Pregnancy Week 26
It is now 25 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 23 weeks gestation and is almost 8 3/4 inches long from crown to rump (113/4 inches from head to toe). Sudden noises may cause your baby to startle -- responses have been reported when baby hears a loud noise. Your baby's bowel now contains some meconium, a dark green tar-like substance that will be excreted during the first few days after birth
Advice for Mom
Your uterus should measure about 9 1/2 - 10 inches and be about 3 finger-breadths above your belly button. The linea nigra is a black line that might appear from your pubic bone to navel. This is normal and will lighten about 3 months postpartum. While most women dread stretch marks, you should be proud of them! They're like a badge of honour and are symbolic of your baby's road map to life. To avoid varicose veins, try maternity hose and frequent walks to increase circulation

