You are gradually nearing your third trimester, and things might start getting more unsettling along the way. Your belly is continually stretching as it starts to accommodate your growing baby.
Since growing a baby can be a tiring experience, you might notice signs of fatigue very frequently. Feeling sleepy? That’s quite a common trait.
Don’t get anxious about the changes, though. They are very much expected during this week and the weeks to come. Instead, try to inform yourself about the changes as the days pass. This will allow you to prepare for what’s to come.
In this Article
What Changes will my Body Undergo?
Besides the staple pregnancy symptoms, you will experience symptoms from your first two trimesters. But, there are a few new changes that your body experiences during this week.
As your baby develops, breathing might become a little bit more challenging. You might also have to make a few frequent trips to the bathroom, but that’s expected and a common issue that you drag through the second trimester.
Don’t worry if your feet and ankles are still swollen. Your body is acclimatizing itself to fetal development. They will eventually reduce as you near your delivery date.
As you near your third trimester, your OBGYN will conduct a few routine tests to check for any risks of gestational diabetes. If the reports aren’t what you expected, don’t get anxious right away. Instead, discuss things at length with your doctor.
What changes will my baby undergo?
With 14 more weeks until your delivery date, your baby measures 13 inches from its crown to the heel. Also, they weigh around 2 pounds, which is pretty on track with fetal growth.
By this week, every part of your baby’s eyes is formed. You can notice their eyebrows and eyelids during the ultrasound scan.
This is the week your baby starts developing their reflexes, including startle and moro reflexes. They also develop their plantar reflex by this week. So, be ready to witness some adorable hand and feet movement during the scan.
Another significant milestone during this week is the reproductive development of the baby. If you are carrying a baby boy, their testicles will descend to their scrotum by this week.
Also, your OBGYN will advise eating healthier and more nutritious meals because your baby’s intestines are fully developed by week 26. As a result, they will absorb more nutrients from the amniotic fluid.
Also Read: https://pregajunction.com/blog/types-of-baby-delivery-during-pregnancy/
What kind of symptoms will I experience?
The symptoms in Week 26 aren’t drastically different from what you experienced in the last few weeks. Here’s what you might experience:
- Stretch marks
- Backache
- Swelling
- Itching
- Shortness of breath
- Tenderness in breasts
- Lack of sleep
- Rib pain
- Occasional Braxton-Hicks contractions
Since the rib pain is quite a discomfort, your doctor might suggest some tips to manage the pain and the inflammation.
Also Read: https://pregajunction.com/blog/week-25-pregnancy-symptoms/
What should I prepare for this week?
As your baby keeps growing, you might start experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. It’s not the best experience to deal with, but you can tide through this too. Significant changes physically and mentally will occupy most of this week.
Following are a few self-care tips to follow:
- Tackle your rib pain with some ice pack or compress until it subsides.
- Moisturize your belly, thighs, and breasts with moisturizer to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- If you feel uncomfortable in a position, shift and move around until you feel comfortable.
- Don’t stay idle and laze around. Instead, join some pregnancy yoga classes to keep yourself active.
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet to supply your baby with their nutrients.
- You can consider wearing maternity bras and a support band around the abdomen.
- If the pain becomes unbearable, discuss some alternative options for it with your doctor. Don’t self-medicate.
