26 Weeks Pregnant

26 weeks pregnant is how many months? It's the end of the 6th month or and the end of the 2nd trimester

What to Expect at 26 Weeks Pregnant

At the 26th week of pregnancy the baby’s eyes are already formed, they have a distinct color, however, the baby is still unable to open them up. He tastes the food with the taste buds on his tongue. Studies have revealed that at this term the baby prefers sweet things rather than products with bitter or smoked flavor.

Despite the fact that the fat tissue stops growing, it will not affect his formation. During the ultrasound scan, you can even see the baby’s lashes and eyebrows. The baby reacts to external changes, so mom should make the baby feel comfortable speaking to him in a tender voice and listening to soft music.

The woman have a sharpening pain in the ribs and back caused by the baby’s growth, by this time he weighs about 850 grams (30 ounces) and makes strong movements. To ease the pain, buy a special mattress for pregnant, but first consult your doctor on this issue. Sleep on the side in order not to feel the baby’s movements.

The second week of the seventh month or the second week of the third trimester is the 26th week of pregnancy. Now when the two trimesters are gone, the expectant mother is looking forward for the baby’s birth.

Information Which May be Useful at 10 Weeks of Pregnancy:

• Pregnancy Weight Gain
• Gas and Bloating During Pregnancy
• Stomach Ulcer During Pregnancy

Ultrasound and Tests at 26 Weeks Pregnancy

If the pregnancy is normal, you are recommended to make only three ultrasound scan in nine months. At the 26th week of pregnancy, your gynecologist appoints you the second ultrasound. It’s main objective is to assess the development of the fetus, detecting abnormalities or deficiency in the development of the skeleton, genitalia, cardiac muscle, urinary tract infections, the quality and amount of amniotic fluid, placenta and its attachment.

The doctor already knows the baby’s sex and can tell it to the parents, if they wish. In addition to the ultrasound, the doctor appoints other tests, including compulsory blood and urine tests. In order to prevent the development of diabetes, the mom should take blood glucose test.

Unfortunately, the diabetes in a mild form occurs in 2 % of pregnancies. Although this disease is not very common, yet the endocrinologist's consultation is necessary because high levels of glucose in the mother can cause low blood pressure and overweight in the baby. You should keep to a diet all the time before the delivery in order to ensure normal blood sugar levels.

The blood test can show iron-deficiency anemia and hemoglobin levels in the blood of the pregnant woman. In the case of any deviations from the norm, the mothers are suggested to take iron supplements and get iron into their diet. An inflammatory process can be defined by the means of the urine test, which will show the levels of protein and leukocytes in blood as well as the ability of the urinary tract to cope with the increased load.

26 Weeks Ultrasound Pictures

26 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound Gender

26 Weeks Ultrasound Boy:

26 Weeks Ultrasound Girl:

26 Weeks Ultrasound Twins

Condition of the Uterus at 26 Weeks

The close is the delivery, the more carefully you should track changes in your body. For example, the uterus at the 7th month of pregnancy is 24 cm (9.5 inches) high and 16 cm (6.3 inches) wide and it’s located 6 cm (2.4 inches) above the belly-button (this is quite a lot!). The uterus will lift1 cm (0.4 inches) every week, so it will exercise more pressure on the internal organs causing constipation, bloating and heartburn during the third trimester.

The cervical mucus plug fills the cervical canal and its loss means the start of the delivery. This is a kind of signal to the beginning of the delivery. In addition, this period is characterized by the appearance of periodic contractions, which are called Braxton-Hicks contractions or training contractions.

Usually, they don’t cause any pain and don’t last long. The 26th week of pregnancy is marked by the danger of periodic contractions accompanied by pain, cramping and watery discharge, so the doctor’s help is of use.

The formation of the mucous plug can cause profuse discharge. Normal discharge is white or grey and homogeneous. If it is green, purulent and cottage cheese like, accompanied by a burning sensation in the genitals or itching, it requires immediate medical assistance. If the expectant mother has an infectious disease, it is necessary to treat it, as it may not only infect the fetus and affect the fetal sac, but also affect his growth and development.

If the pregnant has bleeding along with the pains in the abdomen it may testify of the abnormal placenta lying and its abruption, it’s necessary to call an ambulance. Moderate watery discharge, even in small portions caused by the leak of the amniotic fluid without any special symptoms, also requires your gynecologist’s advice.

The Belly at 26 Weeks Pregnancy

At the 26th week of pregnancy, the belly becomes more pronounced and the roundness starts extending upward. The belly’s growth provokes the appearance of stripes on it, which subsequently will turn into stretch marks. In order to avoid them, it is necessary to take care of the belly’s skin using special gels and creams for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. They usually are applied on the skin of the hips, breast, and belly after the bath 1-2 times a day. If they are not available, use warm vegetable or olive oil instead.

26 Weeks Pregnant Belly Pictures

Images: big bellies at 26 weeks 4 days pregnant.

What is Happening With the Baby

At the 26th week of pregnancy, the baby has such individual traits as eyelashes and eyebrows. The ears are also formed and are slightly protruding. The baby’s inner ear is practically formed, as a result, the baby can distinguish the sounds from the outside world, so it’s necessary to tell him tales, listen to the classical music, sing lullabies and speak to the baby in a gentle voice. Many people believe that the baby can distinguish voices; therefore, the parents should speak to him together that contributes to his perception of the surrounding unknown world after the birth. Since the baby starts opening his eyes at this period, the mom should not be placed near a bright light.

At the 26th week of pregnancy the respiratory system is formed: the lungs have taken their usual place and shape. The baby’s bones are strengthening and the permanent teeth are growing stronger, too, as the milk and permanent teeth are already formed. The baby skin is smoothing, it gradually acquires a certain color.

