Week by week-pregnancy week -26

Welcome to week -26

This is the week you could wave goodbye to your toes as your bump grows bigger.

If night time trips to the toilet are disturbing your sleep pattern and leaving you feeling tired, try not to drink too much in the last two hours before bedtime, and avoid diuretic drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola. This will help, but the pressure of your uterus on your bladder will probably mean midnight toilet trips won't stop altogether.

If you're prone to leg cramps or 'restless' legs, try giving your legs a good massage and stretch in the couple of hours before bedtime: this will keep the muscles supple and less susceptible to going into spasm. A warm bath before bed will help too.

Inside story

Your baby now weighs around 900g (about 2lb). Crown-to-rump length is around 23cm (9.2in) and the skin is becoming less transparent, although a network of veins is still visible below the surface.

Male testicles will descend into the scrotum during this week. The network of nerves in your baby's ears is developing well and the sense of hearing is becoming more sophisticated. Your baby is likely to be aware of your voice and you might notice more movements when you're talking.

Breathing movements are taking place, during which your baby inhales and exhales small amounts of amniotic fluid.

The heart is growing and becoming stronger and the heartbeat will be audible through a standard stethoscope, although not all mums master hearing it this way. Your baby's heartbeat will continue to be monitored at each antenatal visit using the Doppler ultrasound device - the best sound!

On the outside

Your midwife will be able to feel the top of your uterus around 6.5cm (about 2 .5in) above your belly button. This distance will increase by about 1cm a week throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

Most of your pregnancy weight is gained in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy, with most women gaining between 10kg and 12.5kg (22-28lb), so don't be surprised if you find you've gained quite a bit in the past six weeks or so.

The extra weight may mean your lower back starts to feel the strain, so do take extra care of yourself. Some mums-to-be find a bump support helpful: this elasticated sling hugs your bump, providing extra support to the lower back and abdomen.

For good back health, support your lower back with a small cushion when you're sitting; maintaining good posture; treat yourself to a pregnancy massage or acupuncture with a therapist trained in and using a gentle heat pack to ease pain in your lower back.

Things to think about

You might like to consider using complementary therapies in labour: some women bring a practitioner into the labour room with them (birth unit permitting), as well as their chosen birth partner.

Therapies include:

Reflexology – this involves manipulation of the feet to treat different organs in the body

Acupuncture – effective as pain relief and for relaxation

Meditation and visualisation – can aid pain-relief and be practised with or without a therapist

Hypnosis – helps to distance the labouring mum from her pain.

Water births

If you're interested in a water birth start making plans. Check your local hospital and birthing unit has a birthing pool. Some units are happy for you to bring your own hired pool; others don't have strong enough floors to support the weight. If you're determined to have a water birth this might influence your choice of where to give birth. If you have sufficient space at home you might opt for a home water birth.

You can legitimately give birth wherever you choose, and change your mind right up until the moment you're in labour – although this is not ideal. Recent changes to the law mean that although you have a perfect right to give birth at home, your health authority doesn't have a responsibility to provide a midwifery service. You are entitled to emergency care, whether from a midwife, doctor or by ambulance transfer to hospital – and, in reality, most health authorities will provide you with a midwife for a home birth unless they are completely unable to do so.

Week by week : Pregnancyweek -25 (baby kicking)

Welcome to week 25

It's a good time to start thinking about the birth and whether you want to deliver in a birthing unit, labour ward or at home.

A home birth might suit you if your previous labour was very fast or you would prefer to give birth in your own environment. You don't need the permission or approval of your GP: you can discuss your birth plans and book a home birth directly with your midwife.

Keep an open mind just in case complications arise that would be better dealt with in hospital.

Inside story

This week sees your baby reaching 700g (around 1.5lb) in weight and 22cm (almost 9in) in crown-to-rump length.

Your baby is probably very active and the movements feeling more like a series of kicks and jabs as space gets more restricted in your womb.

Your baby will continue to turn somersaults at this stage, but because of increasing bulk you'll feel every movement more strongly.

On the outside

The top of your uterus is now about 25cm (10in) above your pubic bone and your bump will have taken on the approximate shape and dimensions of an average football!

You might feel that you have reached the ideal size and secretly hope not to grow too much more: forget it! Your baby has plenty more growing to do yet.

By now, people might be speculating about whether you're expecting a boy or a girl, but there's no science to support the theory that carrying high or low, or having a round or oval bump, or carrying it 'all out at the front' has any bearing on an unborn baby's gender.

