MOM

Leg cramps can occur and even wake you up from a sound sleep. Increasing calcium will help relieve the cramps, have plenty of dairy products or use a calcium supplement if you dont like dairy products. Cut down on caffeine as well as caffeine interferes with calcium absorption.

You may have that “S” shape where your belly sticks out in front as much as your bottom sticks out in back. Accepting the changes in looks is a good idea since they will continue for a few months.

You may experience shooting pains down your leg or back. It is from the pressure of the uterus. The severity and frequency varies from woman to woman. Sciatica is another condition a mom may experience from the pressure on the back and pelvis. It causes pain from the nerves in the lower back and legs to compress. Various exercises and positions will relieve the discomfort and pain. Rest can also help.



BABY

Your baby is now moving past 1 ½ pounds and is just under 9 inches long. There may start being some differences around the average weights and heights. Individuality will continue well after the baby is born; you will get use to it and realize there is nothing wrong with your baby if it is outside the “normal” curve.

A lot of maturing of organs and systems will be happening. The structures that will form the spine will appear during week 25 of your pregnancy. Blood vessels will develop in the lungs. The nostrils on the nose will open.

LIFE

There is a balance with giving children enough information and too much. Calendars help children realize the wait that is still ahead for when the baby is born. It is a good idea to lavish extra attention on them while you can. Start talking about the attention the baby will get and healthy ways to deal with it. For siblings that can talk well, they can be in charge of sharing certain information (name, age, latest accomplishment, etc) about the baby with people.

Know the signs of preterm labor. If you have had previous pregnancies, the Braxton Hicks contractions can start earlier and be stronger than in your first pregnancy. Know how to determine the difference “practice” contractions or actual labor contractions. Increase in vaginal fluid or urine leaking can sometimes be confused with leaking amniotic fluid. When in doubt contact your health care professional

The reality of the miracle of creating a baby is very evident as your bundle of joy bounces around in there. It is often more than the average mind can understand how it all comes about. That is OK; you don’t have to understand it to be part of it.

The birth may seem far off and unreal, but it will be here before you know it.

26 Weeks Pregnant

24 Weeks Pregnant

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