Pregnancy week 26: Experiencing Symptoms, Hormonal Changes, and Growth of the Unborn Child
As you enter the third week of your second trimester, your pregnancy journey continues to unfold. Here's what you can expect during this period.
Symptoms in the Mother ------------------------
After the fatigue of the first trimester, many women experience a boost in energy levels. However, hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings. Your pregnancy bump becomes more noticeable, and you may notice a darkening of the skin, particularly around the nipples and in a vertical line from the navel to the pubic bone (linea nigra). Backache is a common complaint due to the growing uterus straining the back muscles. Frequent urination is another symptom, as the growing baby puts pressure on the bladder.
Developments in the Baby ------------------------
At around 16 weeks, the baby measures about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) and weighs about 4 ounces (115 grams). The baby's skin starts to thicken, and fat layers begin to form. The digestive system practices contractions, preparing for life outside the womb. The brain continues to develop rapidly, and the lungs start producing surfactant, a substance that helps them expand and contract properly after birth.
Tests and Screenings --------------------
Screening tests for gestational diabetes may be arranged between weeks 24 and 28. The initial glucose challenge test involves a sugary solution being given, and a blood test is taken after 1 hour to determine blood sugar level. If the results are outside the normal range, a follow-up glucose tolerance test may be required. During this test, a blood test is taken after overnight fasting, followed by drinking a sugary drink with more sugar than the earlier test, and blood sugar levels are tested hourly for 3 hours.
Pregnancy Precautions ----------------------
It is important for pregnant women to discuss all medications with their health care provider. Pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams a day. They should also follow a healthy diet and take a good prenatal vitamin recommended by their health provider.
New research suggests a link between elevated potato intake before pregnancy and an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Pregnant women should avoid alcohol, smoking, and other toxic substances. They should also avoid raw or undercooked food, uncooked smoked or pickled fish, unpasteurized soft cheeses, mold-ripened cheese, blue-veined cheese, refrigerated pâté, cold cut deli meat, and foods containing raw eggs. Pregnant women should drink treated or bottled water to ensure it is safe.
Pregnant women should get regular exercise, but should discuss their exercise habits with their health care provider to ensure they are safe. It is also crucial to be aware of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia, which can occur from around week 20. Symptoms include high blood pressure, water retention, protein in the urine, headaches, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, infrequent urination, and upper abdominal pain. It is a medical emergency and needs urgent attention.
As your pregnancy progresses, lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a number of modifications, continue throughout the pregnancy. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and if you have specific concerns or questions, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider.
While the energy levels might increase in the second trimester, hormonal fluctuations can still cause mood swings. In the testing phase between weeks 24 and 28, a screening for gestational diabetes might be arranged, which could involve a glucose challenge test followed by a blood test to determine blood sugar levels. To maintain a health-and-wellness balance during pregnancy, it's important to follow a healthy diet, discuss all medications with a healthcare provider, and avoid risky substances like alcohol, smoking, and raw or undercooked food; even water should be treated or bottled.
