Sharing my bump update at 26 weeks pregnant. Here is a summary of my symptoms, cravings, weight gain, and more!
How far along: 26 weeks 4 days pregnant
Total weight gain: 18-20 lbs – fluctuating (last week’s surprise trip to the doctor had me recording a 3 pound loss, but yesterday I was only at a 2 lb loss). My doctor says that even though my weight gain this pregnancy has been more rapid, but it will taper out. She told me I look good so not to worry. She is too kind.
Baby Size: A head of kale or cabbage. I’m measuring perfectly – my belly is 26 weeks and a few days – so Baby A must be as well.
Baby Facts: Baby’s eyes are forming, and the eyes will soon start to open – eyelashes are now grown too. Baby’s getting his or her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up your antibodies. Baby’s taking breaths too-of amniotic fluid, not air. But still, it’s good practice! Her heart rate has been steady in the 130s at my last two appointments.
Movement: Alllllll the time – and I love watching how she flips around at night.
Sleep: Troublesome. I am averaging 7 hours a night and my body refuses to nap on the weekends. Getting up to go to the bathroom 2-3 times a night is painful!
Cravings/Aversions: After the third week of cereal with blueberries and almond milk for breakfast, I had an epiphany – this is one craving I have yet to kick!
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks – Sudden up and down or quick movements triggers a contraction. Nothing to be worried about though!
Spotting – I went to the doctor last week for some spotting. It went from brown to pink to red and I was a mess. After a quick internal exam, she determined I have broken capillaries and there is nothing to really be worried about! I just need to take it easy.
Pregnancy brain – shall we discuss how I almost shut the garage on my car while I was pulling out of the driveway?
Cramping/Lower Back Pain – all signs that my body is growing! Round ligament pains can feel like a multitude of things, so I know with each pinch or pull, unless I have routine contractions, I just try to ignore it.
Vein Update- The doctor says that I should be wearing biking compression shorts at night to help push the water back into my veins that is seeping out. Sounds gross huh? I find that the VS supporter sometimes works, but other times it just hurts my hips.
Exercise: Upper body and daily stretching. I want to exercise for real SO bad, but my varicose vein issues make it nearly impossible.
Randoms: A sweet *young* girl at Victoria Secret told me she didn’t even notice I was pregnant – even though she had measured me and we discussed the fact that I have gone up THREE CUP SIZES this pregnancy. She came to the dressing room to help me with a strapless bra and stared at my stomach like I was growing a head out of my belly button.
Favorites: Annabelle kisses her baby sister every night before going to sleep…and sometimes likes to sing to her. She loves to rub my belly and talk about everything she is going to do with her baby sister. *heart melts*
Wondering? Around my 27th week of pregnancy the doctor changed my due date for the 5th time. I don’t have a bump update from 26 weeks! Here is my Garden Themed baby shower with Annabelle around 26-27 weeks pregnant.
You do look great! (but I know how you feel) That spotting must have been so scary! I’m glad all is OK!!
Aw. Annabelle is so sweet. I just can’t wait to be pregnant. lol. You look awesome by the way!