Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Pregnancy Week 26

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Things to consider

· Now is a good time to begin your childcare search in earnest.

· If you're making a birth plan, keep it flexible. You'll want to talk to your husband but consult your doctor and antenatal class leader too, to find out their views.

· Episiotomy is no longer a routine procedure during delivery, but it is still used when needed.

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