Things to think about

Even though you won't start your antenatal classes until around weeks 30-32 of pregnancy, start making enquiries if you haven't already signed up.

Every mum-to-be is entitled to 10 free Parentcraft antenatal classes, which are run by NHS midwives. However, in reality, some women find that the classes are either over-subscribed or that the next available course comes at the wrong time of pregnancy for them. The NCT (National Childbirth Trust) runs popular antenatal classes too.

Even if you think you'll get all the information you need from websites and books, there's no substitute for attending an antenatal class. It's a forum for discussing anything and everything to do with pregnancy, birth and life with a baby. Additionally you'll meet other like-minded parents, who could become part of your support group for pregnancy and after the birth. Your partner might appreciate the opportunity to meet other dads-to-be who are going through a similar experience too.

At the end of this week, you will qualify for your maternity leave and your maternity pay or allowance - as long as you've been in continuous employment with the same boss for 26 weeks up to and including this week. You're legally obliged to let your employer know by the end of this week that you're intending to take maternity leave.

Week by week: Pregnancy week 24

Welcome to week 24

This week your breasts may start leaking colostrum - the first nutrient-rich substance that will nourish your newborn before your breast milk comes in.

Dark-coloured fabrics are the least forgiving to leakage, so grab some breast pads, pop one inside each bra cup and dig out your light-coloured tops.

Inside story

Your baby is now about 540g (around 1lb) in weight and 21cm (8.5in) in crown-to-rump length.

Your baby's head and body are coming into proportion more like a newborn.

The brain cells that are responsible for thinking are maturing and the body is becoming rounded and slightly plumper, although the skin is still transparent and quite wrinkly.

By the end of this week 'viable' applies to your baby's status, which means that your baby is considered capable of living outside of the uterus with support should you go into premature labour.

Only approximately 63 babies per 1000 are born prematurely so it's not something to worry too much about.

On the outside

You'll have your sugar levels checked regularly at your antenatal checks via urine tests. This is because up to 5% of women develop pregnancy diabetes - medically known as gestational diabetes. Most women who develop the condition do so between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.

If any sugar shows up in your urine, you'll have a random blood test (which means without having fasted or undergone any special measures previously) and if this shows higher-than-normal levels you'll be given a glucose tolerance test (GTT) as a final diagnosis of the condition.

This involves drinking a solution of glucose and having blood taken at the beginning and end of the test to see how quickly your body is able to metabolise the glucose.

Try not to worry if you get a positive result: with a strictly controlled low-sugar, low-fat diet and an increase in activity you should be able to bring your blood-glucose levels under control.

You'll be asked to check your own sugar levels regularly using a home finger-prick testing kit, and record the results so your medical team can keep track of your control.

One side-effect of diabetes in pregnancy is that you may have a larger-than-average baby, so if at any stage your baby appears 'large for dates', as it would be recorded on your notes, your midwife will probably want to investigate you for diabetes. Once you have a diagnosis you'll probably have extra scans to check on your baby's growth and welfare.

It's important to get treatment for pregnancy diabetes as otherwise it could mean that your baby will become very large with too much fat, which could impede delivery. Your baby may also have low blood glucose levels at birth and/or breathing problems, so don't be surprised if a short spell in a SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit) is needed to stabilise your baby's condition.

Things to think about

Choosing your baby's name is a big responsibility. There are a few things to keep in mind when thinking of possible names.

Make sure that if you're choosing a middle name as well as a first name, your baby's initials won't spell out something unfortunate: Catherine Olivia Williams or Stephen Owen Daniels could both give rise to sniggers and teasing.

Sound out the names to hear the balance: if your baby will have a long surname, pick a one or two-syllable first name. The same applies in reverse, too, so if your baby will have a short surname, you could be a bit more extravagant with a first name. Also consider how the name will sound shouted across the playground too.

Unless you're sure of your baby's sex, shortlist names for either gender – although you'll have six weeks to register your baby's birth after delivery to make your decision. You might even decide that your newborn baby doesn't seem to suit your chosen name, and change your mind after delivery so it's good to have a few possible names in mind.

Week by week : Pregnancy week 23

Welcome to week 23

You might have noticed an increase in interest in your bump – and sometimes from the unlikeliest people.

Have you had random women sharing with you their (often disturbing) birth stories or been subjected to a constant stream of comments? Do people try to touch your bump?

