When you are 26 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester of the pregnancy and almost at the third trimester stage. By this time, you are noticeably pregnant and your normal clothes no longer fit properly. Your stomach is starting to protrude and you may even be having slight contractions in your uterus. These contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions, sometimes referred to as false labor, but you are nowhere near going into labor yet. You probably don’t even notice the contractions unless you are sitting or lying down and are feeling relaxed.

 

Some of the other sensations that accompany this stage of the pregnancy include:

* Heartburn when you eat certain foods or you eat late at night

* Weight gain

* Cramps as your muscles start to stretch

You will likely feel an uncomfortable sensation under your ribs or you may have some pain. This is because at this stage the uterus is about 2.5 inches above your belly button.

 

You will be seeing your doctor on a regular basis every month. At this time, you may have to have an anti-tetanus shot or another vaccine. The doctor may also request another ultrasound just to see how the baby is progressing. You will also need to have blood tests to determine whether you have prenatal diabetes or to determine if there are any detectable genetic defects in the baby.

 

You will need to start relaxing more at 26 weeks. You can still engage in light workouts and you should continue to take walks on a regular basis. These activities will help prepare your body for labor and birth.

 

At 26 weeks into the pregnancy, the baby is about 9 or 10 inches long from the top of the head to the rump. It doesn’t include the length of the legs. At this stage the baby weighs about 2 pounds. Although the eyelids have been developed prior to this, it is now that the baby will start to open and shut the eyes. All babies have blue eyes when they are in the womb and will change when the baby is born. The baby may look skinny, but from now on it will start putting on layers of fat.

 

It is at 26 weeks that the fetus starts to look like a baby. The heart is completely developed and is pumping blood throughout the body and the baby starts to make breathing movements. The lungs have not fully developed yet, but they are well along in the process. The umbilical cord starts to thicken as it fills with the nutrients the growing baby needs from now on. Fingernails and toenails are evident by this time and if the baby is a boy, the testicles will start to move down.

 

By this stage of the pregnancy, you may feel bloated on times due to water retention. You may even start to notice stretch marks across your abdomen. There are very good creams on the market that will help with this by making the skin soft and supple as the stomach gradually expands.

When you are 31 weeks pregnant, you are into your last trimester of the pregnancy. While your body has already undergone tremendous changes, there are still changes yet to come. At this time you are starting to get impatient waiting for the baby to arrive. You may also experience moments of anxiety wondering about the baby ?if it is going to be healthy, if you have everything you need for the baby arrival and if you are going to be a good mother. These are normal emotions and thoughts that all expectant mothers have, so you shouldn be concerned. You may also start feeling apprehensive about the impending labour and birth.

 

During this time your baby needs more oxygen as the lungs are starting to develop and the baby is starting to breathe on its own. This means you need more iron from your food. Your diet should include a lot of dark green, leafy vegetables, dried fruits and nuts and lean, red meat. Drinking lots of water is also essential so that your organs have the fluids they need to function properly. When you drink at least eight glasses of water each day it will help to decrease the amount of fluid you retain. This is especially important if you notice that your hands and feet are swelling. The water will help to build new cells in your body and in the baby and improve the blood flow.

 

Because your belly is expanding, you may be feeling uncomfortable when you lie down at night or just to take a nap during the day. If you have a body pillow that you can wrap yourself around, this tends to reduce your discomfort. Don drink a lot of fluids just before bedtime because this will cause you to have to go to the bathroom several times during the night. You should also avoid caffeinated drinks that may keep you awake or cause you to have heartburn.

 

Your baby is starting to grow rapidly at this time and the internal organs are really starting to develop. You will experience more and more kicks and a lot of movement. At this time of the pregnancy, the baby usually weighs a little over three pounds and measures about fourteen inches long.

 

If you were to have a 3D ultrasound at this time, you would really be able to see the facial features of the baby and see it kicking its legs. The baby will likely be sucking its thumb. If you want to know whether you are having a boy or girl, this is the time when you can really see the sex organs on an ultrasound and know without a doubt the preparations you need to make for the clothing and the nursery.

 

It is important for you to get lots of rest and stay off your feet whenever possible. Morning sickness has passed and you have a renewed interest in going out with friends. However, you still have to watch what you eat so that you don have indigestion problems. The growing baby is putting more pressure on your kidneys and growing back. This means you may have backache and still have to make frequent trips to the bathroom.

