Fetal development 26 weeks of pregnancy • hello healthy

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Embryo growth

How is the development of the fetus at week 26 of pregnancy?

Quoting from the Baby Center, entering the 26th week of pregnancy, the development of the fetal body has been along the leek. Approximately, the length of the fetus from head to toe is about 39 cm and weighs 750 grams.

The fetus's eyes will open for the first time during this time and begin to blink. Even so, you can only find out what color a baby's eyes are when he is born.

The color of your baby's eyes will depend on the race or ethnicity of the offspring. Some babies will be born with blue or gray eyes that can turn brown or dark in the first year of life.

The lashes and hair on the head also start to grow at this gestational age.

What other fetal development should watch out for at week 26 of pregnancy?

You can feel fetal movement for the first time now. This may be the most anticipated sign of fetal development entering the 26th week of pregnancy. Especially if this is your first pregnancy.

Baby kicks won't hurt. The sensation is more like a tickle in the stomach or like popcorn popping deeply microwave .

The fetus will usually move a lot between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., when you are sleeping. This is a sign that the fetus is developing well.

When the fetal nervous system has begun to develop, fetal movements will be more coordinated. The greater the gestational age, the stronger and often the fetus moves in the uterus.

Changes to the Body

How does the mother's body change in the developing fetus at 26 weeks of gestation?

Along with the development of the fetus, there are many changes that occur in the mother's body entering the 26th week of pregnancy.

The most noticeable change is probably an enlarged stomach. During this time pregnant women should also clean their navel more frequently. Why?

The growing belly will push the navel sticking out more and more. Now, a dirty navel can give off an unpleasant odor, especially if it was rarely cleaned before. In addition, pregnant women may also experience:

Emergence stretch marks itching is common from 26 weeks of gestation, as the fetus develops.

Stretch marks appears because of weight gain and the size of the uterus that is getting bigger so that the skin stretches. S tretch mark it can appear on the stomach, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes it also appears on the upper arms.

Even though it disturbs the appearance and makes it uncomfortable, stretch marks does not harm the development of the fetus in the womb.

Insomnia

Entering 26 weeks of gestation, you may tend to lack of sleep because the fetus is getting bigger, Insomnia can occur due to hormonal changes that are exacerbated by complaints of heartburn, leg cramps, and frequent urination throughout the night.

To prevent insomnia, mothers are advised to do physical activity such as swimming or yoga so that the body is tired and falls asleep easily at night.

Easy to fall

At 26 weeks, you will also be more prone to falls. This risk exists because the stomach is getting bigger so that it shifts the body's center of gravity to the front of the stomach. This is also what changes the mother's posture to lean forward.

The risk of falling can also be caused by weakened joints that make it unstable to hold a posture.

The gait began to become unstable. Not to mention taking into account the fatigue factor that commonly occurs with an enlarged stomach.

So at 26 weeks of gestation and beyond, pregnant women must be more careful not to fall that can interfere with fetal development.

Visit to Doctor / Midwife

What should I discuss with my doctor to help develop the fetus at 26 weeks pregnant?

During routine content checkups, you can discuss ways to avoid or eliminate stretch marks .

Your doctor may prescribe a topical or injection medication that will smoothen the texture of your skin and reduce the itching.

Since the risk of falling also increases, you need to be vigilant. If you have already fallen, also tell your doctor during the consultation. Falling may not always harm the condition of both the mother and the fetus.

The amniotic fluid and the uterine muscles that surround your baby serve as a protective cushion for your baby from external impacts.

However, it's good to always be vigilant. Especially after a fall you may notice that the fetus has reduced movement or that you experience bleeding or contractions after the fall.

Talk to your doctor about how to avoid and anticipate the risk of falling during pregnancy.

You can also ask for advice on tips for getting a good night's sleep during pregnancy.

What tests should I look for at 26 weeks pregnant?

To help with the development of the fetus at 26 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may order several tests based on your needs, including:

• Measure body weight and blood pressure.
• Check glucose levels for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.
• Rh negative test (Rh factor)
• Check for symptoms of false contractions (Braxton Hicks)
• Check for any abnormal symptoms you may feel.

Prepare a list of questions or problems that you would like to discuss with your doctor regarding fetal development at this gestational age.

Health and Safety

What do I need to know to maintain a healthy pregnancy at week 26?

In order for fetal development to be maintained properly, there are several things that need to be considered when pregnancy reaches the age of 26 weeks, including:

Swelling

Your stomach isn't the only organ that gets enlarged during pregnancy. As the fetus develops in the uterus, your feet and calves may begin to swell.

This swelling does not harm the developing fetus but makes some of the footwear you wear uncomfortable. It can even make the rings on your fingers narrower and harder to remove from your hand.

Swelling of the feet and hands is a normal condition because it is related to fluids in the body which will also increase during pregnancy. In fact, 75 percent of pregnant women experience swelling starting from the second trimester.

It should also be noted that the swelling gets worse when the weather is hot or after the mother has spent too much time sitting or standing.

Some of the swelling may decrease after the mother lies down or lies down for a few hours at bedtime.

Although it does not interfere with fetal development, this can make the mother uncomfortable.

Tattoos

It is not recommended to get a tattoo at 26 weeks of gestation because it affects the development of the fetus. Getting a tattoo while pregnant can cause the image to change when giving birth later.

When pregnant your skin will stretch so the appearance of the tattoo on the body may be good. But after giving birth, the tattoo image may be different.

Other considerations that need to be known are hepatitis B and HIV / AIDS. These are two diseases that are transmitted through bodily fluids.

Pregnant women can become infected by dirty tattoo needles, which puts them at risk of affecting fetal development.

If you already want to decorate your skin with beautiful carvings, a henna tattoo might be an option.

Besides being non-permanent, using henna is also easy and painless and tends to be safe for pregnant women.

After week 26, how will your fetus develop in the next pregnancy?

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.