Baby Development Milestones at Pregnancy Week 26
Your baby, at pregnancy week 26, can now inhale and exhale small amounts of the amniotic fluid all in preparation for the D-day when he will take his first breath outside the womb. His skin is beginning to look less translucent and he can now open his eyes.
There may not be much to see in the womb but he can perceive light and darkness and his eyelashes are growing out. The kicks in your stomach are now solid and by now, you’ve probably learnt his rhythm and how to do the fetal kick count. He has also developed a waking and sleeping pattern. Enjoy the moments he is awake because he will soon run out of space in the tummy to kick.
Your baby now weighs 900 grams, measures about 35 centimetres long from crown to toe and is about the size of a lettuce head. He is clearly growing fast, which is one more reason why you need to keep getting your nutrients by ensuring you’re having a balanced diet. If you were to give birth at 26 Weeks pregnant your baby has a good chance of survival.
Also Read: Baby Development Milestones and Body Changes at Pregnancy Week 25
Changes on Your Body at Pregnancy Week 26
You have probably added about 10 kilos by now because of the baby growing in your belly. It is now becoming increasingly difficult to walk, stand or sit for long periods of time. You are also likely to experience aches and discomfort on your lower back. This is a result of pressure and the weight of your growing belly. You can relieve some of the discomfort by keeping a good posture all day long, resting as much as you can and doing gentle stretches for the back pain and hip pressure. You can also expect to continue experiencing the pregnancy mood swings.
Pregnancy Week 26 Tip
Have you been yearning to go away on a “babymoon” to a quiet place with your partner? Now would be a good time because the baby is still a safe 14 weeks away and you can travel and work safely. Once he comes home, it will be a while before you can free up time and have some energy to do something like this. It is safe to fly and take car rides as long as you take the required pregnancy travel precautions.
Circulation is of utmost importance when you travel. Keep moving around when you make stops and regularly massage your legs when you are seated. Make sure when you buckle, the belt falls below your belly and remember to stay hydrated.
Next Week: Pregnancy Week 27: Baby Development and Changes on Your Body
Pregnancy Care with Multiple Layers of Support at Malaica
Maternity care for a healthy pregnancy includes regular clinical assessments and monitoring, but it should also go beyond this to take care of your mental well being and community support as well. Malaica’s antenatal care clinic understands this and provides multiple layers of support from a virtual psychologist for mental health, specialized nutritionists, a gynecologist, an online support community of other expectant mothers, and a 24/7 emergency line exclusive to mums receiving care at our hospital. It’s all the care you need under one roof.
Book a consultation with us today to learn more about how we can empower your pregnancy journey with holistic care from bump to baby.