Common pregnancy symptoms at 26 weeks
At 26 weeks pregnant, you are in your sixth month of pregnancy. Believe it or not, you only have about three more months before you meet your baby! As you approach the end of your second trimester, you may be feeling like your baby is starting to run out of room. Make you are still dressing comfortably as your breasts and belly continue to grow. You may have developed some stretch marks, and your skin may be feeling itchy as it thins and stretches to cover your expanding belly.
- Urinary tract Infections: UTIs are common during pregnancy because the growing fetus puts pressure on your bladder and urinary tract, making it easier for bacteria to get trapped.
- Trouble sleeping: Feeling tired but unable to get a full night of rest? The closer your due date gets, the harder it might be to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Pregnancy brain: Feeling a little foggy and forgetful is common during pregnancy. It’s thought that “pregnancy brain” is caused by the increase in hormones, sleep disturbances and heightened stress.
- High blood pressure: Your blood pressure will be monitored throughout your pregnancy. At 26 weeks pregnant, slightly elevated blood pressure could mean you need to be monitored closely to watch for preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome.
- Heartburn and indigestion: It’s probably a good idea to stay away from acidic foods as your pregnancy continues. Heartburn and indigestion become more common due to relaxing muscles in your stomach.
- Braxton Hicks: Braxton Hicks contractions are your body’s way of practicing for labor. Many women feel this as a tightening sensation in their stomachs. They come and go as irregular, nonpainful contractions. If you notice an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions or experience them regularly, call your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy checklist at 26 weeks pregnant
During this time in your pregnancy, you will want to get vaccines recommended by your doctor. These can include the Tdap vaccine to protect against whooping cough and a flu shot, depending on the time of year you’re pregnant. Around 26 weeks pregnant, you will also get your blood screened to determine your blood type.
Reminders for
Week 26
- Cord blood banking. Cord blood banking is the process of preserving the cord tissue and blood from your baby’s umbilical cord. After the baby is born, the stem cell-rich blood and tissue can be saved and used if it is needed to repair your child’s body after illness.
- Consider a birth plan. Have you been envisioning what the day of your baby’s birth might look like? Now is a good time to create a plan. This plan will let your partner and doctors know what you are looking for.
- Preregister with the hospital. It may sound like an unnecessary step, but preregistering helps get the majority of your paperwork taken care of before you go in to deliver. Not all hospitals offer this option, but it can be a big time-saver later on.
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Week 25 | Week 27