If this is your first pregnancy, you are probably wondering what you can expect to feel like when you are 32 weeks pregnant. The baby has been kicking quite a bit lately and your belly has become larger. If you were to see your baby on an ultrasound at this stage, you will see that it is able to suck its thumb. Your visits to the doctor office will change from this week onwards. Up until now, your doctor wished to see you once a month, but after this visit you will have a two-week schedule for your visits. If you have any questions, you should start writing them down and bring them with you when you do see the doctor so that you can get as much information as possible.

 

When you lie down, you will be able to see the imprint of a tiny foot moving across your belly and you will actually feel the baby turning over. This is an exciting time in your pregnancy because the baby starts to become a real person. When you are asleep, you may be awakened suddenly by a sharp kick or movements ?quite often just under your ribs. The baby will start to have hiccups in the 32nd week, which you will feel as short jerky movements inside you. You can alleviate the discomfort that this causes by moving around or drinking a glass of water.

 

The baby will start to turn in the uterus so that its head is down towards the birth canal. It won start moving downwards just yet, but it will start getting in the right position for delivery. Since the baby is starting to put on a lot of weight, you will notice weight gain as well ?often as much as a pound or two per week. Within the next two months, the baby will double its current weight.

 

In the 32nd week, the baby is able to blink its eyes, look around, pee and use its hands to making grabbing motions. There may or may not be hair. According to old wives?tales, if you have experienced a lot of heartburn during your pregnancy, the baby will have lots of hair when it is born. The baby usually weighs about four pounds by this week and measures about 17 or 18 inches in length.

 

As the baby grows, you will have increased aches and pains in your stomach and lower back. This is due to the pressure the baby places on your kidneys and your muscles. The ligaments in your stomach, hips and buttocks are still stretching, which accounts for the pulling and stretching pains you feel in these areas. You may also experience slight contractions as the baby starts to move downward, but they are mild and do not last very long.

 

This is the time when you should start finalizing your plans for the baby arrival ?completing the nursery and starting to stock up on diapers, blankets, undershirts and sleepers.

Most women just assume that a missed period is the first real indicator that they might be pregnant.  While this is generally true, it is not always the case.  Missed periods can be the result of all sorts of factors. You might be stressed, have a poor diet, be working too hard, or have some other health condition that impacts your reproductive system.  In addition, it can take up to a month after conception before you notice a missed period. However, there are a few other ways that you might notice that you are pregnant quite a bit sooner.

If you are pregnant, cramps are one very typical way of your body telling you that something has changed.  These cramps will probably feel a lot like menstrual cramps, but they will be taking place at the wrong time of month, and may be ongoing.  Pregnant cramps may continue for quite some time during the pregnancy but could change in their severity.

Another key indicator of pregnancy is morning sickness.  You may find yourself getting up feeling very nauseous, and have a bout of vomiting immediately.  If you are pregnant, cramps might accompany the morning sickness.  The worst of it usually goes away after the first few months.  You can sometimes lessen the severity by eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy food.

You may also find yourself experiencing severe mood swings.  You might feel more depressed than normal, and generally very emotional.  Some women compare the emotional state of early pregnancy with the mood swings they feel during pre-menstrual syndrome, just more severe.

Pregnancy can wreak havoc with your digestive system, causing problems like constipation, heartburn, and gas.  Pregnancy and flatulence are commonly identified together, because women are particularly shocked by sudden expulsions of gas, when they typically have much less. Higher production of the hormone progesterone slows down the digestive system, causing constipation and much more gas than is normal. Because the early stages of pregnancy and flatulence frequently coincide, it can be a pretty good indicator that something unusual is going on.



If you suddenly find yourself exhausted all the time, pregnancy could be the reason.  Fatigue can be a result of sudden increases in hormone production associated with pregnancy. It can also come about because morning sickness and pregnant cramps are causing you to eat less, depriving you of much-needed energy.

When pregnant, cramps can manifest themselves during morning sickness as a sharp stomach pain, in addition to those that seem to be similar to menstrual cramps.  You may also have problems with heartburn, since the increase of progesterone, and pressure on the stomach by the expanding uterus can cause food and gastric acid to move up the esophagus.

If you think you might be pregnant, cramps are one of the earliest and most certain ways to tell you if you’re pregnant. Usually, you will show more than one symptom, so you may find yourself experiencing morning sickness and fatigue as well.  If so, it’s now time for a pregnancy test!

Heartburn is a common problem for many pregnant women.  It tends to mostly occur in early pregnancy, although some women suffer from it for most of their term.  Heartburn during pregnancy occurs when progesterone is released into a woman’s system when she becomes pregnant.  Progesterone makes the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus- also known as the cardiac sphincter muscle- relax.  When this muscle relaxes, it becomes easier for food and gastric acid to flow backwards and partway up the esophagus.  The esophagus lining is burned by the stomach acid, and that is the painful sensation of heartburn that you feel in the middle of your chest.

