As you move into the third trimester of your pregnancy, you might feel different day by day and week by week. There is no rule to whether or not you'll be feeling well rested and energized, or you will wake up feeling drained
As you move into the third trimester of your pregnancy, you might feel different day by day and week by week. There is no rule to whether or not you'll be feeling well rested and energized, or you will wake up feeling drained, bloated, and fatigued. The only thing you can do to make yourself feel better is to follow the pace of your own body and allow yourself enough rest.
Your baby at week 26 of pregnancy
Something beautiful will happen to your baby this week. Up until now is eyelids were sealed shut. At one point during this week, your baby will open his eyes for the first time. Your baby is not yet able to see anything inside of the uterus. He will blink and close and open his eyes as he falls asleep and wakes up.
Usually, the babies are colored blue, which will change naturally as the baby grows after birth.
Your baby still looks very lean, but he will gain fatty supplies and increase weight gradually throughout the remaining weeks of the pregnancy.
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How big is your baby at 26 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is now the size of a beetroot, measuring around 14 inсhes (35.6 cm) in length and weighing around 2 pounds (907 g). The uterus is becoming tight for him, and you'll feel more and more uncomfortable when he kicks and stretches.
26 weeks pregnant baby position
Because of the growth, the baby is starting to run out of room to do the acrobatics you’re accustomed to. However, there’s still room for maneuvering. At 26 weeks, your baby usually begins to find a position for birth, usually turning so that the head faces down. It’s also not strange at this stage for the baby to lie horizontally across your belly in a transverse lie.
Pregnancy week 26 fetal development
Baby's blood vessels are fully functioning. Her heart is pumping blood. The circulatory system is now fully functional. Your baby has grown all of the blood vessels and they are now performing their role.
Babies lungs are also developing blood vessels at this stage. As the lungs aren't yet fully functional, premature babies experience trouble breathing but are still theoretically viable. This means that in the case that you go into premature labor, the baby already has a chance of survival.
However, this is a circumstance you should try to avoid so that your baby gets more time to grow her lungs and brain properly inside the uterus.
The umbilical cord is now stronger and thicker, supplying the growing baby with all of the necessary nutrients. The more you approach the end of the pregnancy, your appetite becomes stronger because of this. However, you should keep your food choices healthy, avoiding sweets and snacks.
If there are any issues detected with your placenta, you can also contribute to its health with healthy foods and hydration. Lean meats and eliminating excess fat and processed foods from your diet will keep fragile blood vessels that are feeding your baby through the placenta and the umbilical cord healthy.
Keep in mind that your dietary choices also affect the health of blood vessels that feed your baby. They are not as resilient as the blood vessels in your body. To keep your placenta and the umbilical cord in good shape, eat a lot of greens like spinach, broccoli, and cucumber, and also enjoy plenty of lean meats which are a good source of iron.
Your body at week 26 of pregnancy
At this stage of the pregnancy, you should have gained between 20 and 23 pounds (9-10.5 kg). The extra pounds may not feel comfortable and your body may have changed so much that you are no longer happy with how you look. Most patients should gain between 20 and 30 lb (9-13.6 kg) during pregnancy.
An average woman requires 2,000 to 2,500 kcal/day during pregnancy. The caloric requirement is increased by 500 kcal/day when breastfeeding. So you are not gaining extra weight for no reason.
Try not to get upset over this. Towards the end of the pregnancy, your body changes rapidly. You may have noticed that your shape was nothing like before, and you might start to feel down and lose confidence. Try not to worry about this too much.
After labor, you will gradually shed excess pounds because, the baby will be out, and you will also be more active with breastfeeding. You will lose a lot of water weight. A great portion of what makes you look bloated and stuffy in the face is the build-up of water inside your body. This happens normally during the pregnancy.
Keep in mind to be kind and respectful to your body, and don't be too judgemental towards your own reflection in the mirror.
26 weeks pregnant belly
Typically, your belly button will have popped out already, and the skin might feel tight and itchy. Pay attention to moisturizing and hydration to give your skin more elasticity.
26 weeks pregnant symptoms
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