Pregnancy calendar - week #26

Pregnant mothers - week #26

Instincts, guide you they will.

If you're a first-time mom, you're probably getting into the swing of being pregnant. You know what you can eat (bananas and bread) and know what you can't eat (spicy salsa and greasy fries); you know how to position yourself (and your belly) for a night of sleep; you're accustomed to peeing three times an hour. It all goes with the territory, right?

But what you may not be prepared for is life post-delivery. Yep, that's right. That little guy inside of you isn't staying there forever. He will soon be an outside, real-life baby. Are you ready?

Several first-time mothers have told us that before their baby came, they had no idea how to care for it. It comes, you feed it, and then what? Many of these mothers found that their maternal instincts kicked in at the perfect moment. Even if the first few days with baby are uncharted territory for you, you'll be surprised how quickly things fall into place. You'll know when to feed, change and rock your baby. You'll know how ease crying, how to bathe him. So all we can really tell you at this point is this: Relax, you already know more than you think you do.

There are great things to do to get yourself equipped for bringing a baby home. Start by baby-proofing your home. Cover outlets with outlet plugs, use cabinet locks to keep baby away from harmful liquids, and install baby gates over stairwells. Even though it'll be awhile before baby starts exploring the house, it's nice to have these tasks finished.

Have people started touching your belly yet? Whether you love it or hate it, your friends and family will appreciate the chance to touch your belly and feel a kick or two. This is an exciting time, so don't forget to humor them.

At your next prenatal appointment, you may hear about preeclampsia (a.k.a. toxemia.) This is a pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. It occurs in about 1 in 7 pregnancies worldwide. This condition only occurs in pregnancy, and the only cure is delivery of the baby. These factors make it difficult to treat.

Baby and fetal development - week #26

Turn down that stereo!

Your little baby becomes more and more interactive every week, using all 5 senses to understand the tiny little world around him. Thusfar, baby's eyes have been closed. But around this time, he will open his eyes and start blinking. Have you thought about what color eyes your baby might have? Many caucasian babies are born with blue or greyish eyes. After about 6 months, the real eye color will be established. African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American babies are often born with brown eyes.

By week 26, baby's ears, fingernails, and (for boys) testicles have developed. The eyebrows and hair on the head are also growing in.

Surfactant, the substance in the lungs that allows the air sacs to inflate, is developing more this week. Premature babies often have trouble breathing because they're lacking this substance in their lungs. Around week 35 enough surfactant has accumulated for most babies to breathe on their own.

They say that babies are only scared of two things: falling and loud noises. Well, this happens even in the womb. Around this time, babies may 'jump' at a sudden loud noise.

Pregnant dads - week #26

Face your fears!

If you're like many expectant fathers, thinking about labor and delivery freaks you out. Delivery room scenerios play out in your head, most of which involve rushing, yelling, screaming, and name calling. Even though it's been on your mind for awhile, let's face it--you're facing uncharted territory! Even if this isn't your first child, you're probably still a little nervous.

We suggest a couple of things. First, study up on what to expect during labor and delivery. There are countless books on this subject. Talk to other men who've gone through the same thing, and listen to their stories. Then, talk to your partner. She's probably feeling a lot of anxiety too. Go over your birth plan to prepare you for the best possible delivery.