December 18, 2009

26 weeks

How Far Along: 26 weeks (98 more days to go!) I can't believe I'm now under 100 days until this little guy arrives!


What "They" Say About Our Baby's Development: The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.


Mama: Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)
If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back.


Weekly Food Comparison: An English hothouse cucumber

The Good: Lots of kicking, punching, etc.


The Bad: Being sick with a cold this week and just generally feeling sick


The Weird: Movement in my belly! Tons of movement yesterday which I caught on camera. You can see the video here: http://vimeo.com/8250250


Currently Craving/Avoiding:

Avoiding: Handling raw meat

Craving: Pickle spears, salty foods like chips, soup


Doctor Updates:
Had my gestational diabetes test on Tuesday and passed! Blood pressure was back up a bit though so they increased one of my meds to hopefully combat that. We go back on December 29th for our next ultrasound and another peek at this boy!


Total weight gain/loss: Still up 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes?
All bottoms are maternity. Some tops but I can still wear some of my pre-maternity tops and sweaters.


Stretch marks?
0


Sleep:
Still getting harder and harder. Although this week with me being sick I've been sleeping well.


Best moment this week:
Passing my gestational diabetes screening

Movement:
Constantly. Throughout the day. He has busier times but he's definitely moving!


Food cravings:
See above.

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out?
In...still slowly closing in on itself


What I miss:
Wine, and this time of year champagne


What I am looking forward to:
Finally finishing the nursery



The Weekly Belly Bump: Here's the 26 week belly!



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