Your growing baby
Your baby’s weight is now close to that of a red cabbage 760g and measures 35.6cm (head to heel.)
Your baby’s pulse quickens as a reaction to sound now and because the hearing is so good you may even become aware of your baby moving in time to music.
Your baby’s eyes are now beginning to open. The iris still doesn’t have much pigmentation, but this will develop over the next few months. Even then, the colour of your baby’s eyes at birth are not necessarily the colour they will eventually be, as the iris can continue to change colour for up to three years after birth.
Small amounts of amniotic fluid are continuing to be inhaled and exhaled, which is essential for the development of the lungs. These ‘breathing’ movements are also good practice for taking that first gulp of air. The alveoli (air sacs) start to secrete surfactant, which keeps the lung tissue from sticking together.
If you’re having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into the scrotum, a journey that will take about two or three days.
Pregnancy week 26 – What’s happening to you
Your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it’s probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant (typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)
Be aware of the small possibility of pre-eclampsia, which is a serious disorder characterised by high blood pressure, fluid retention and protein in your urine. Other associated symptoms are sensitivity to light (or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen and vomiting.
If your lower back aches you can thank both your growing uterus and hormonal changes. Your uterus has shifted your centre of gravity, stretched out and weakened your abdominal muscles, causing the lower back muscles to take more of the strain when you lift or carry. Hormonal changes have loosened your joints and ligaments. Also, the extra weight you’re carrying means more work generally for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel tired and achy by the end of the day.
Need to know
Things for you to consider during week 26 of your pregnancy
Avoid standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting as this can all put a strain on your back.
A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief to a sore and aching back. Some women find cool compresses more comforting.
Keeping active will help to prevent your back muscles from becoming stiff. Try swimming, which is an excellent form of exercise in pregnancy.
Make sure that you continue to eat well and get plenty of rest.
Now that you are two-thirds of the way through pregnancy, if you haven’t started, you should start planning the nursery and make a list of all the equipment you will need.