How much bigger will I get?

Week 26

I keep wondering how much bigger I will get. My belly has grown an inch and a half in two weeks! At least I know where the weight I’m gaining is going. How am I going to make it three more months? Time has been going fast so far. I hope that trend continues.

Speaking of time going by fast, my little sister got engaged this week. I don’t know about her, but I’m not ready for this.

I got a breast pump this week. Learn more about choosing a breast pump here . It is a really nice double electric one. My plans as of now are to breastfeed as long as I can and a pump should be helpful when I go back to work. I’ve actually been lactating a little bit here and there. I hope this means I won’t have any trouble with my milk coming in. I’ve been reading a lot on breastfeeding. All the information is overwhelming and a little intimidating. In a few weeks I’m taking a breastfeeding class. That should help prepare me a little and remind me of why this is the best decision in my case. Read this article on Mommy.com to help you make your decision about whether or not to breastfeed.  There is also a breastfeeding guide and if you choose not to breastfeed, here is some info on choosing the right baby formula.

The prenatal Pilates DVD I’ve been using has been really enjoyable. Especially the flexibility segment. It is only ten minutes long so I have no excuse not to exercise, even if I can’t make myself go to the gym. I’ve been walking whenever I can as well. Self magazine recently stated that expectant mothers who exercise three times a week for 30 minutes have babies with lower heart rates than babies of sedentary mothers.

I had been anticipating going camping for weeks. Unfortunately our plans were changed. The couple we had planned to go with has a seven-week-old baby girl. She got sick on Wednesday. The good news is she got out of the hospital Friday and is doing well. We pretended we were camping Friday and Saturday. Andrew and I brought our camp supplies over to our friends’ house and cooked out over a fire.

The dark line that runs vertically over a mother’s stomach is called the linea nigra. I’ve noticed it darkening lately. Apparently it is ever present, but the same color as the surrounding skin. It is then called the linea alba. The linea nigra is caused by an increase in the production of melanin. This is the same cause of chloasma or the mask of pregnancy. Either should fade between a few months post partum and several months post partum. Sun exposure during pregnancy can intensify pigment changes.

On Sunday, Andrew and I took a baby safety class. It was interesting to learn what to look for when purchasing baby gear. I had previously decided that I didn’t want my boy to use a walker or exersaucer because it can delay muscle development and hinder natural walking. This class reaffirmed that. We also learned that in some countries those “toys” are banned. They really are not safe.

Other baby and child safety reminders are common sense, but a few are easily overlooked. We know to keep cabinets with chemicals and cleaning products locked up, but remember that mouthwash contains alcohol and can be very dangerous. I also didn’t think of my curling iron. After I use it I set it on the floor to cool. I can’t keep that habit up when baby gets here! Car seat regulations are always changing and the recalls are too numerous to keep track of. Call the Auto Safety Hotline at 800-424-9393 to ask about your model.

Baby’s body is now two or three percent body fat. His eyelids are now unfused and open. His eyes are completely formed at this time. Baby’s lungs are now capable of breathing air. Should a baby be born at pre-term, developed lungs mean a much higher chance of survival. At 26 weeks, baby is about 14 inches long and weighs just over two pounds.

Please view my other blogs:

• Health insurance changes mid-pregnancy
• Terra’s Own Birth Day
• Our wiggle worm
• Crafting, sports, pilates and…waddling?!
• Things are a’changing!
• It’s a boy!
• Communicating with your big belly
• Keepin’ it all straight
• Terra’s Announcement
• Terra’s Trip to the Midwest
• My Little Secret
• Terra’s First Few Weeks

Please view my profile on Mommy.com here .