Your Pregnancy Week 26

Your Baby

Your baby's developed oil and sweat glands are now functioning. His fingernails, toenails, eyebrows and eyelashes are now fully present and will continue to grow until birth. He can respond to sound and can hear you and those around you. Although we assume that the uterus is a quiet place, the baby has been surrounded by noise for a long time. Things like your heartbeat, digestion, other body functions and external noises are heard by the baby. In fact, you may feel the baby jump at a sudden noise. Your baby is now about 14 inches and weighs a little less than two pounds.

The uterus also allows some light to be seen so your baby is aware of light and dark. Your baby's skin is wrinkled and translucent and may have a reddish color due to the presence of dermal blood vessels. Veins are visible through your baby's skin, although it is quickly changing from transparent to opaque. The following months will see increase in body fat. The lungs continue to mature with the development of air sacs and also begin to secrete surfactant (a substance that will help your baby's lungs expand at birth). At this stage of development the various organs have formed. About 4 out of 10 babies born now may survive (with intensive care services).

Your Body

As your baby continues to grow you will often find yourself with aches and pains from the pressure. These include back pain, pelvic pain and even pain in your sides or ribs. The best thing to do when this happens is to change your position or move around for a little while. Often, your movement is enough to cause baby to move thus releasing the pressure and relieving the pain.

Finding a comfortable position for sleeping may feel like Mission Impossible! Between all the time spent going from the bed to the bathroom or kitchen, you are going to need to get as much rest as possible. If you need to, invest in a body pillow to help you get into a comfortable position and it will help in supporting your legs and growing belly. Also, don't be afraid to nap during the day if you need to.

Your fundal height has reached approximately 2 to 2 1/2 inches above your navel.

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