At a glance
Lie on your side with a cushion between your knees for a more comfortable sleep
Elevate your head with a pillow to reduce reflux and heartburn
Be careful about the amount of fat you’re eating, which can slow digestion
Try new positions to sleep in as your bump gets bigger
Baby's development at 26 weeks
Your baby’s head now measures over 7 cm in diameter, about the size of a small orange, and weighs around 900g. That little body is getting chubbier thanks to fat accumulating gradually under the skin to provide reserves for birth. And baby’s hair and nails are well on their way too. Under the gums, future teeth are now covered with enamel. Plus the grasping reflex is now well developed enough for so baby to hold onto the umbilical cord, sometimes pulling it cheerfully backwards and forwards. Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal and won’t put you or your little one in any danger.
Your body
It’s night time. You’re about to go to sleep. But not baby! That’s because your movement rocks your little one to sleep. So when you wind down for the day, baby starts waking up. As your bump gets bigger and bigger, it might be more difficult to find a position you can sleep in. The most convenient position to lie in for the next few weeks will probably be on your side. Try placing a cushion between your knees to make it a bit more comfortable.
Nutrition
If you suffer from reflux and heartburn at night, try elevating your head a bit with a pillow. It’s a good idea to keep your evening meal light too. Pay attention to how much fat you are eating, as it can slow down digestion and make you feel worse . If having a light evening meal gives you night cravings, try having a snack an hour before bed, such as bread and jam, a serving of dairy or some fruit.
Pregnancy tips
Your bump might feel a bit tighter, and it’s starting to get a bit tight for baby in there too. All those fun somersaults and acrobatics will be over soon. So don’t worry if your little one is moving a bit less than before. However, if you don’t feel any movement for 8 hours or more, you should see your doctor immediately to make sure everything is okay.
For advice on baby’s movements, visit https://www.rcog.org.uk/ or http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stillbirth/pages/prevention.aspx
