Getting Into Third Trimester Of Pregnancy

At 26 Weeks by today, Getting much more better than before. Wifey not much having morning sickness, Will vomiting Once in few days. Leg and buttocks pain at 24weeks and we suspected blood Nerve that blocking or Sprained during our vacation on that week walk to much. Even went to check up with Doctors at clinic and still the same with pain relief medicine, Nothing much doctor can do and asked to rest more. Luckily the pain was last for a week and feel much more better after by day.

Belly continues to grow getting bigger and bigger, My baby Viian Rush Is starting to move and swim around in the belly. Was active most of the time Kicking and punching here and there, stomach will feel pain when Viian turning himself in the belly. Most of the time we can't know where and what position  Viian at but it is fun to watch how he kick and play when the beat hit on the surface of the belly. I love to talk and sing lullaby to Viian, Get soft and smooth song from Youtube and play near the belly. The Experience from both of us on this Pregnancy was so tough from the starting till Week 20, It was a good lesson learning during that tough time. And today, we can say done is done and happens. 

What We are Expecting From Expert

At 26 weeks pregnant, your baby's eyes have fully developed, and they're even sporting newly visible eyebrows and eyelashes to accompany them. Meanwhile, your body may be showing more evidence of all that growth and development in the form of stretching skin and possibly some new stretch marks.

26 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months? 6 months and 2 weeks

Which Trimester? Second trimester

How Many Weeks to Go? 14 weeks

At 26 weeks, a baby is almost 9 1/4 inches (23.4 centimeters) from the top of their head to the bottom of the buttocks (known as the crown-rump length), and baby's height is about 13 inches (33.3 centimeters) from the top of the head to the heel (crown-heel length). This week, baby weighs just about 32 ounces or 2 pounds (902 grams).

Eyes

All the parts of your baby's eyes are formed. Your baby even has visible eyebrows and eyelashes.3

Reflexes

Baby is beginning to display the startle or moro reflex as well as the palmer (hand) and plantar (foot) grasp, all reflexes you'll see them perform as newborns.4

Reproductive System

If you’re carrying a boy, the testicles may begin to descend into the scrotum this week.5

Intestines

Your baby's intestines also continue to grow and develop. They are absorbing more and more nutrients from the amniotic fluid and producing enzymes to break down nutrients such as sugars, proteins, and fats for digestion.6

Survival Outside the Womb

While your baby still has plenty of growing and maturing to do, advances in modern medicine give babies born at 26 weeks an excellent chance of survival. These babies are still extremely premature, but with specialized care in the NICU, survival rates are as high as 85%.7 As each week passes and brings the baby closer to term, the chances of survival go up and the risks of life-long health problems go down.

Your Common Symptoms This Week

As you near the end of your second trimester, you may be still be feeling pretty good. But, you may also be experiencing common symptoms like Braxton Hicks contractions, nasal stuffiness, leg cramps, mild swelling of your ankles, or back pain. Other symptoms that can begin as your belly and baby continue to grow are rib pain and stretch marks.

Rib Pain

Your baby is getting bigger and taking up more room in the abdominal cavity. Depending on your baby's position, you might feel pressure as well as kicks and jabs in different areas including your ribs. Your hormones, weight gain in your body and breasts, and other symptoms such as heartburn could also contribute to rib pain.8

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are scars that appear on the skin in the shape of streaks or lines. They develop as skin stretches too quickly. While stretch marks can develop in various stages of life, they are especially common in pregnancy and show up in between 55% to 90% of pregnant people.

While stretch marks pose no health concerns, they can be irritating and cause itchiness or burning. Over time, however, these symptoms and their appearance tend to fade. Typical places where stretch marks form during pregnancy include the breasts, belly, hips, and thighs.9

Self-Care Tips

Sharing your body with a growing human can get uncomfortable, especially as your baby takes up more room in your crowded belly causing physical discomfort and big changes in your body's appearance.

Dealing With Rib Pain

Pregnancy-related rib pain often gets worse before it gets better. But you can count on getting a little relief once the baby drops and full relief after the baby is born. In the meantime, you can try:

• Shifting your position to a more comfortable one.
• Gently pressing on your abdomen to get the baby to move.
• Practicing pregnancy yoga or prenatal stretching.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Investing in a comfortable, supportive bra.
• Wearing a belly support band.
• Using extra pillows when you sit or lie down to help you get comfortable.
• Asking about alternative therapy such as acupuncture or chiropractic treatment.

Talking to your healthcare provider about safe pain medication, if necessary.

Dealing With Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can be uncomfortable, and their initially striking appearance can have an impact on body image. Your risk of getting stretch marks depends on several factors including your genetics, age, and weight. While there is no way to fully prevent stretch marks if you are predisposed to them, there are 

some things you can do to help minimize them during pregnancy, including:

• Gaining your pregnancy weight slowly and steadily.
• Eating healthy, balanced meals to maintain good nutrition.
• Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized.

You can try to view your pregnancy stretch marks as a badge of honor. After all, they are physical evidence of the amazing work your body did growing your baby. But it's also OK if you want to reduce their appearance.

Over time, the color of your stretch marks will naturally fade. To aid the process, you can also see a dermatologist after your baby is born for treatment options including medicated creams, laser treatments, and light treatments that may reduce their appearance.

Consider a Birth Plan

If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to start thinking about your birth preferences and writing a draft of your birth plan. A birth plan is simply a written document that outlines your preferences for your labor and delivery. It should reflect how your healthcare provider, hospital staff, partner, and any other members of your chosen support team can help you have a positive birth experience.

Think of this as an opportunity to explore your options; discover what you want and what you’d like to avoid; identify questions you may have; and feel more confident about what to expect.