How my baby’s growing

The network of nerves in your baby’s ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice as you chat with others. She’s inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she’s born and takes that first gulp of air. Your baby is continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about 1 2/3 pounds (mine weights 1.12 pounds)  and measures 14 inches (about the length of a scallion) from head to heel. If you’re having a boy, his testicles should soon begin to descend into his scrotum – a trip that will take about two to three months.

26 weeks: Your baby is about the size of a scallion in length and the size of a large zucchini.

 

How mommy’s life’s changing

Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prenatal visits, prepare your baby’s room, and take care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest.

Around this time, 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.)

Preeclampsia – a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure – most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. Call your healthcare provider if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 to 5 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your doctor or midwife know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus – which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve – as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you’re carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting, can put a strain on your back.

A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your belly.

BABY STATS:

How Far Along?

26 Weeks

How Big Is The Little One?

The baby is the size of a zucchini and the length of a scallion.

Total Weight Gain / Loss?

4 pounds gained since last month / I lost 27 pounds January through February.

Maternity Clothes?

I am now wearing mostly maternity pants and jeans.  I am having a hard time finding dresses that I actually like so I am going to start boutique shopping at plus size upscale stores to find some cute wrap dresses and maxi dresses.

Sleep?

My insomnia is out of control !  I am hoping that I will be able to get some sleep in the3rd trimester.  I am lucky that I can at least get a few hours of sleep during the day since I control my own schedule.

Best Moment of the Week?

My mom was again declared CANCER FREE !  Her pet scan showed a nodule on her thyroid and the they ordered a MRI.  A nodule was seen on the other side too !  A biopsy was then ordered and she went in on Wednesday for the biopsy and those nodules are just little goiters !  NO CANCER !!   We are all elated that cancer is behind us and great health is all we have in the future :-).

Another great moment this week was this long long sleep I was able to get last night !  I was MAD when I woke up at 5:30 am realizing I had to be up in 30 mins and in the shower to get ready to meet the driver at 7 am to head to Lenox Hill Hospital.

Seeing my baby move around and seeing that she is sideways as I suspected during the sonogram and hearing that all is well was an amazing, relieving feeling.

Symptoms?

I am experiencing bouts of queasiness and there is not a lot of room for food once I start eating.  I can feel that my placenta is still low, or that the baby seems low and heavy.  I still experience round ligament pain and have to brace for sneezing and coughing.

Food Cravings?

I still have no appetite.  I was craving plums, but now it seems to be watermelon.

Food Aversions?

Salty foods and sweet foods.

Gender?

Female

Labor Signs?

None

What I Miss?

Sleep and my clothes fitting the way I want.  I miss my pregnancy being incognito.  I have a definite pouch and bump and it can not be mistaken.  I was just be glad when it rounds out more and I look less “fat” and more like a preggo girl. I also miss waking up walking on the beach and seeing the sunrise over the horizon.

What I Am Looking Forward To?

Seeing my baby and holding her.  Hearing her cry and getting to know this little being I created.

Bump?

Whoa Big !

Navel In/Out?

In

Baby / Mommy Purchases?

I have not made any purchases this week.  The only purchases I will be making over the next few weeks will be related to my baby shower.