26 Weeks!!

How your baby's growing:

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. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. 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.

How your life's changing:

Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. 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.)

Preeclampsia — a serious disorder characterized by high blood pressure and protein in your urine — most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it's important to be aware of the warning signs of this condition. Call your caregiver if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your caregiver know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

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. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

Second to last week of the second trimester! I'll be thankful to be in the 3rd trimester although I'm not sure I want this pregnancy to speed up. It's crazy to think that in just 3 months, I'll have TWO kids. And a BABY. I'm so used to a big boy. A BABY. And a BABY GIRL at that! Although, I'm still very excited and can't wait get some cute clothes for her. :)

I'm still feeling her a lot, although her movements are slowing down a bit. I think she's starting to run out of room. He kicks a lot during reading time with Dom. And if he's sitting on my lap while I read, she kicks at him a bit while I'm reading. Uh oh, sibling rivalry already?? :) I hope not.

I'm glad to read that even sitting for long periods of time can be hard. I sit at a desk all day but even that gets me tired. I guess I need to consciously get up and move around every so often. That might help.

I might have to try a warm bath or warm compress too. My lower back has been a little achy lately. We'll see. I feel like I don't have time lately!!

I have a dr. appointment with my family doctor today. I have had a cold for 2 weeks now and all of a sudden it feels like there is something in my throat. A sharp pain every time I swallow. I know there isn't much I can take but I'd like to take SOMETHING/ANYTHING to try and help this go away before the main part of the holidays comes.

Other than that, nothing is going on. I'm thankful to say this pregnancy so far has been great. No problems, no worrying, just wonderful.

Happy 26 weeks Baby A!