As the pregnancy progresses and the baby grows larger, the stomach is somewhat displaced. As the uterus grows, it presses on the cardiac sphincter muscle, allowing food and gastric acid back into the esophagus almost constantly. That is why some women seem to experience pregnancy heartburn for the duration of their term.

Fortunately, heartburn during pregnancy is easily treated.  Just keep in mind that you can’t necessarily use all of the remedies you might normally when you aren’t pregnant.  That being said, it’s fine to use a mild antacid like Tums or Mylanta to treat the heartburn.  Otherwise, it’s best to change a few critical habits that can contribute to pregnancy heartburn. Eat several smaller meals every day, rather than having three big ones.  Avoid spicy and greasy foods, and foods that create more gastric acid, like tomatoes and peppers.

Certain foods actually help the cardiac sphincter muscle relax, so try to avoid them as well.  These include alcohol, garlic, peppermint and chocolate.  Make sure you have completed your last meal at least two hours before bedtime, and don’t lie down right after eating, since this can cause gastric acid to go back up the esophagus. When it’s time to sleep, prop your head up on an extra pillow or two, so the stomach stays lower than the esophagus.

A good home remedy for combating heartburn during pregnancy is to simply eat some yogurt or drink a glass of milk.  Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of honey with a glass of warm milk for another simple, effective remedy.

Of course, it is best if you can stop pregnancy heartburn before it ever starts.  You want to make sure you are as healthy as possible before becoming pregnant, so choose a good prenatal vitamin and mineral formula.  Focus on eating healthy, unprocessed foods, and avoid sugar and grease as much as possible.  If you already know which foods are likely to cause heartburn during pregnancy, and then be extra sure to avoid them.  Drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise are also important to your overall health.

Pregnancy heartburn can be very unpleasant, but fortunately, you have a number of alternatives in treating it.  If you must take an antacid, stick with something mild and natural, and focus on modifying those actions and habits that may contribute to it.

Eating healthy throughout your pregnancy is the greatest gift you could give your unborn baby, but there are also a lot of rewards in it for you to. It’s common for many moms to be to forget that they also benefit in eating healthy through out their pregnancy. What you eat has a direct effect as to how well your body copes and recovers from all the physical changes it goes through. It also helps with the physical and emotional challenge of carrying and delivering a baby.

The truth is, most pregnant women rarely walk around all nine months with that rosy glow everyone talks about. The first three months some of us walk around a nasty shade of green and in a hazy fog thanks to the tiredness we feel those first three months. The second three months are a little better, and we are no longer green but we deal with other issues such as varicose veins and leg cramps.

The third trimester, we are back to the hazy fog again and have other issues such as swelling and heartburn just to name a few. Some of these can be avoided with a good diet. Eating foods that have some complex carbs can help reduce your tiredness and staying away from fatty foods will help with the heartburn.

Research has shown that pregnant women who eat healthy throughout their pregnancy usually have a safe and uncomplicated pregnancy. Studies have shown that some pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or high blood pressure can be directly related to deficiencies in a pregnant woman’s diet. High amounts of sugar and polyunsaturated fats increase this risk as well as having a low intake of vitamin c, e and magnesium.

Perhaps for some women one of the biggest benefits of eating healthy during their pregnancy is that it could help you during labor and delivery. A well balanced pregnancy diet has been said to help prevent preterm labor, which is labor before 37 weeks. A good diet can also help you cope with labor and delivery better. Any woman who has given birth knows how much energy it takes to endure hours of contractions and sometimes hours of pushing. Eating healthy will ensure that you have the energy and the stamina to get through your little one’s delivery.

Once you have delivered your little one, it is still important to continue your good habit of healthy eating especially in the postpartum period. Your body needs a lot of resources to recover from all the stretching, blood loss and not mention sleep deprivation and still take care of a newborn. It is just as important in the months following your delivery to continue to eat well. As my doctor put it, it is essential to eat as though you were pregnant for at least three months after delivery.

A final added bonus to eating healthy throughout your pregnancy is that you may never stop eating healthy. This is setting up the groundwork for a lifetime of eating healthy for not only you but for your children. If you continue to eat healthy you are setting a prime example for your children.

While pregnancy can be a very exciting time for you, full of anticipation and planning, it sometimes seems that your body is just not cooperating, and seems to cause trouble at every turn.  It is unfortunate, but just about every pregnant woman will experience a variety of uncomfortable changes in her body.  On the bright side, you are not alone in this, and the fact that many of these complaints are so common means that there is probably a remedy that works for you.

