How are you feeling about the end of pregnancy and the start of raising a baby? At 26 week pregnant, the idea of bringing home a baby can become more real to parents, and reactions vary widely.
Whether you’re over-the-moon excited or you’re suddenly terrified, take heart! You’re not alone! Whatever emotions you feel are valid, and you will get through this! Before you know it, you’ll be holding your precious baby, counting their tiny toes, and watching them grow!
Your Baby’s Development At 26 Weeks
Your baby is now opening his little eyes, though there’s not much to see! Still, he’s working on practicing his blinking.
Your baby has grown slightly in length since last week, reaching an average of almost 14 inches. He’s also added a bit more padding, finally hitting two pounds!
Your baby is also putting those little fists to good use. His grab reflex works, and he may grab the umbilical cord when he can. He also may suck his thumb when his hand happens near enough!
Mother’s Symptoms At 26 Weeks
Pregnancy brings about many significant changes in your body, temporary and permanent. It can be hard to tell which ones to take seriously and which are more minor, as well as what treatments are considered safe during pregnancy.
If you are ever uncertain whether a symptom should raise concern, it’s always okay to call your doctor and check. Many even have an after-hours contact or a nurse-staffed helpline for this purpose.
Let’s break down some of the most common pregnancy symptoms at 26 weeks pregnant, and what you can do about them.
Swelling & Other Potential Signs Of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a very serious condition in pregnancy, which requires extra monitoring and may require early delivery. It’s primary characteristics are high blood pressure and protein in the urine, so your doctor may spot the first signs at a regular checkup. However, some symptoms can crop up at home, and you don’t want to ignore these. Call your doctor immediately if you think you have any signs of preeclampsia.
Swelling is common during pregnancy. You may retain water, and you have a higher-than-normal blood volume. However, not all swelling is innocuous. Any swelling that affects your face or chest could be a sign of preeclampsia. So, swelling could be more prominent on one side of the body. Swelling accompanied by chest pain is also a red flag.
Headaches can also be normal. Hormone changes, higher blood volume, dehydration, stress, and exhaustion can all contribute. Severe headaches, however, are a warning sign, especially if they don’t go away with medication, rest, and hydration.
Nausea and vomiting are expected in the first trimester. Some women will suffer these symptoms throughout their pregnancy, and those diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarium may suffer them severely. However, any nausea and vomiting this late in pregnancy could be a sign of preeclampsia.
If you notice vision changes, like spots in your vision or blurriness, you might be tempted to write it off as a sign of exhaustion and fatigue, but this, too, can be a sign of preeclampsia.
Signs Of Preterm Labor
Due dates are estimates, and your baby can come earlier or later than expected. However, if your baby is born before 37 weeks, they are considered premature, and there are health risks associated with this. Call your doctor immediately if you see signs of labor before 37 weeks. It is possible to stop labor once it has started, and help you keep your baby safe inside until they are ready for birth, so don’t delay!
Contractions are a sign of labor, but it can be difficult to tell labor contractions from Braxton Hicks or ‘practice’ labor. There are a few significant differences. Most women say that Braxton Hicks contractions don’t hurt, while real contractions may be painful (but aren’t always, especially initially). Braxton Hicks contractions usually stop if you change positions or rest; real labor does not. Braxton Hicks contractions can be randomly timed, while real labor contractions get progressively closer together and more intense. The NIH defines 6 contractions in an hour as “frequent,” but you can ask your doctor if he has a lower threshold for contact.
Rupture of the amniotic sac, also called ‘water breaking,’ is a serious signal that labor is underway. If you have a trickling or gushing of clear fluid, seek immediate medical care. Any bleeding or passing of a mucousy material, which may be part of your mucous plug, can also be a sign that your body is beginning the process of labor.
Some women will have severe nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. You may feel a lower backache or pressure in the pelvic area, or it could feel like severe menstrual cramps.
Digestive Symptoms
Pregnancy can be rough on the digestive system. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dealing with heartburn indigestion, or constipation. However, do use caution in treating these symptoms because some of your favorite OTC meds may not be safe during pregnancy.
Obstetricians generally consider standard antacids like Tums or Rolaids safe for heartburn and indigestion. However, some antacids have other ingredients. Aspirin, magnesium trisilicate, and sodium bicarbonate are unsafe during pregnancy.
For constipation, a stool softener is usually considered safe, but laxatives, especially those with stimulants, are generally not advised, since they may cause labor contractions.
Your doctor may recommend that you try dietary changes before trying medications. For heartburn and indigestion, eating smaller, more frequent meals may help avoid trigger foods. Adding more fiber and fluids to your diet may reduce constipation.
Cravings are very common in pregnancy. Most are harmless, and you can satisfy them within reason. If you crave nonfood items, speak to your doctor since it may indicate a nutrient deficiency. Do you wonder what your cravings might mean? Check out common pregnancy cravings guide.
During pregnancy, you may experience a variety of cramps and pains.
