About You

Week 26 is the thirteenth and final week of the 2 ^nd trimester - you're nearing the home stretch, the third trimester. In a regular medical check-up, your healthcare provider will perform some basic tests to find out whether or not there any pregnancy-related complications, like gestational diabetes or high-blood pressure. The visits to the healthcare provider from now on will become more frequent to have a close eye on you and your developing baby. Around this time, you may see a slight increase in your blood pressure, which is normal. One condition your doctor or midwife will be vigilant about from now on is pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure is associated with pre-eclampsia). However, in the unlikely event pre-eclampsia is not picked up, the symptoms include severe headaches, blurred vision and swollen hands and feet. So call your doctor or midwife immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Your midwife or doctor will look out for protein in your urine, another sign of pre-eclampsia, when you have a routine antenatal check. Continue to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of grains and vegetables. Fibre-rich foods, including whole-grain breads and cereals, lentils and brown rice are high in vitamin B and help fend off constipation. Your antenatal classes should start sometime in the next few weeks, if they haven’t already. Classes should provide you with good, clear information about the birth and the early days of parenthood. Keeping informed goes a long way toward calming any concerns you may have about giving birth.

This week brings with it other pregnancy symptoms in the form of indigestion and heartburn, which happens because of the presence of pregnancy hormones progesterone that slows down the process of emptying the stomach with a view to absorb as much nutrients as possible to fulfil the requirements of your body as well as your baby. Another cause of indigestion and heartburn is the pressure exerted by the uterus on intestines. The sleeping problem still persists with you. You can use a body pillow or a pillow positioned under your belly or between your legs to get some relief.

About Baby

Measuring your baby from top to toe with legs extended, it is about 35.6 centimetres, and weighs a little more than 760 grams. Your baby's eyes begin to open around now. Response to sound grows more consistent toward the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to the ear is complete. Your baby also continues to take small breaths and although it’s only breathing in water and not air, it's still good practice for when it’s born. Since your baby is now growing so fast, and brain development is so intense at this stage, your nutrition is very important.

The eyes of your baby were fused-closed but now is the time for it to open its eyes. Your baby has now developed enough senses to react on exposure to bright lights as well as loud noises. Similarly, it also enjoys some kind of music as well. These all examples suggest that the baby has now developed enough senses to giver respond to different factors.

This week’s activities for the pregnancy to-do list

✔Seek out potential paediatricians. Find out which local doctors are covered by your insurance and seek recommendations

✔Do any last-minute travel. It's best to avoid travel once the third trimester hits

✔Take the glucose-screening test

✔Increase the fibre content of your diet to help prevent constipation

✔Discuss some personal issues with you partner. Would you like to have your son circumcised? If so, do you want it done in the hospital? Will you have a religious ceremony after your baby's born? Would you like to stay home with your baby full or part-time? These are just a few of the big decisions you and your partner should discuss now. Even if you think you both agree, it's best to share your opinions openly to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Note that this article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.

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