils are opening up, so she’ll be able to practice breathing through her nose as well as her mouth. Her eyes are developing the ability to focus, although she’ll only be able to see objects 6 to 8 inches away at birth. Her lungs are maturing and she’d have an 80 percent chance of survival if she were born now.

Lengthwise, your baby’s growth has slowed down now, but she’s still gaining lots of fat. Her movements are likely to be strong enough to be seen from the outside, and you may be able to make out the rough shape of a protruding foot, elbow, or bottom. The network of nerves to her ears are now fully developed, and she’ll noticeably react to external noises. She’s also likely to have a burst of activity just after you’ve eaten.

26 Weeks Baby Development:  How is your baby growing when you are 26 Week Pregnant?

During your 26th week of pregnancy, your baby also to open her eyes for the first time. She’ll open and shut her eyes as she gets used to her new ability. Your little one is still on the small side. Her body may look fully formed on the outside, but inside there’s fine-tuning taking place, including her lungs and her brain. Your unborn baby still has some growing to do!

 

Do you know…

Your baby will be born with more than 70 reflexes that develop in the womb. One of the strongest is sucking. Some babies are even born with sucking blisters on their thumbs or fingers because the urge to latch on is so strong.

Body changes and symptoms during 26 week of pregnancy

At the end of the second trimester, the top of your uterus should measure 26 centimeters above your pubic bone. If yours measures significantly bigger or smaller than this, your midwife or doctor may suggest having an ultrasound to establish whether there are any underlying problems with your baby’s size.

You’re carrying about 4 cups more blood than you were pre-pregnancy, and your blood pressure will rise slightly throughout the third trimester to allow for this. However, sharp rises may be a sign of preeclampsia, so your doctor will check it at every prenatal appointment. You may be feeling hotter than usual, and your breasts might have started leaking drops of colostrum.

Symptoms of week 26 Pregnancy

During this week of pregnancy, you may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms as your body continues to adjust to the changes brought on by pregnancy. Some common symptoms that you may experience during the 26th week include:

• Swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles: As your pregnancy progresses, your body will produce more and more fluid, which can cause swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles. This is completely normal and is usually not a cause for concern, but if you experience sudden or extreme swelling, you should contact your healthcare provider.
• Heartburn: As your baby grows, they may put pressure on your stomach, causing acid to back up into your esophagus and leading to heartburn. To help prevent heartburn, try eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy or acidic foods.
• Shortness of breath: As your baby grows and takes up more space in your uterus, they may press against your diaphragm, making it harder for you to breathe. This is usually not a cause for concern, but if you have difficulty breathing or feel lightheaded, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Body Changes

As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice a number of changes in your body, including:

• Weight gain: During the 26th week of pregnancy, you may gain anywhere from a few pounds to several pounds, depending on your starting weight and how much weight you have gained so far. It’s important to gain weight slowly and steadily during pregnancy to ensure that you and your baby are getting all the nutrients you need.
• A larger belly: As your baby grows, your uterus will continue to expand, causing your belly to grow larger. You may also notice that your belly feels heavier and more awkward to carry around.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may start to experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that help your uterus prepare for labor. These contractions are usually not as strong or regular as real labor contractions, and they may come and go throughout the day.

Baby Development during 26th Week

During the 26th week of pregnancy, your baby is continuing to grow and develop at a rapid pace. Some of the key developments that are taking place during this week include:

• Growth: Your baby is continuing to grow and is now about 14 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds.
• Development of the senses: Your baby’s senses, including their sight, hearing, and touch, are all continuing to develop and mature. They may be able to hear your voice and other sounds from the outside world, and they may even be able to respond to light and dark.
• Maturation of the organs: Your baby’s organs, including their heart, lungs, and liver, are all continuing to mature and strengthen.

Other Body changes during 26th week of pregnancy.

Water retention is common in late pregnancy and you may notice your ankles swelling, in particular. Keeping your feet elevated slightly when you’re sitting may help. And make sure you’re drinking around eight glasses of water a day. If you’re dehydrated, your body will try even harder to retain water. But sudden swelling, particularly of the face, fingers or legs, can be a sign of preeclampsia [1] ,so make sure you see your doctor immediately.

Looking for a fast way to relieve back pain and relax? Pelvic rocking[2] is a great way to ease back pain, strengthen the pelvis for labor, and reduce stress. To rock your pelvis, stand against the wall with your knees slightly bent and, as you inhale, gently press the small of your back against the wall. Exhale and release. Repeat 10 times.

What to do during 26 week of pregnancy.

