My Pregnancy Week 26
Baby
Your baby continues to grow and develop inside of you. Measuring 14 inches long, she weighs just less than 2 lbs!
Her lungs continue to develop and she is taking small breaths of amniotic fluid inside your womb. These small breaths are getting her in shape for her first breath of fresh air.
Her veins are visible through her transparent skin but soon that will change as her skin begins to turn opaque.
The nerve pathways are becoming more and more developed, making her more responsive to sound. Don't be surprised if you feel her jump inside you if she is startled by a sudden noise.
If you're having a boy, his testicles are descending into his scrotum this week.
Mom
How are you feeling? If you are feeling short of breath this week, don't worry, this is common. Your uterus may be pressing on your rib cage, making it harder for your lungs to fully expand.
How's your back? It's possible that your back might be feeling a little achy. Again, you can attribute this partially to your hormones. By 26 weeks, your pregnancy hormones are loosening up your joints and ligaments. Your changing center of gravity is also to blame.
Here are some tips to help your aching back...
- Try taking a warm bath
- Apply a cool compress
- Schedule a massage with a therapist trained in prenatal techniques
- Sleep with a pregnancy pillow to support you back and abdomen
- Pay attention to your posture – this will help reduce any strain on your back.
Remember, if you experience any severe pain or numbness in your body, be sure to call your health care provider.
Have you picked a name? Picking a name can be quite a challenge, especially if you and your partner have different ideas of the perfect name. Need inspiration, revisit some of your favorite movies and films or find out your grandparents' middle names. Just one thing that's important to keep in mind...initials. Peter Owen O'Connell is a great name, but his initials could be troublesome when he reaches elementary school!
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