BABYCENTER UPDATES...26 WEEKS

Hello deqno! 26 weeks pregnant


Your baby's becoming more sensitive to sound as the network of nerves in her ears develops. If ayah talks to her now, she might learn to recognise his voice. The more she hears it, the more likely she is to find it soothing after she's born. If he feels strange just talking to the baby, he can read the newspaper or a book out loud.

How your baby's growing

Your baby may measure about 36cm/15in long with feet extended. If you could see your baby now, you might be able to get a glimpse of his baby blue (or brown, green, hazel) eyes, which are now beginning to open. He will respond to sound more consistently toward the end of the seventh month, when the nerve pathways to the ears are complete.

Measuring your baby from top to toe with his legs extended, he is about 14 inches / 35.6 centimetres. He weighs a little more than 1.6 pounds / 760 grams. Your baby's eyes begin to open around now. Response to sound grows more consistent toward the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to the ear is complete. He also continues to take small breaths and although he's only breathing in water and not air, it's still good practice for when he's born.

Since your baby is now growing so fast, and brain development is so intense at this stage, your nutrition is very important. Continue to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of grains and vegetables. Fibre-rich foods, including whole-grain breads and cereals, lentils and brown rice are high in vitamin B and help fend off constipation.

How your life's changing

You're nearing the home stretch - the third trimester. Before you know it, you'll be cradling your baby in your arms. Around this time, you may see a slight increase in your blood pressure, which is normal. But if your weight suddenly shoots up, or your vision blurs, and your hands and feet swell dramatically, you may have pre-eclampsia. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

If you have a swab to check for a vaginal infection during pregnancy such as thrush, the results may come back positive for group B streptococcus, too. This is a common infection which lots of women have without knowing about it and without it causing any harm, but it can be dangerous for newborns

Your antenatal classes should start sometime in the next few weeks, if it hasn't already. Classes should provide you with good, clear information about the birth and the early days of parenthood. Keeping informed goes a long way toward calming any concerns you may have about giving birth.

Has your husband sorted his paternity leave? Ask what arrangements the company has in place. Firms have different policies on paternity leave, with some companies being more generous than others.