The period before giving birth to a child is perhaps one of the testing times in a woman’s life, that too when she is 26 weeks pregnant. It is truly amazing period that tests her endurance and her physical and mental ability. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that it is the days before giving birth that makes a mother out of a woman. Each phase in pregnancy has its own unique aspects that differentiate it from others. The 26 weeks pregnant stage is a phase with its own exclusive symptoms, and is a period that instigates significant transformations for the mother and the child.
One of the most important aspects of the 26th week of pregnancy concerns the baby. It is a period when the baby grows about 14 inches. It also gains 1.7 pounds weight. Since this stage involves the growth of the baby inside, all 26 weeks pregnant women must give exceptional care to her body. Always remember that taking care of yourself means taking care of your baby. If you are not well versed in the several stages of pregnancy, then, pregnancy calendar would guide you through the several facets that distinguish each stage.
As mentioned earlier, the 26 weeks pregnant stage instigates growth in the baby. Consequently, the mother also achieves growth. These are identifiable growth processes and are easily distinguishable from normal body growth. There are also some symptoms that come along in the process. These symptoms and their characteristics are mentioned below:
- Body discomfort is common among 26 weeks pregnant women?
- Leg cramps starts to appear.
- Contractions, otherwise known as Braxton Hicks appear.
- Gaining additional weight.
- Changes in abdominal and gastrointestinal tracts.
A Brief Account On The Various 26 Weeks Pregnant Phase
All 26 weeks pregnant women suffer severe body pain during this stage. The pain starts to appear at their backs and sometimes spreads to the entire body. However, it is the back portion that suffers more pain. This is primarily because the rapid growth of the belly. Headaches are also common during this period. Headaches are frequent because of the massive hormonal changes that happen inside the woman’s body.
Cramps in legs are very common symptoms of pregnancy. It is a sign that becomes more evident among 26 weeks pregnant women. Most women grow apprehensive of such cramps and fear that they will lose the beauty and shape of their legs. However, such fears should have no place in women’s mind as they will disappear in the course of time. Regular exercise and planning a good nutritious diet are some ways by which you can alleviate this symptom.
One of the most identifiable symptoms for 26 weeks pregnant period is contractions, which are popularly known among the medical circuits as Braxton Hicks Contractions. These contractions are sometimes described to be similar to that of menstrual cramps. However, what differentiates Braxton Cramps is that they are relatively painless. In fact they are good for pregnant women as they helps to shape the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy.
The Crucial 26 Weeks Pregnant Period
During the 26 weeks pregnant period, a woman gains additional weight. Sometimes the process of gaining weight will be on a weekly or daily basis. In most cases a woman gains one pound per week during the 26th week of pregnancy. Yet another bodily change is recognized at the abdominal and gastrointestinal tracts. A Symptom associated with this region is rib pain. In 26 weeks pregnant women, this pain can instigate digestion and heartburn. While all these symptoms are associated with the 26th week pregnancy phase, some of these symptoms may not feature at all. A pregnancy week by week study would give you more information regarding the various symptoms and their occurrence.
Mothers must have a fairly good idea about the development of fetus during the 26 weeks pregnant phase. During this phase the only moving part of the baby are the hands. Eyes too will start to open up. The baby will start the initial breathing process. Even though there is no air inside the body, it serves as a good exercise to breathe, once outside. Both the muscles and the brain of the baby start to develop and they will be able to feel the touch when someone touches the mother’s belly. It is this developmental phase which triggers growth in the 27 weeks pregnant stage, which is the next important pregnancy phase for a mother and her child.
