My Pregnancy Report: Week 26, 14 weeks to go

This Pregnant Body

You may begin experiencing an increased level of discomfort soon. Gas pains, bloating, water retention (edema), and an overall hard time getting comfortable are very common complaints.

Try various positions for sitting, sleeping, and carrying items to determine what is best for you. Most back pain is caused by the stretching of your ligaments. Some women experience sciatica, which is a sharp pain in their lower back that sometimes moves down their legs. This is usually not bothersome in the morning, but later in the day, depending on your level of activity, the pain can increase.

You can also try to do some gentle stretching to provide relief. If your pain becomes significant, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to help relieve your discomfort. Keep stretching and be conscious of how you lift, sit, and sleep.

The Baby Development

Your baby weighs almost 2 pounds; measures around 9.2 inches from crown to rump; and hears noises, responds to light, and is generally more aware of its surroundings. In the same way that you can see a flashlight if you hold it against your palm, your baby can see the light coming through your belly. You may notice increased activity when in brighter light and decreased activity in darkened rooms. Its hearing is fully developed, and as he or she reacts to sounds, its pulse increases. Your baby will even move in rhythm to music!