26-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
A little ta-da moment for the final week of your second trimester – your baby will open their eyes for the first time around now! Read more about this week.
Baby development
Your baby’s head now measures approximately the size of a small orange, and they weigh around 1000 g. Their body is getting more chubby thanks to fat accumulating gradually under their skin to give them some reserves at birth. Their hair and nails are well on their way and, under their gums, their future ivory baby teeth are almost covered with enamel. What’s more, they are beginning to really react to loud sounds.
Your body
Aah, night-time. You’re finally about to go to sleep. But not the baby whom may seem to want to move more in the evening. As your bump gets larger and larger, it gets more difficult to find a pleasant position to sleep in. Experts recommend that you should be making an effort to sleep on your side. This provides the best circulation for you and for baby and can potentially reduce potential swelling, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. Put a cushion between your bent knees to makes it a bit more comfortable and relieve some stress from your back. Try to relax, and sleep.
Nutrition
If you suffer from reflux and heartburn at night, try elevating your head a bit by adding a pillow. Try to have your evening meal be a light one, too. Pay attention to fats, they can slow down digestion and accentuate your digestive problems, which leads to disturbed sleep. If too light of an evening meal gives you night cravings, consider adding a snack an hour before bedtime. Evening snack in bed, anyone? Don’t hesitate to take it to bed on a tray if you are really pooped at night.
Tips
As much as you notice your baby bump feeling tighter of late, it is also getting a bit tight for your baby inside your belly. Your child’s happy somersaults in a big bath of amniotic fluid will soon be over. If you ever have questions or concerns about how much your baby should be moving, speak to your doctor or midwife right away.
References:
American Pregnancy Association. Best Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy. Best Sleeping Positions While Pregnant | American Pregnancy Association Accessed September 2021.
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