Pregnancy Calendar Week 26

At this point in your pregnancy, your baby is continuing to develop his/her lungs by swallowing amniotic fluid. Brainwave activity has begun for the auditory and visual systems.

Your Changing Body

By pregnancy calendar week 26, you should be consuming 300 extra calories per day. To ensure optimal fetal development, these calories should come from fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods. Most women have gained between 16 and 22 pounds by pregnancy calendar week 26.

At this point in your pregnancy, Braxton Hick Contractions may become more frequent. Many women describe these contractions as being similar to menstrual cramps. Braxton Hick Contractions are a normal part of pregnancy, although women carrying multiples have more contractions than mothers of singletons. Their purpose is to help your body prepare for the work of childbirth.

At your monthly prenatal checkup, your healthcare provider will likely check your urine for sugar and protein. He/she may also measure the height of the fundus, record your weight and blood pressure, and listen for the fetal heartbeat. If you have been experiencing any unusual pregnancy symptoms, remember to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider at this time.

Will You Be Breastfeeding Your Baby?

If you haven’t made the decision already, now is a good time to begin thinking about whether or not you will breastfeed your baby. Breast milk is free, convenient, and contains antibodies that boost your baby’s natural immune system. Nursing mothers also report than they lose pregnancy-related weight gain quicker than bottle-feeding moms.

If you decide to breastfeed, you’ll want to purchase a few good nursing bras and some easy-to-open blouses. If you’re planning to go back to work or be away from home for more than a few hours at a time, you may also want to purchase a breast pump and one or two bottles. As difficult as this may be, you should try not to offer your baby artificial nipples (including a pacifer) until 4-6 weeks after birth to ensure the success of breastfeeding.

While breast milk is the most nutritious food for a newborn, there are many reasons that women decide to use formula. For example, bottle feeding is often necessary when the mother has a chronic health condition or uses medication that could be absorbed into her breast milk. Many women also appreciate the fact that bottle feeding allows the baby’s father, older siblings, and other caregivers to take a more active role in his/her development.

If you’re planning to formula feed your baby, you’ll need to purchase at least six bottles, plus equipment for cleaning and sterilization. Although it’s not necessary, many women find a bottle warmer to be helpful. However, you may want to refrain from stocking up on formula until after your baby is born. Many newborns have problems digesting certain brands of formula.

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