So I had no idea what an "English Hot House Cucumber" was...so attached is a picture. HA HA! Looks like an oversized cucumber to me...
I appologize about the pictures of my belly, but I know a lot of you guys are interested in seeing it bare. Well, here it is for sure. You can definitely tell where she is sitting and growing. My belly is taking on a WHOLE NEW SHAPE. People are finally being brave enough to ask if "it's a baby belly."
Deep breath! Air sacks are developing in your baby's lungs, which means it just might be possible for your baby to take a breath at the end of this week. The air sacks (technically called alveoli) will continue to grow for the next nine years. The membrane that keeps the alveoli separate from the blood vessels is now thin enough to allow for that oxygen–carbon dioxide exchange we call breathing. The retina completes the development of its normal layers this week—all the better to see you with. Well not you, per se, because her eyes are still sealed shut and it's really dark in there, but your baby's eyes are now fully developed. Brainwaves for the auditory and visual systems are detectable in baby's noggin this week. That means baby's brain is registering things like sound and light. She can't understand what any of it means yet, but she's on track to comprehend an entire episode of Blue's Clues in no time! As hearing continues to develop, your baby will start to recognize your voice. One hint that your karaoke rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is not the best would be when the baby starts banging on your gut. Your bambino will also start to recognize your partner's voice. He may feel silly talking to your stomach, but assure him that somebody other than you is definitely listening. Research has shown that newborns actually recognize familiar sounds after birth. Proof that your baby has been paying attention all along. Break out the sparkling apple juice—baby has now completed two-thirds of her stay in Hotel Womb. Your baby is about 1 2/3 pounds and is 14 inches long head-to-heel, or about the length of a burp cloth (otherwise known as your primary wardrobe accessory for the next several months). Your baby's heart continues to grow and develop during pregnancy at 26 weeks. You may even be able to hear your baby's heart beat through a traditional stethoscope placed on your stomach by 26 weeks pregnant. Don't get too excited though, some women can go their entire pregnancy without being able to locate their baby's heartbeat using a stethoscope. The Doppler is a much more effective and efficient way of measuring your baby's heartbeat throughout pregnancy.
Your uterus should now be about 2 and a half inches above your belly button. Your uterus will continue growing at a rate of about 1 centimeter each week as you continue your pregnancy week by week. You have probably put on some weight at this point in time, (looks like I have now gained about 20 pounds...scary) up to 23 pounds for some women. Your weight may fluctuate from day to day due to water retention so try not to weight yourself every day if you can avoid it, as this could prove discouraging during your pregnancy. You are probably starting to experience more discomfort including pressure and back pain as your belly continues to grow larger. Leg cramps may be common. (I have them almost every night now...thank goodness for Tums!) Be sure to stretch out your legs as much as possible and eat a nutritious diet to ensure your body is receiving the nutrients it needs to keep up with your baby's development.
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