The fetus now knows almost everything that’s happening and that you are their lifeline! At 26 weeks pregnant, the baby is about the size of a full grown zucchini that is nearly 13 inches long and weighs approximately 1.7 pounds. At this stage, your fetus is at its maximum speed of growth and development of the major senses.

26 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Source: babycenter.com

High blood pressure

The fast pace and changing formulae of your hormones lead to increased blood pressure. Along with this, there is also pregnancy stress and anxiety. Your doctor will monitor you closely for signs of preeclampsia, which has a systolic reading of more than 140 mm HG or a diastolic reading of more than 90mm HG. Although preeclampsia is a complication, it can be treated through proper screening and medication.

Frequent headaches

Hormone fluctuation and stress causes frequent headaches during this phase. This carries on till the time of delivery. Dehydration is another factor that must be taken care of. Drink water at intervals of one hour at the maximum.

Braxton Hicks contractions

By now you’re definitely accustomed to this symptom! Your uterus and pelvic muscles are preparing for labour. This is what causes your pelvic muscles to become tight at times.  If you’re carrying twins, these contractions will be more prominent and frequent. If these contractions become too painful and don’t stop, consult your doctor immediately as these might be symptoms of pre-term labour.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerves run down your spine to the pelvic area. Since the pelvis is pressed down by the uterus that is getting heavier with each passing day, you are likely to experience prolonged pain in your posterior, lower and upper back, and especially your abdominal region.

Pregnancy brain

This is also called “pregnancy fog”. At 26 weeks pregnant, you will face difficulty in remembering things, even important events. The hormones are playing tricks with your brain! Put alarms in your mobile and hang informative charts in every room so that you don’t miss out on your ultrasound tests and medications.

Trouble sleeping

The closer you get to your delivery date, the more trouble you have at night as the hormones keep your system active. Try to take short naps during the day and indulge in meditation to soothe your mind and body to fall asleep at night. Also mind your caffeine intake!

Pregnant Belly

At 26 weeks pregnant, it is needless to say that your belly is round in shape and attracts fond glances from people around! You have gained about 16 to 22 pounds if you are carrying a single child and about 28 to 40 pounds if you are carrying twins. The topmost portion of your uterus is now approximately 2.5 inches above your belly button. The baby is rapidly growing and increasing the width of your belly, making you almost unable to stand for long!

Pregnancy Ultrasound

There is generally no 26 weeks ultrasound, unless there’s some complication that demands a test prescribed your gynaecologist. However, if you are wondering what the little one is up to, know that your baby is now beginning to take full breaths of the amniotic fluid. The 26 week foetus is gradually preparing for its life outside the womb by absorbing your antibodies. The eyes are almost developed, with only a few stages to go before they open up!

Dos and Don’ts During Week 26 of Pregnancy

Dos –

Keep a tab on your food intake

Make a chart of what to eat and when to eat, as you keep forgetting everything due to pregnancy fog! It is vital to remember what to eat and when to eat so that you don’t forget to nourish the 26 week fetus that is solely dependent on you.

Carry light and healthy snacks

To avoid ending up eating junk food, carry small packets of fruits and nuts to munch on, whenever you are hungry. At 26 weeks pregnant, it is very natural to experience a higher rate of hunger attacks. Be ready to satisfy the demands of the little one in there!

Sleep well

Although the hormones are playing foul and not allowing you to get a good night’s sleep, you have to find ways to ensure that you meet the regular quota of sleep. Opt for power naps during the day, at regular intervals of four hours. This way the mind and body will be replenished.

Exercise

Needless to say this again, but many expecting women seem to skip their regular routine of exercise. Make sure that you stick to light exercises like walking, stretching, and pelvic rocking. These keep your body active and tone the uterine muscles.

Spend time with your partner

At 26 weeks pregnant, you must open up to your partner and start planning for the long term. Make sure that you both get a chance to cosy up once a while and share your feelings for the new journey that lies ahead. This will make the job easier and less stressful for both of you.

Don’ts –

Do too much cleaning around the house

While it is definitely advisable to live in a clean space, it is not expected of you to take over the entire responsibility of cleaning up. Keep yourself active, but don’t engage in much of work that requires dealing with dust and dirt. Such particles might cause infections, especially now that you’re susceptible to diseases.

Cleans your pets’ litter boxes

Pets are like your children, no doubt about that! Love them all you want but don’t go cleaning after them. Their stool contains harmful elements like parvovirus, campylobacteriosis, whipworms, giadria, and coccidia. Inhaling these might affect your baby’s health and cause deformities or give rise to infectious traits.

Forget to drink water

Drinking water is vital to keep your digestive and excretory system functioning well. Make a chart to remind you of your liquid intake.

Depend solely on laxatives

At 26 weeks pregnant, you are most likely to be constipated most of the time. Alas! However, relying on laxatives off the counter is not at all the best thing to do. Random medicines might interfere with your baby’s development and lead to premature labour, asthma, and susceptibility to infections. Steer clear of these laxatives and stick to fruits, water, and greens. If the situation is unbearable, consult your doctor.

Now that you are about to reach the last week of your fifth month of pregnancy, there’s less to worry about, as long as you follow the doctor’s advice. Take care as there’s still a long, long way to go!