Week 26: Hungry Like a Wolf

Welcome to week 26, Mama! You’ve made it to the end of your second trimester! As you reflect back, think about the beautiful bonding you experienced with your little one as you felt the first kicks, saw your baby at your detailed ultrasound, and heard your baby’s heartbeat! Additionally, think about all the hard days that you made it through! You’ve overcome days of nausea, fatigue, emotional lows, anxiety and discomfort. Your body and baby are now entering a time primarily focused on preparing for birth, which means growth! You will find your appetite increase during this final trimester to fuel all this growth, and your baby bump will really “pop” in the weeks ahead. A more prominent baby bump is exciting but will bring some challenges. Continue to have grace for yourself as you feel the changes that come with this preparation. Become familiar with your baby’s movements, and ensure that you feel them regularly throughout the day (fetal movement counting). Most importantly, be educated on the common complications that occur in pregnancy: bleeding, preterm labour, decreased fetal movement, etc. Know where to go, who to call or when to seek healthcare if any complications arise.

Your baby is 26 weeks and is well-developed! His skeleton is completely formed, and the joints are hardening. Going forward, the majority of changes will focus on growth and fine-tuning systems. In regards to growth, your baby now starts the task of building up fat stores under the skin to help him keep warm after birth. Muscle development is another big focus this trimester, as muscle tone is needed to maintain body temperature, breathe and elicit reflexes after birth. Your baby is moving well now, and you should feel those kicks regularly as a sign of well-being!