Managing Stress

You’re almost done with your second trimester! You may have noticed swelling in your face, hands, feet, and ankles. This swelling, called edema, happens as your body retains fluid to keep your blood volume high. With more blood flowing, your vessels are forced closer to the skin’s surface.

Your tender gums may bleed when you brush your teeth. Drink plenty of water and try moderate exercise such as walking to ease swelling and help your circulation. Increased blood flow may also cause swelling inside your nasal passages, leading to congestion.

Pampering Yourself

You’re past the midway mark and delivery day is around the corner—it’s time for some R&R! Giving yourself a break doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. By learning how to relax now, you’ll be more likely to use those same techniques later when midnight wake-up calls and endless feedings leave you needing a recharge.

Massage

Work out your knotted muscles with a massage. If you go to a professional massage therapist, ask first if he or she has experience with pregnant clients. Certain positions and massage techniques can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful to your unborn baby. Pregnancy-trained massage therapists will know just how to make your aching back more comfortable.

If you’re not up for a full massage, try a manicure or pedicure instead. More convenient and less expensive, manicures and pedicures can help you feel more relaxed. Besides, you probably can’t reach your toes to trim and paint them anyway.

Don’t forget that your partner makes for an excellent massage therapist! Look for local couples’ massage classes or ask your pregnancy masseuse if your partner can come along and learn some techniques.

Check out books or videos to figure out some simple massages you can do in the comfort of your own home.

Babymoons:

One hot trend in pregnancy, babymoons. A clever take on honeymoons, babymoons have the same goal—to provide you and your partner some special time together. Many hotels offer babymoon packages with activities and extras with pampering in mind.

Some packages include mini-fridges stocked with pickles and ice cream, or a couple’s massage with a pregnancy-trained masseuse. You don’t need a “babymoon” package to get pampered though.

Opt for a fine hotel to get the same service, or create your own babymoon atmosphere at home with your partner.

Let your partner treat you to “room service” and have breakfast in bed—maybe even lunch and dinner too! If you haven’t managed a pre-baby vacation or babymoon yet, grab a last-minute break around now.

Your travel options are restricted, as most airlines won’t routinely carry pregnant women after 27 weeks, but there are plenty of bump-friendly destinations nearer home, from city breaks to relaxing country hideaways to a beauty spa.

Prenatal exercise classes:

Exercise may not sound like pampering, but choosing the right fitness class can give you a boost. For example, prenatal yoga classes will teach you relaxation techniques you can use during your pregnancy, labor, even after. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by other round-tummied classmates who understand what you’re going through

Here’s a fun pregnancy exercise you may have not considered:

Bellydancing : That’s right, plenty of pregnant women are baring their bellies and learning moves that help them have fun and relax. Ask your healthcare provider about prenatal classes in your area if you haven’t found any on your own.

Cutting back on your schedule: One of the best ways to pamper yourself is to trim your schedule. Prioritize so you can get done the things you need to (don’t add anything extra!). Enlist friends and family to help you accomplish what you’d like to finish—but that you don’t have the energy for.

Accept invitations for older children to play at friends’ homes so you can get some rest. You should take breaks as often as possible so you feel energized and recharged.

What Your Partner need to do – Learning to De-Stress

Will you be able to afford another little person in your life? Do you need to make changes to your home in preparation for Baby’s arrival? Will you need to move?

The more your partner shows, the more stressed you may feel. Why? Money is a significant stressor for many men. As fathers-to-be, we are programmed to believe we should be the financial providers for our families. But stress doesn’t end with the checkbook.

You may also be concerned about your partner’s health (as well as that of your baby). If you’re about to become a dad for the first time, that is no doubt a source of anxiety as well. We hate to tell you, but when your little one comes into the world, you’ll no doubt add her to your list of worries, too.

Week 26 is the perfect time to start thinking about (and implementing) ways to reduce stress and refuel your tank so you’ve got the energy needed to face what lies ahead.

Maybe it means taking more of your lunch hour to relax, read, or listen to music—something solely for yourself. Maybe it means finding podcasts, satellite radio, or music to listen to while working out, commuting, or working.

Look for things that stimulate you and make you feel better. Don’t forget exercise as a great stress reducer, too.

When your baby arrives, your life will become more chaotic and challenging. Learning coping strategies and figuring out ways to de-stress your life now will help you prepare for your new role.

Learning how to manage stress will also give you the tools necessary to interact more effectively with your spouse and your child.

Overall, the 26th week of pregnancy is an exciting time as your baby continues to grow and develop. It’s important to take care of yourself and seek medical attention if you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms.

Source:

[1] Reference 1 : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/symptoms/

[2] Reference 2: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/AfterCareInformation/pages/conditions.aspx?HwId=zp4462

Content provided on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.