Or, in contrast, have you discovered that despite being clearly pregnant, you're not offered a seat on public transport? The best approach is to try to rise above horror birth stories; politely ward off any potential bump-patters that you find the experience uncomfortable (or, if you're bold enough, pat them on the tummy in return!); and don't be afraid to ask for a seat on the bus or train.

Inside story

This week your baby has put on 100g – that's around 4oz – and now weighs around 450g. The crown-rump length stands at around 20cm (8in).

More subcutaneous fat is being laid down all the time and surfactant is still being produced to enable the lungs to function at birth, although your baby would struggle if you were to go into premature labour at this early stage.

On the outside

You have probably felt your baby move and kick by now – and you may even have started noticing patterns to the movements. If not, you could start keeping a chart of when your baby is most active or sleepy, and see how different circumstances have an influence on activity.

Some mums-to-be can get their babies to move by shining a strong torchlight directly at their bumps; others notice their babies kicking or somersaulting in response to the theme music from a favourite soap!

A good time to observe movements is when you're in the bath and the warmth of the water and your own relative weightlessness can stimulate your baby.

Don't worry if you start getting tearful and moody again around about this stage: some expectant parents start to feel burdened by the looming responsibility and worry how they'll cope emotionally, practically and financially with a new baby.

Try not to worry: new parents find ways to adapt to life with a baby. The prospect of parenthood is daunting, so discuss your fears and get support from family, friends with children and other new parents-to-be.

Things to think about

You're entitled to free dental treatment when you're pregnant and for a year after the birth. Many pregnant women find their gums swell and bleed more easily due to pregnancy hormones and the increase in blood volume. Regular visits to the oral hygienist will help to prevent gum disease.

You're also entitled to free prescriptions in pregnancy as long as you have a valid maternity exemption certificate. This lasts for a year after your estimated due date (EDD).

Although you don't automatically get free podiatry in pregnancy, it's equally important to look after your feet, especially if you are suffering pain from carrying your extra weight.

You might need orthotic supports to wear inside your shoes (ask your doctor for a referral if you're in pain).

If you just feel in need of a foot massage, you could ask your partner to do this for you, or treat yourself to a reflexology session – but check first that your practitioner is experienced in treating pregnancy women.

Week by Week: Pregnancy week -22

Welcome to week 22

You're just past the halfway mark now, and this is the stage when many expectant mums start to feel a bit uncomfortable. You might find your bump is getting in the way of a comfy night's sleep - in which case a special support pillow might help.

Suffering from sweats? This is a normal reaction to your thyroid gland working harder – wear natural fibres and try keeping a cooling water spray in your handbag.

You might find your ankles swelling, making walking less comfortable. Keep an eye on this, as excessive swelling, especially if it's also in your fingers and face, can be an indicator of pre-eclampsia, which needs prompt treatment. To ease mild swelling, resting with your feet higher than your hips will help.

Inside story

Your baby has gained another 50g (2oz) this week, weighing in at around 350g, and crown-rump length is now about 19cm (7.5in), which is about the length of a DVD case.

Eyelids and eyebrows have developed now and your baby looks like a perfect miniature version of the little person you'll give birth to! The lungs are producing 'surfactant' – a complex substance that helps keep the lungs from collapsing during exhalation.

On the outside

Stretch marks: whether they develop – and how pronounced they are – is largely down to genetics, so don't go blaming yourself for excess weight gain or not moisturising enough if they happen to you. There are many available creams and treatments that claim to eliminate stretch marks, but don't waste your money.

Moisturising will help ease itching, but the truth is that once you have stretch marks you've got them for forever. However, they do fade after the birth to silvery streaks.

Think of them as part of life's mapping, like laughter lines: they're proof of your womanliness and your prowess in carrying your baby.

Things to think about

It's time to take stock of your maternity wear again: do you have clothes that are comfortable and make you feel good? Is your underwear fitting you properly? Is it time for a new bra?

Things to look out for include:

• wide bra straps and a deep hook panel

• knickers that either encompass your whole bump or sit just underneath (if they sit around your navel they'll either cut in or slide down all the time)

• pretty underwear in maternity styles: you don't have to be a frump with a bump

• loose waistbands or empire-line tops and dresses that pull in just under the bust

• a good pair of maternity jeans

• low-heeled shoes, preferably wedges to support your weight evenly

• something comfy to wear in bed, including a soft night-support bra.