Pregnancy Week 26: How your little miracle is growing in your womb! (Pregnancy Week 26)

Hello! How are you? Here is another important week in your pregnancy, which means 26 weeks have been completed. By now, you are in the last part of the second trimester, and in a few days you will also be entering the third trimester. Isn't this an amazing journey? It is truly a miracle to see a little baby slowly growing inside your belly. Let's take a look at some details about you and your baby this week.

How is your baby growing this week?

By this week, your little one has grown even bigger and learned more. Just imagine, he's like a little human now!

The little mischievous one opens his eyes:

Remember, the baby's eyes were closed for the first few months? Now those eyes are slowly opening. It's like seeing a new world. Sometimes they can even blink. So, when they are born, some babies' eyes may be blue or gray-blue. But that color may change within the first year. Some babies are born with brown or black eyes. At the same time, the baby's eyelids are growing, and more hair is growing on its head. Isn't it so cute?

Heavy, tall:

By now, your baby weighs about 900 grams . That's a little less than a kilo. He's about 35-36 centimeters tall. He still looks a little wrinkled, because there's not enough fat under the skin yet. But don't worry, there are still 14 weeks to go, and by that time, the baby will be quite big and full.

Little lungs are getting ready:

This is very important. The baby's lungs are developing rapidly this week. It's like he's learning to breathe, his chest rising and falling. But he's still really breathing from the oxygen he gets from you, through the umbilical cord. A special substance called `(Surfactant)` is starting to form inside the lungs. This is very important, because it's this `(Surfactant)` that helps keep the lungs from collapsing when the baby breathes on its own after birth.

Brain work:

The baby's brain is also developing very quickly. The surface of the brain is forming folds and connections between nerve cells (`neurons`) are forming. As a result, the things he feels and the things he does are becoming more complex.

I recognize my mother's voice:

Did you know? Your baby can hear sounds very well now. When you talk, the sound of your heart beating, the songs you listen to... he can hear all this. Sometimes if there is a loud noise all at once, he may startle. He may even respond when you talk to him or sing to him. It will be a very beautiful experience for you.

What else is new?

• Taste: The taste buds on your baby's tongue are now functioning well. He can also taste the things you eat to some extent through the amniotic fluid.
• Movements: Your baby should be moving around a lot now. He's kicking his arms and legs, rolling over. Sometimes you can see the baby kicking from your belly. He may also have a sleep-wake pattern now.
• Protects the skin: The baby's skin is covered with a white, thick substance called `(Vernix Caseosa). This is what protects the skin while it is in `(Amniotic Fluid).` There is also a fine, downy hair called `(Lanugo)` all over the body.

Imagine, so many things happening inside your womb! It's really amazing, isn't it?

What's happening to your body and mind this week?

As your baby grows, your body will change a lot. You may also feel different things in your mind.

Changes in your body:

• Growing belly: Your uterus is now above your belly button. Your belly has moved forward a lot, so your balance may change a bit when you walk.
• Weight gain: You may have gained a little weight during this time. That's normal.
• Back pain: As your belly grows, the way your body's weight is distributed changes, which can lead to back pain. Hormones also play a role in this.
• Leg pain: Leg cramps can occur, especially at night.
• Swelling: Ankles, legs, and sometimes hands may swell slightly (`Oedema`). A little swelling is normal.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: This can be a new experience. Your stomach will suddenly feel a little tight, and after a while it will go away. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They are like a little training for childbirth. They are usually not painful and will go away after a while.
• Difficulty breathing: As the uterus grows and presses on the diaphragm, you may sometimes feel a little short of breath.
• Heartburn and indigestion: These are common things during pregnancy.
• Constipation: This is also a problem that many mothers have.
• Increased vaginal discharge: A white, odorless discharge called ``Leukorrhea'' may be released in excess.
• Skin changes: A black line running down the middle of the abdomen (`Linea Nigra`), and stretch marks (`Stretch Marks`) on the abdomen and breasts can be seen during this period.
• Sleep problems: A large belly can make it difficult to find a comfortable position.

Your state of mind:

You may experience a variety of emotions during this time. Sometimes you may feel very happy, and at other times you may feel a little sad or anxious. You may be thinking about the upcoming birth and the baby. This is all normal. Talk to your husband and family about this. Their support is very valuable to you at this time.

Don't forget these things for your health during this time!

If you are healthy, your baby will be healthy too. That's why it's so important to take care of your health.

• Nutritious foods: Iron, calcium, protein, folic acid, `(DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid))`Eat a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients. Include greens, vegetables, fruits, milk, fish, eggs, nuts, etc. Drink plenty of water.
• Medications as prescribed by your doctor: Take the iron tablets, calcium tablets, and vitamins prescribed by your doctor on time.
• Exercise: Light exercise is great. You can do things like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga. But if you're starting a new exercise routine, it's best to consult your doctor.
• Rest: It is essential to get enough rest. Get a good night's sleep. It would be great if you could get some rest during the day as well.
• Doctor Check-ups: Visit your doctor at regular intervals. During this time, a glucose tolerance test is often performed to check for gestational diabetes . Blood pressure and urine tests are also performed to check for conditions such as preeclampsia.
• Keep an eye on your baby's movements: Keep a close eye on how many times your baby moves each day. Your doctor may ask you to do "kick counts." If your baby's movements suddenly decrease, you should tell your doctor right away.
• Watch out for these warning signs:
• If you have a persistent severe headache.
• If your vision is blurry, or if it is difficult to see the light.
• If your hands, legs, or face suddenly become very swollen.
• If you have severe stomach pain.
• If there is blood or a liquid like water coming out.
• If you get a fever.
• If the baby's movements decrease significantly.

If something like this happens, don't panic and see a doctor immediately.

• Let's get ready before the baby arrives:
• Start thinking about your `Birth Plan` for how you want the birth to go.
• If there are prenatal classes, attend them.
• Prepare the things that the baby needs at home, in the baby's room.
• Talk about these things with your partner and family.

A little chat with the baby

Now you know that your baby can hear what you say. So, talk to him. Tell him about your day, sing him songs, let him feel your love. When you talk while stroking his belly, you and your baby will feel that bond. This is something very special.

Your voice is the most familiar and safest sound in the world for your baby, so talk to him or her often.

The most important things to keep in mind

Okay, so we've talked about a lot this week. Finally, the most important things to remember are these:

• Your little one is growing well . His senses are developing, and he is slowly getting ready to come out.
• There are many changes in your body and mind.It happens. Most of these are normal. But don't be afraid to talk to a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
• Take good care of your health. Don't forget about nutritious food, adequate rest, and light exercise.
• Follow your doctor's instructions and attend scheduled clinics.
• This pregnancy is a very special time in life. Try to spend this time as happily and relaxed as possible.
• Talk to your doctor and those closest to you about any questions or fears you have.

Wishing you and your little one the best of health! You'll be entering your third trimester in a few days. We'll talk about that later.

` Pregnancy, 26 weeks pregnant, baby's development, mother's health, Pregnancy Week 26, Fetal Development, Maternal Health, Prenatal Care