One of the more common problems you will face as a pregnant woman is stomach discomfort during pregnancy, generally speaking.  During pregnancy, your body produces a great deal of the hormone progesterone, and this can lead to several specific problems, like heartburn and constipation. Nearly 80 percent of all pregnant women also experience morning sickness, which manifests itself through nausea and vomiting, usually in the early part of the day. You might also experience a stomach ache during pregnancy that could be as mild as a very dull pain, or as sharp as severe abdominal cramping.

Some stomach discomfort during pregnancy is the result of massive hormonal changes in your body chemistry.  Everything is different. The food you normally eat will no longer be digested in quite the same way. Morning sickness is common in the first trimester, but sometimes it lasts the entire pregnancy.  Heartburn and constipation may be factors as well.  Most of these conditions can be controlled or prevented through a few small changes in your diet and routine. Having a stomach ache during pregnancy is fairly normal, and fortunately it is a temporary situation.

Some other problems you may experience are swelling of the feet and ankles, extreme fatigue, and back pain.  Some women complain of itchy skin as well.  Some stomach discomfort during pregnancy occurs simply because the skin is stretching out so far to accommodate your growing baby.  This can lead to some itchiness, which is easily remedied with a mild cream.  Swelling can be managed by elevating the affected areas frequently and by drinking a lot of water.  Try to schedule regular naps and get plenty of sleep at night. Back pain can be controlled to an extent, simply by never sitting or standing for too long.

Like most of the common discomforts, a stomach ache during pregnancy is to be expected at times. You can be sure your doctor will be familiar with all of these conditions and will be able to advise how to best treat them.  Fatigue, swelling, back pain and stomach discomfort during pregnancy are extremely common and can usually be dealt with using a host of simple remedies.

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for advice, but be aware that other women who have already experienced pregnancy can be great sources of information as well.  It’s almost a guarantee that all of them have experienced some form of stomach discomfort during pregnancy, along with at least a few of the other problems, and can probably give you some great advice.

If you’re a heartburn sufferer, the best way to overcome its effect is to learn more about it. You may think that it is just a simple case of indigestion manifested by a burning pain in the chest, often mistaken for a heart attack.

For one, you cannot just let this type of disease go on without proper treatment, because this is a reflux disorder that can lead to complications including cancer. Knowing how to stop heartburn or GERD is also about gathering information on what foods to avoid and what aspects of your lifestyle to correct.

If you know what induces the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, to become inefficient in sealing the entry points of the esophagus, you can prevent the disease from recurring. In fact, the linings of the esophagus can be damaged if this medical problem persists.

You should also have an awareness that heartburn may crop up if one has hiatal hernia, poor eating habits, incorrect sleeping habits, unhealthy lifestyle, is overweight, taking drugs for other medical conditions, or pregnant.

Below are the instances on how these diseases or conditions can lead to heartburn:

1. Hiatal hernia – or hiatus hernia arises when the upper portion of the stomach protrudes to the thorax caused by a tear in the diaphragm. In this case, it will be easier for the acid of the stomach to reflux into the esophagus.

2. Pregnant – GERD in pregnant women usually happens during the later part of pregnancy. Their digestive systems develop difficulty in digesting food intakes. Hence, large meals, citrus fruits, spicy and fatty foods; and any activity after each meal should be avoided while pregnant.

3. Overweight – Obesity can increase the pressure in the abdomen resulting to the upward push of stomach contents including acid into the esophagus.

4. Poor eating habits – Regularly missing meals causes acid build up in the stomach that can disrupt the digestion processes.

5. Unhealthy lifestyle – Cigarette smoking weakens the LES and drinking alcohol beverages is akin to filling up your stomach with acid.

6. Drugs for other medical conditions – These include drugs for high blood pressure, abnormal menstrual bleeding, sea sickness, asthma, antidepressants, Parkinson’s disease, insomnia or heart disease.

7. Incorrect sleeping habits and postures – If you lie down after eating, the tendency is for the stomach contents to press harder on the LES. You should wait for at least 2 hours to pass after eating and before lying down.

Arming yourself with adequate knowledge on how to stop heartburn can help you overcome this disease before it leads to a condition that can overcome you.

Pregnancy symptoms are the first indicators that the stork is on its way bringing you a bundle of joy to care for and cherish. When you are planning on getting pregnant you will be eagerly watching out for the early signs of pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

The first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. With the hectic lifestyles that we all lead today most women may miss the other early indicators of an impending pregnancy and may become alert only after missing their monthly period.

The other fairly common pregnancy symptoms includes sore, swollen, tender breasts. The nipples may also feel sore, they may darken in color and in some cases colostrum may also get secreted. Implantation spotting is also one of the first signs of pregnancy.

