Pregnancy Calendar at Week 26
Hey there, little mama!
We've been staying with you for 26 weeks now, and I’ve just finished my big growth spurt! 🐹 I’ve grown almost 970 grams, and I’m already 35-36 centimeters long. I'm getting bigger and cozier with every day that passes in my little nest!
My organs have found their perfect places: tiny intestines sit neatly on either side of my heart, while my diaphragm carefully separates them from my guts. My tummy is now solidly secured, and vital vessels and nerves pass through it. I’m almost ready to step out into the big world! 😊 If I’m a boy, my testicles have already begun their journey into my little manhood; if I’m a girl, my external organs are fully developed. Everything is on track! 🥰
I love to kick and remind you where I am. Sometimes, I put on a whole acrobatic show, especially when you’re resting. Your voice and the flutter of your heart are my favorite rhythms to grow and dream about our meeting. Thank you for being such a caring mama, making my world so warm and cozy!
Hugging you,
your little exotic dragon 🐹
What Happens to Your Body During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes that are quite normal and part of the process. The discomfort you might feel isn’t a sign of illness, but rather a typical part of pregnancy.
Changes in the Uterus
As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on nearby organs, which can cause some unpleasant sensations. The size of the uterus is about 16 cm at the start of pregnancy and reaches around 26 cm by the end, which is the typical size. The upper edge of the uterus can be felt up to 26 cm above the pubic bone, corresponding to the expected pregnancy term. Internal organs can be pushed downward, making you feel the need to urinate more often, and sometimes causing bloating, increased appetite, nausea, and heartburn.
Breast Changes
During pregnancy, the mammary glands can swell and cause tenderness in the breasts. This is linked to the increase in hormonal levels that prepare the body for breastfeeding. The skin may show five distinctive zones with clear boundaries, ranging from dark-gray to dark brown colors. These patches are often visible on the face, around the areolas, and on external genital organs. As the pregnancy progresses and the breast tissue grows, the nipple and the surrounding areolae become darker. The swelling can often be experienced as discomfort in the lower part of the breast, which may be a sign of pathology.
Weight Gain
As the fetus grows, the size of the uterus and overall blood volume increase, and the pregnant woman’s weight also rises. By the 26th week of pregnancy, the total weight can range from 5 to 9 kg depending on the initial weight.
Medical Examination
At 26 weeks of pregnancy, it’s necessary for the woman to undergo a medical checkup:
- Consultation with an obstetric gynecologist. This visit is essential at this stage of pregnancy;
- Clinical blood analysis to determine hemoglobin levels. Pregnancy often involves anemia, which can lead to hypoxia inside organs and the fetus;
- Biochemical blood tests to monitor blood sugar levels. This helps detect early signs of gestational diabetes;
Preferences in Diet
Dietary changes and flavors during pregnancy are often influenced by hormonal fluctuations that regulate hormone progesterone, leading to biochemical reprogramming of the woman’s body. As a result, she may experience increased cravings for certain foods, such as smoked or spicy products, or candies. These cravings are strictly prohibited because such foods can negatively impact the gastrointestinal system.
Weight
Over the course of pregnancy, the fetus's growth, as well as the increase in uterine size, blood volume, and maternal weight, all contribute to weight gain. By the 26th week, the total weight of a pregnant woman can vary from 5 to 9 kg depending on her initial weight.
What Is and Isn’t Allowed
Obstetricians-gynecologists give a series of recommendations for pregnant women, which are current at any stage of gestation.
What Future Moms Can Do:
- Regularly engage in sports, choosing physical activities that consider pregnancy;
- Take vitamin-mineral complexes prescribed by your doctor;
- Breathe fresh air regularly. Walks and stair climbing instead of elevator improve the condition of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems;
What Not to Do
- Consume alcohol, drugs, or continue smoking;
- Take medications or herbal supplements without consulting your doctor;
- Undergo radiological examinations of the stomach and chest, including fluorography and CT scans;
- Lift and carry heavy objects. Physical activity in the 26th week should be moderate.
Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting a woman's health and normal pregnancy progression. It provides the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and microelements.
During the 26th week of pregnancy, it is recommended to:
- Reduce the intake of products that can trigger allergy development, such as chocolates, eggs, citrus fruits, berries, and red vegetables. A complete refusal is not required; it is enough to reduce their quantity.
- Increase the volume of bread and bakery products in the diet. Simple carbohydrates in their composition can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels and insulin in the blood, which increases the risk of developing diabetic conditions.
Total daily fluid intake should be 1.5-2 liters. This issue should be discussed with a doctor.
Exclude from the diet products and dishes that can lead to parasitic infections or poisoning, such as raw fish, raw meat, and unpasteurized milk.
Consume small portions — 5-6 times a day. Out of these, 3 main meals should be the basis, and 2-3 snacks.
The volume of drinking fluids during the day should be 1.5-2 liters. This question should be discussed with a doctor.
Exclude from the diet products containing harmful substances or toxins, such as sour fish, processed meats, berries, honey, herbs, and candy.
Vitamins in Fats and Microelements
The need for vitamins and minerals increases during pregnancy. These are essential for the proper exchange of substances in the mother and fetus. Vitamins and minerals can be found in various dietary products.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining the health of placental cells, especially blood vessels. It also affects metabolism and the formation of blood cells in the developing fetus. Excess vitamin A in products can lead to toxicity, so its intake should be controlled.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 is necessary for the health of the liver, preventing cell damage, and supporting their regeneration. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) regulates cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) participates in hormone regulation, particularly vitamin D, and in many enzymatic processes in the body.
Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Vitamin D is involved in the process of bone tissue formation and maturation, regulating calcium and phosphorus exchange. It helps prevent rickets and infantile rickets. There is enough of this vitamin in fatty fish, liver, eggs, dairy products, and some mushrooms.
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)
Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of blood clotting factors, supporting the immune system and maintaining the activity of blood vessels. It improves the absorption of iodine from food and water and supports the activity of the thyroid hormones.
Calcium
Calcium is a key microelement responsible for the health of bone and tooth tissues in children. It also plays an important role in the regulation of blood glucose levels, insulin secretion, and metabolic processes in the pregnant woman's body. Adequate calcium intake includes carrots, peas, lettuce, seeds, nuts, fish, and seafood, as well as green vegetables.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in accelerating the recovery of damaged genetic material in cells, supporting the work of endocrine organs and the cardiovascular system. It is found in various fish, liver, eggs, dairy, and plant-based foods like green peas, nuts, potatoes, and grains.
Manganese
Manganese is a mineral involved in the immune system and blood formation. It is also necessary for the synthesis of iron and other internal organs in the developing fetus. Excess manganese can contribute to immune dysfunction and negative effects on the nervous and endocrine systems in the fetus.
Silicon
Silicon is a powerful antioxidant with high biochemical activity. It protects genetic material and cells of various tissues from harmful free radicals and influences the activity of immune cells. Silicon enhances iodine absorption from food and water, supporting the activity of thyroid hormones. An excess of this mineral can cause toxic effects on the child's health, leading to immune and endocrine disturbances.
Potassium
Potassium is a key mineral involved in regulating water-salt balance, supporting normal blood viscosity, and between cells. A deficiency can lead to increased blood vessel tone, decreased arterial pressure, and high or low blood sugar levels.
Sodium
Sodium is an important component of DNA and RNA, as well as some proteins. In combination with calcium, it forms a stiff part of the bones. This mineral is necessary for the regulation of blood substance exchange and metabolism of hormones in the endocrine glands. Doctors recommend including bone broth, fish, dairy, and seafood, greens.
Iron
Iron plays a key role in the formation of hemoglobin — the protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. A deficiency can lead to anemia, causing fatigue and decreased immune function in pregnant women. Iron is found in meat, liver, fish, and seafood, as well as in green vegetables.
Cobalt
Cobalt is a part of vitamin B12, which regulates the exchange of substances and supports immune and nervous system functions. A deficiency can cause developmental abnormalities. Cobalt is present in meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and seafood products, as well as in greens.
Useful Tips
Many women experience back pain during pregnancy, which is connected to increased pressure on the lower back and a shift in your center of gravity. This discomfort can often be avoided with some simple recommendations from your doctor:
- Engage in gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles of your back, arms, and legs.
- Avoid heavy physical activities and lifting heavy loads.
- If your work requires long periods of standing, take breaks every 20-30 minutes. During these breaks, it's best to move around gently and stretch your legs a little.
A man can provide significant help to the woman during pregnancy. Besides psychological support and housework assistance, your dad can create a photo album for your future baby. For this, you'll need only a camera or a smartphone, and just a few minutes of free time. Regular photos can help preserve memories of the pregnancy and serve as a special keepsake.
Exercises for Future Moms
Getting active physically plays an important role in preparing your body for childbirth. Before your sessions start, be sure to chat with your doctor, as some exercises might not be suitable for everyone. The workout should be moderate — remember, pregnancy puts your body under more stress, and overexertion can be counterproductive. Experts recommend choosing exercises with a comfortable weight, helping to improve your balance and coordination. Avoid heavy lifting, as this can raise your internal pressure and trigger early labor. The workout routines include stretching and bending your arms and legs, torso twists, gentle lifts onto your toes, and various sitting positions. If you start to feel uncomfortable at any point, stop the activity immediately.
Complications During Pregnancy
COVID-19 and bacterial respiratory infections can cause a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, along with general weakness, headaches, nausea, and cough. When these infections enter a woman's body through the placenta, they can disrupt the development of internal organs and the nervous system. That’s why it’s essential to get medical help if symptoms appear during pregnancy.
Mastitis can develop due to a decrease in the mother's immune response and hormonal changes in her body. It is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as thick breast secretions with a foul smell and lower back and lower limb pain. Proper treatment is important, especially if the condition worsens, as it can lead to a rapid increase in body temperature and disruption of metabolic processes.
Initial signs of diabetic ketoacidosis include increased thirst and frequent urination. If they appear, consulting a gynecologist or a therapist is recommended.
Varicose veins on the legs often appear during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This is related to hormonal changes and increased blood volume in the circulatory system. As a result, veins on the legs become more noticeable, and enlarged vessels may appear as spider veins. For preventing and treating varicose veins, it’s recommended to wear special elastic compression stockings that improve blood flow from the legs.
As visible veins become more prominent, spider veins may also appear. To help prevent this, it is advisable to wear supportive stockings and maintain an active lifestyle. If you experience discomfort or pain, consulting a vein specialist is recommended.