The folds on elbows are forming, legs and arms are becoming rounder. The baby’s heart performs 135-160 beats per minute. The blood is saturated with nutrients and oxygen, as it goes round the placenta through the umbilical vein. At the 26th week of pregnancy, the baby’s brain runs one of the main tasks: it connects to the cortex of the adrenal gland, which contributes to the secretion of the hormones by the pituitary gland. The fetus is 35.5 cm (14 inches) long and weighs about 750 grams (26,5 ounces). At this time the baby is usually asleep, he can sleep 16-20 hours per day, and he moves only in the waking state.

Fetal Arrhythmias

Irregular heartbeat is common at this period, it is called fetal arrhythmias. The abnormality of the baby’s heartbeat is caused by his constant growth and development. When the heart is totally formed, the arrhythmia will disappear. You can consult a sonographer or a perinatologist to learn more about this phenomenon.

If arrhythmia passes before the delivery, you should ask doctors to monitor the baby’s heartbeat during the delivery itself. If the baby has arrhythmia during the delivery, it’s better to do it the supervision of a pediatrician, who in case of complications can take appropriate measures.

Sensations

At the 26th week of pregnancy not only the mother can feel all the baby’s movements but also the others. They can feel the baby moving putting a hand on the mother’s belly and listen to the baby’s heart beat putting an ear close to the belly.

The fetus is in the womb can behave differently: be both passive and active, depending on his temper. Some babies behave calmly, while others are constantly moving. Therefore, the behavior of the baby during the pregnancy will influence his after birth activity.

It’s quite common, that being busy, mother doesn’t feel the baby moving, but once she lies on the side, she immediately feels his presence. If this issue makes you anxious and nervous, you’d better have your doctor listen to the baby’s heart and confirm that he feels good.

26 Weeks Pregnant: What is Happening in 26th Week of Pregnancy

Pain Sensations at 26 Weeks Pregnancy

The baby’s movements can cause you pain, as the baby starts feeling confined, lacks of free space for movements. Pain in the abdomen and under the ribs can be caused by the growing uterus, which presses the internal organs. Hormones may also cause pain aimed at softening your ligaments and joints.

You can ease the pain lying on the side, as in this position the pressure of the uterus is reduced. Tired leg cramps and headaches are common for the third trimester, the rest is the best cure for these conditions.

When lying, elevate your legs with a pillow in order to reduce the load on them. The headache will pass quickly in an aerated, fresh and shaded room. Lower back pain are caused by the hormone changes and the gradual shift of the load, so you need to help your back by putting aside high heels, doing gymnastic or pregnant yoga, and wearing a maternity belt.

Weight Gain

The ever-increasing weight may cause painful sensations, therefore, you should carefully control your weight during the pregnancy. Each week you should gain no more than 300-500 g (10-17 ounces). Keeping to the diet and eating healthy helps to maintain your body in a good shape.

Proper Nutrition

At the 26th week, a healthy and well- balanced diet is essential to assure the baby’s proper development. You should cut the consumption of allergenic products, such as orange berries and fruits, eggs, milk, honey, chocolate, cocoa. During this period the various smoked food, fast food, soda and fried dishes are forbidden.

You should eat boiled, baked and steamed products with a small amount of salt, which detains water and contributes to the swelling.

The pregnant can gain weigh rapidly because of the consumption of confectionery and sweets, which contribute to increasing the glucose levels due to rapid digestion of carbohydrates, resulting in pregnancy diabetes, and therefore, the baby’s diabetes, too. Moderate consumption of sweet things will keep health both mother and child.

Breasts

At the 26th week of pregnancy the breasts are growing fast, so take care about the nipples in order to prepare them for feeding the baby. To do so, rub the breasts with cool water or a hard towel, take air baths. These procedures should be performed carefully in order to avoid the uterus’ contractions.

Sex at 26 Weeks Pregnancy

If there are no medical contraindications, you can have sex at the 26th week of pregnancy. This is connected with the woman orgasm that is favorable for the pregnant due to enhanced sensitivity of the genitalia, additional blood supply and improved enhanced sensations.

The woman orgasm has a positive impact on the baby, because of the activation of the placenta function and the secretion of the hormone of happiness, endorphin, which also makes the baby feel happy. It’s important to select a right position for the intercourse to minimize the pressure on the belly. A great number of sexual positions are safe and healthy for both mother and baby; they will provide diversity in the sex life of both parents.

Dangers

At the 26th week of pregnancy, the woman can suffer from different conditions:

• high blood pressure and headaches, which can cause problems with sight;
• pains in the abdomen caused by the baby’s growth and development;
• back and lumbus pains, as well as leg pain and swelling.

Recommendations

• use elastic bandage or brace to prevent the vein varicose;
• healthy food, communication with the baby;
• positive attitude towards the baby’s name choice and other positive moments associated with the baby’s birth;
• going to courses for pregnant women.

Video Guide: 26 weeks pregnancy

Twin Pregnancy at 26 Weeks

At the 26th week of twin pregnancy, the woman can feel discomfort. Although the pregnancy is drawing near to the end, the following months are the most difficult. The bottom of the uterus is 30 cm (11.8 inches) above the pubis. Now the uterus fills almost the entire abdominal cavity.

It presses the other organs. The lungs can’t fully extend, so the future mother of twins may experience shortness of breath. Not only the digestive and respiratory organs feel uncomfortable, but the heart, too. It operates at the limit. It has an overload because of the increased amount of blood.

Each child weighs about 800 grams (28 ounces) at the 26th week. Not only your organs feel confined, but the twins too. Despite this, they are moving and can change their presentation. Commonly the caesarian section is prescribed in case of the disproportion presentation in multiple pregnancy. There are some chances to change this doing a specific gymnastics, but it's not always of help.