Early pregnancy symptoms include excessive fatigue and sleepiness. This is said to be due to the excessive hormones produced making it hard for the expectant mother to get out of bed in the morning as well as to stay awake late at nights. Daily activities such as shopping or doing household chores may leave them feeling completely exhausted.

Morning sickness is one of the dreaded early signs of pregnancy. Some expectant women are lucky and escape this torture but some unlucky women may end up feeling nauseous all day long. If a woman vomits excessively she may need to take extra precautions to prevent complications due to malnutrition and dehydration. This symptom is closely associated with an increased awareness and aversion to odors. Pregnant women may also exhibit unusual food craving and even develop an aversion to certain foods that they normally enjoyed earlier. For some of the women the aversion to certain foods may continue even after the pregnancy!

Pregnancy symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, heartburn and constipation are also common. It is necessary that the expectant women eat frequent small meals and take supplements of vitamins, folic acid and calcium. Diet must include generous helpings of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, sprouts etc. A well planned diet can greatly help women suffering from heartburn and constipation.

Pregnancy symptoms also include higher body temperature, lower back pain, mood swings, depression, frequent urination and weight gain. Vaginal discharge that does not itch, burn or smell is another symptom of pregnancy. When you suffer from any or all of these symptoms it may be time you took a home pregnancy test. Stop worrying about weight gain and make sure that your diet is nutritious. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, do not smoke, drink and at all costs avoid drugs. It will be better to take up over the counter medication after consulting your healthcare practitioner. Do mild recommended exercise, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga and pave the way to a health and happy pregnancy. Watch out for the pregnancy symptoms and maintain a positive frame of mind.

You are pregnant. There are going to be a lot of changes to your body and in your day-to-day life over the next nine months.

But now is the time when every woman that has ever been pregnant will be more than willing to give you advice. Some of this advice will be good – a lot more will be a little doubtful. Can you believe those old wives tales that are being bandied about?

Can You Really Predict Your Baby’s Sex?

There are several opinions about where and how the baby is lying. If you have a bulge that goes all the way round, you are definitely having a boy. And if the bulge is all at the front – it’s going to be a girl.

If you are carrying the baby high in the womb it’s obviously going to be a boy. The opposite means it’s a girl

How about using a pendulum over your tummy; if it goes round clockwise it’s a boy and anti clockwise it’s a girl.

Whatever you believe you’re going to be at the worst fifty percent right.

Do You Really Need To Eat for Two?

You will put on weight while you are pregnant; an average of thirty five pounds in all. Some old wives tales encourage you to eat more because you are eating for two, this is not necessary. Instead of worrying about how much you are eating, better to take note of what you are eating. And if you should be left with a few extra pounds once the baby is born – you will lose it again.

Is It Okay To Drink Alcohol While You Are Pregnant?

Some people believe that a little bit of wine can do no harm while you are pregnant, but you should bear in mind that when you drink alcohol it reaches the baby through your bloodstream. and as it is not known if your drinking alcohol affects the unborn child it may be better not to drink while carrying it.

If You Have Heartburn Are You Having A Monkey?

Some people do actually believe that if you have heartburn during pregnancy the baby will be born with a lot of hair. The majority of women have some heartburn during their pregnancy. But if the baby is born with a lot of hair it’s not because mum had heartburn.

Can Walking Make You Go Into Labour?

No walking cannot make you go into labour, but walking about during labour may make you feel more comfortable.

Should You Exercise While Pregnant?

If you are already in the habit of exercising, as long as it’s nothing too strenuous, check with your doctor if you can safely carry on while pregnant.

Drinking Lots of Milk While Being Pregnant Means You Will Produce Lots of Milk

Drinking lots of milk while pregnant is good for you and the unborn baby. It’s the Calcium in the milk that is great for the baby’s bones and teeth. But drinking lots of milk has nothing to do with how much milk you will produce once the baby has been born.

If You Crave Ice Cream Does It Mean You Need More Calcium?

Cravings for certain foods during pregnancy is normal but it’s not the body saying it needs something. Some women start eating coal, what does that mean? She’s hot stuff maybe.

Can Doing a Handstand After Lovemaking Help You To Conceive?

If you are having problems becoming pregnant, some people believe that doing a handstand after lovemaking will help you become pregnant, there is no truth in this. If you smoke – stop and also improve your diet – this may improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

No Need to Stop All Medication While Pregnant

As long as you know if the medication you are taking is safe for the baby, (your doctor can advise you) there is no need to stop taking them. Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements are good for you and the unborn baby.

In other words most Old Wives Tales can be quite safely ignored. If in doubt – find out.