26 Weeks 6.5 Months

How far along: 26 Weeks

How big is baby:  He's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about 1 2/3 pounds and measures 14 inches (about the size of a scallion) from head to heel.

 

This week's big developments:  The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.
 

My Body: Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.) If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day.

 

*bending is defiantly more challenging and uncomfortable

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Weight gain/loss:  No weight this week

Maternity clothes:  Purchased some long sleeve tops.
Best moment this week: Decided to take a weekend baby moon early November :)  Not sure where we will go yet. Would love suggestions. Found going home outfit, thanks to Jennifer!!! Cant wait to put him in the cozy baby gap outfit!! I think I am obsessed with wanting everything BLUE!!!

Movement: Lots of movement, it's the best part of being pregnant. He tends to move when I relax before bed or when we are hungry ;) He also has been moving more at night when I change positions.

Miss Anything: Being able to get comfortable easily.

Food cravings: Chocolate and ice cream. I constantly want to eat too. Trying to make sure I have a lots of fruit around to eat during those times. I need smaller meals more often during the day, I feel constantly hungry.

Symptoms: Some side cramping when I go on walks. Lower back sore, hard to sit without getting uncomfortable.
Sleep: Some days good others not good.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Orange juice is hard on my stomach
 Gender: BOY!!! I cant wait to meet him.  

Looking forward to: Having baby's room done, Nathan has until the first week in November to have his items out. Then I feel like I can have space to organize clothes by size and go through things.
To do:

• I am looking into possibly seeing another provider...will keep things updated as I know more. I heard really good things about this OB from Hudson (and the facility) that many homebirth midwives couldn't say enough good things about. Hudson was my first choice when I found out I was pregnant but my insurance didn't cover their midwives.
• I need to get working, again, on my birth plan.

  Done: Found and hired a Doula / Birth photographer! https://www.facebook.com/MandiMorganBirthServices