Twenty Sixth Week Of Pregnancy

Now, you are just days away to enter your third trimester. Your baby can hear you, and you can start spending time talking with your belly. Try not to stress over small things. Keep your weight in check to avoid your risk for any complications such as gestational diabetes. Let us discuss now, what more is going this week?

How big is my baby at 26 weeks pregnant? Watch Video
At this week, your baby is as big as a head of cabbage. He or she is around 13 inches long and weighs 2 pounds.

  • Your baby’s eyes begin to open around now.
  • His or her nostrils are beginning to open, this week.
  • Your baby continues to breathe in and out amniotic fluid.
  • Your baby’s taste buds are now fully developed.
  • If your baby is a boy, then his testicles have started to descend into his scrotum.
  • His or her mouth and lips are becoming more sensitive, now.
  • The nerves in your baby’s ears continue to develop, and he or she can hear you more clearly with every passing day.
  • Your baby’s tooth buds begin to appear this week and they will eventually become his or her adult incisor and canine teeth.

What body changes and symptoms I can experience at 26 weeks pregnant? Watch Video

  • Your previous symptoms (during past weeks) such as frequent urination may still continue to occur.
  • Your uterus now reaches more than 2 inches above your belly button.
  • You’ll be experiencing more frequent false contractions (Braxton Hicks Contractions).
  • You’ll frequently feel the need to lie down and do rest.
  • You may begin to experience pain under your ribs due to baby’s kicks and stretching of your uterus. Changing positions can help relieve the pain.
  • Due to your increased weight, you may feel more back pain now.
What Dietary tips I can follow at 26 weeks pregnant?
Watch Video
As your baby is now growing so fast, you need to follow a well balanced diet. As your baby’s brain development is so intense at this stage, your nutrition is very important.

  • Continue to eat a healthy diet including plenty of grains and vegetables.
  • Include fibre-rich foods in your diet.
  • Include whole-grain bread and cereals, lentils and brown rice in your diet. These foods are high in vitamin B and can help manage constipation.

What other things I should know at 26 weeks pregnant?

Watch Video
Frequent urination is a common symptom of pregnancy. But if you are feeling thirsty all day long and heading to the bathroom much more often, then chances are you may be suffering from gestational diabetes.
You should know that gestational diabetes is associated with some pregnancy complications, such as

  • Macrosomia- Large birth weight babies
  • An increased risk of cesarean delivery

Remember; if it’s diagnosed early then it can be managed well and you will be able to go on to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.