26 weeks of pregnancy: this is what happens to mom and baby
The twenty-sixth week is around the middle of the sixth month and represents a moment of transition between the second and third quarter. Can you believe it has already been so long since you found out you got pregnant? The baby grows out of all proportion and prepares for extra-uterine life, when it will finally be able to be in your arms. The emotion is great, as is the agitation, but don't worry, you will be able to deal with all this, always thinking about the best for your baby. If you want to understand what is happening inside you in this period and how the growth of the baby is proceeding, read this article in which we provide you with all the information you need on the twenty-sixth week of pregnancy.
But before you get into reading, watch this video and find out how to cuddle your baby while he's in the belly.
How many months are 26 weeks pregnant?
The twenty-sixth week corresponds to the sixth month. The arrival of your baby is getting closer and closer!
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The development of the fetus
Now in the twenty-sixth week of pregnancy, the baby is about 35 centimeters long and weighs around 800 grams. If it could be compared to a fruit, we could use a coconut as a yardstick. As he gets older every day, his movements will get stronger and more intense. Dear new mother, bear the discomfort and remember that if your baby moves then it means that he is fine and in great shape. Also, if you feel any unusual movements, don't panic. In all likelihood, it is the hiccup. This physiological phenomenon could be due to the breathing of the fetus as it prepares to come out of the belly, being closer and closer to the final trimester.
The main change in this stage of growth concerns the baby's eyes. If in the first months these were always closed, now the fetus can finally open them and begin to perceive the fragments of light that arrive from the outside world through the abdomen and uterus.
Have you already chosen the name for your baby? If you run out of ideas, get inspired by our list of names for all tastes!
What happens in the mother's body
How do you know that you have entered the twenty-sixth week without looking at the calendar? Simple, you'll be hungrier than usual. In fact, one of the typical symptoms of this period is a rather pronounced appetite. To avoid putting on too many kilos - remember that normally the kilos gained during the 9 months should be about 12 - try to eat healthy, opting above all for seasonal fruit and vegetables. These foods, in fact, are low in fat and calories, but have an extraordinary satiating and nourishing power.
Unfortunately, at this stage of pregnancy you may experience some discomfort, such as back pain, due to the increasingly heavy belly, swollen and heavy legs, it is not uncommon to suffer from restless legs syndrome, and consequent difficulty in falling asleep.
Furthermore, among the most common symptoms of this period we find itching. It could be pregnancy molestation, in which case talk to your doctor, who will be able to provide you with all the information you need to treat the problem.
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Some tips for the partner
The person who supports the pregnant woman is a figure of fundamental importance. The partner, in fact, is called to give constant support to the future mother, standing next to her in times of need as well as in carefree ones. Furthermore, its presence is absolutely essential as it is reassuring during gynecological visits and the pre-birth course, useful for the training of both parents and not just mothers. The partner or the partner of the pregnant woman may think of even starting to write a diary, in which to fix emotions and sensations and collect photos and thoughts of these special months. Another thing that the future parent can do during the gestation of the partner or wife is to inquire through books on neonatology and pedagogy. Also, if you are in this position, remember to show off your most romantic side, surprising the future mother of your parents. children with loving gestures and even more caring attention, especially now that birth is less and less. In this regard, make sure that nothing is missing to welcome your little one, otherwise take action immediately to make up for any shortcomings.
Sex in pregnancy: yes or no?
Don't be afraid to indulge your libido, which turns out to be very intense especially during the second trimester. It often happens that, with the discovery of pregnancy, many couples progressively stop having sex. However, being sexually fulfilled while waiting for the baby to be born is not only legitimate, but also recommended. There is no danger in having sex while pregnant: the fetus is protected by the amniotic fluid and you must absolutely not fear that the penis may tear the membrane and touch the baby because between the bottom of the vagina and the baby's head there are 5 cm apart. As for microbes, however, the cervix is perfectly blocked by a mucus that blocks their passage. Furthermore, the child will in no way witness sexual activity between the parents.
Acne in pregnancy: what to do?
Having pimples is normal, due to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Some women (the lucky ones) have gorgeous skin and a glowing complexion, while others see small acne-like pimples appear. This acne is due to an increase in the rate of progesterone, but do not worry because it will gradually disappear after giving birth, when the rate of this hormone decreases. Absolutely avoid aggressive soaps, opt instead for dermatologically tested products and, above all, do not touch your fruncles, otherwise they will ignite further. Finally, if you want to get rid of this discomfort as soon as possible, avoid do-it-yourself treatments and talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
All visits to be done in the twenty-sixth week
In this period of pregnancy, it is essential to keep weight, blood pressure, urine composition and, in particular, the presence of sugar in the urine under control. Sometimes, it will be necessary to do blood tests to check certain biological parameters, even if there are no particular problems. Find out all the visits and checks that you should carry out during the twenty-sixth week to monitor the state of health, both yours and the baby, and the growth rate of the latter:
Blood glucose monitoring to check for the possible onset of gestation diabetes
The clipper test, if not previously performed
Urine tests
Blood pressure
Some useful tips
Here are some tips to better deal with this last part of pregnancy:
- Practice regular physical activity: prefer free body gymnastics and postural exercises for the back. Exercising will help you feel more energetic and supple, making you ready for delivery. In addition, motor activity stimulates blood circulation throughout the body, preventing the swelling episodes that characterize pregnancy. If, on the other hand, you have problems with digestion, we recommend that you take short walks following a meal.
- Do not get too tired and, between one errand and another, try to rest and take some time for yourself. Too much stress, in fact, is not good for either mother or baby!
- Follow a rich and varied diet, eating healthy and balanced. Enjoying very different foods will prepare the baby's taste buds to welcome ever new flavors during the meal. In particular, try to eat foods rich in magnesium (almonds, lentils and wholemeal bread), calcium (vegetables and fish) and iron (apples, parsley and nuts). Also, stock up on folic acid, a vitamin essential for your baby's regular development, found mostly in green leafy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
- Avoid excessively fatty, spicy, fried foods and, in addition to alcoholic beverages, do without coffee. These foods, in fact, can cause irritation and consequent heartburn.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and facilitate the formation of teeth in the fetus. Plus, heavy drinking throughout the day will help prevent urinary infections. In this regard, be sure to always drink both before and after sexual intercourse and to practice proper intimate hygiene.
- Limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible, especially during the hottest hours. The combination of sun rays + hormonal changes could lead to the appearance of some unpleasant spots on the skin. If your pregnancy affects the summer period, remember to wear wide-brimmed hats and to apply a very high index (50+) protective cream over the whole body several times.
- Take care of your tummy: Your body undergoes major hormonal changes during pregnancy. Expectant mothers secrete a hormone, cortisol, which tends to atrophy collagen, the main responsible for tissue elasticity. This could lead to the appearance of stretch marks, which appear mainly during the last trimester. To remedy the problem, it is all about prevention. Moisturize and soften the skin, applying an anti-stretch mark moisturizer in the morning and in the evening with circular massages: first of all on the belly (don't forget the lower abdomen and navel!) And then on the hips, breasts and buttocks.
- Take care of your breasts: this part of the body, which is subject to enormous changes during pregnancy, has no muscles, but it is important to ensure that it is maintained by working the pectorals. To do this, extend your arms to the side and make small circular motions (15 in one direction and 15 in the other). Then, with your elbows raised and parallel to the ground, push your palms together for 10 seconds. Relax and start over. (Repeat 10 times).
