As you embark on the third trimester of pregnancy, you will begin to feel different symptoms that would influence your feelings each day. Some days, you will feel energetic, while on other days, you might feel restless.
Size of your baby:
The size of your baby resembles the size of a beetroot.
Weight / Height of your baby:
The height of your baby is around 35.6 cm (14 inches) at week 26 while the weight of your baby is around 907 grams (2 pounds).
About your baby:
Something amazing happens during this week as your baby eyelids, which were once closed, will open up! Babies are usually blue but the colour will change after birth.
Your baby’s fat deposition increases with the increased weight gain, and at week 26, your baby will start to find the position to get settled as space gets narrowed within your belly. During this stage, his/her head turns downwards with the legs placed upwards. However, your baby might also lie horizontally too.
Blood vessels start to function with excessive pumping of blood throughout the body, and the circulatory system becomes functional with the increased growth of blood vessels. However, the lungs are still in the developing stage and the umbilical cord becomes thicker and stronger to provide essential nutrients to the baby.
About your body:
The average weight during this week is around 20 – 23 pounds (9 – 10 kg) which results in discomfort and slight clumsiness. You will look heavier with the increased visibility of your baby bump and the skin over your belly might feel itchy and will stretch further till the end of pregnancy.
The symptoms that you might experience during week 26 include Braxton Hick’s contractions which are false contractions, other than that you might experience insomnia, backaches, headaches, sleeping difficulty, general discomfort or others.
Do & Don’ts / Advice / Checklist / Tips:
- Eat healthy foods and avoid sugary foods, snacks, excess fats or processed foods
- Eat foods like cucumber, broccoli, spinach, lean meats, and other fresh fruits and vegetables
- Drink enough water in order to stay hydrated and offer sufficient supplies within the amniotic fluid to the baby
- This week is the perfect time for babymoon where you can plan a small vacation with your partner
- Begin to organise your belongings as you might not have the time to do so after the birth of your baby
- Track the fetal movements