Many women will have Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) symptoms, in which the legs feel a desperate need to twitch or jerk as soon as they’re still. This may be related to deficiencies in iron or folate. The typical RLS meds are not proven to be safe during pregnancy, so your doctor may recommend other ways of managing this discomfort. They can include massage, exercise, and warm baths. They may also recommend a supplement to help.
You may experience some rib pain or discomfort as your body shifts to accommodate a growing uterus and the organs that move to make room for it. Be sure to differentiate between rib discomfort and chest pain—the latter requires medical attention.
Some back pain is normal and may be reduced with a comfortable bra, supportive shoes, and/or a belly band.
Round ligament pain can persist throughout your pregnancy and be excruciating. Taking OTC pain meds and resting usually helps.
Sleep Struggles
Sleep can be difficult during pregnancy. Many other pregnancy symptoms (RLS, shortness of breath, heartburn, etc) can contribute to this, so the first step is to treat any of these symptoms.
If sleeping is difficult because it’s hard to get comfortable with your body’s changing shape, try using pillows to help support your belly and legs. You can buy special pillows marketed to pregnant women or just use a few extras you already have.
Anxiety can also keep you awake during pregnancy. One good trick is to write down the things you’re worrying about and promise to address them when it’s not time to sleep.
Hormones, increased heart rate, and other factors of pregnancy can also increase insomnia. The first recommendation is to use good sleep hygiene — a comfortable room, shutting off screens before bedtime, and establishing a sleep-time routine — but if you’re doing all this and your sleep struggles are still significant enough to impact daytime life, you should let your doctor know.
Shortness Of Breath, Dizziness, Headaches
Because of pressure on your lungs, a higher blood volume, and extra weight, it’s no great surprise if you become fatigued more quickly than usual. These, combined with hormonal changes and other pregnancy struggles, can also result in headaches and even dizziness.
Sit or lie down and rest if you feel tired, out of breath, or overwhelmed. However, if these symptoms persist or are extreme, contact your doctor. As mentioned above, a severe headache can be a sign of preeclampsia, especially if it won’t ease with medication. Persistent fatigue and shortness of breath can also be serious symptoms.
If you faint or lose consciousness, or if you have any of these symptoms accompanied by chest pain, seek medical care immediately.
Breast & Skin Changes
In addition to gaining in size and weight, you may notice other changes in your breasts. During pregnancy, the nipples and areola become larger and darker. You may see visible blue veins under the skin. Some women will find small knots in their breasts, which may be clogged milk ducts. (Speak to your doctor about lumps that persist, are irregular in shape, or if you feel that it may be something other than a clogged duct.) Warm showers or warm compresses may help clear these blockages.
You may also leak colostrum. This may not start until your baby is born, or may start as early as the second trimester. This is normal, but can cause discomfort or even pain if your skin sticks to your bra or shirt, and can cause staining. There are a variety of nursing pads available that may help.
If you have cracked or bleeding nipples, contact your doctor immediately. They can prescribe medication to heal them and prevent infections or fungal growth.
Stretch marks can be expected on your abdomen and possibly in other areas. Sometimes, these may itch, pull, or otherwise be uncomfortable. If so, or if you prefer to reduce the appearance and scarring, a gentle lotion like cocoa butter can help.
In other skin changes, you may see spider veins — visible blue, red, or purple veins under your skin. They may take a spidery shape, radiating out from a central point, resemble a tree, or be more random.
When To Contact Your Doctor
Pre-Term Labor Symptoms
If you believe you are in labor, seek medical care immediately. As mentioned above, symptoms of labor can include contractions, lower back pain, pressure in the pelvic area, rupture of membranes, or severe nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may be able to stop your labor and help you make it to full-term to give your baby the best chance.
Preeclampsia Symptoms
Preeclampsia is a serious complication and can endanger you and your baby if not monitored closely. If you have any symptoms of preeclampsia, including sudden swelling, severe headaches, or vision changes, contact your doctor immediately.
Other Reasons To Contact Your Doctor
Nausea and vomiting, even if you’re certain it’s just a stomach bug, may warrant medical care, especially if they have lasted more than a day or are preventing you from holding down liquids.
Any signs or symptoms of dehydration, such as the inability to pass urine for an extended period, or extreme drowsiness, warrants a check with your doctor.
Fever over 100°F, severe diarrhea, vaginal bleeding or change in vaginal discharge, chest pain, and any pain that is persistent or severe are worth a call.
If you’ve been feeling your baby move consistently and notice a decrease, make the call.
What Should Mom Be Doing At 26 Weeks?
If you need extra support, use a belly band. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and clothing that doesn’t squeeze.
Try to eat a varied diet that provides the nutrients you and your baby need.
Do you have a birth plan? Plans can always change during labor, so be prepared for circumstances that require flexibility, but it’s still a good idea to have an idea of what you want. Consider who you’ll want in the room with you, whether you want the assistance of a doula, and what level of pain relief you would like to aim for.
What To Look Forward To
In the coming weeks, you’ll be moving into the third trimester. As your baby grows, you may even be able to see him move! At 28 weeks, you may choose (or be advised) to start daily kick counts to track how much he’s moving.