Couch Potatoes

phew! It's Week 26, so I'm saying goodbye to the second trimester. I've gained about 16 pounds to date and my belly is getting rounder by the day. All-in-all, I'm feeling pretty good, just tired, once again. I don't have any specific cravings, but thirstier than ever! Baby is moving and kicking quite a bit. It is fun to feel throughout the day, and almost like clockwork at about 9-930 pm. In the evenings, I am spending most of my time relaxing with hubby, slouched back or feet up on the couch, so I can stretch out my abdomen. (and oh yes, it's getting harder and harder to get up on my own!) Sometimes we will talk to baby in-utero, just for fun. I think hubby was surprised that I don't rub my belly and talk to the baby all-day. Hubby is such a softie! We narrowed down the name choices and pretty much decided, having talked to the baby by name for many nights.

Week 26: Bid Your 2nd Trimester Adieu from BabyFit.com

Your baby is getting chubby. He weighs about 32 ounces (1 kg) and measures more than 9 inches (23 cm) in length. You're continuing to grow, too, which is a sign that you're both healthy!

A pattern similar to life outside the womb is starting to develop. You may notice a distinct wake-sleep cycle, where periods of activity alternate with quiet times on a regular basis. Your baby's senses are coming into full bloom. He can't see yet, but he can hear, taste and feel, and her brainwave patterns are similar to those of a newborn. If your health care provider listens your baby's heartbeat now, he or she may notice a skipped beat, which is a condition known as an arrhythmia. Often this is normal and disappears as the heart matures. If it's still present when you are ready to deliver, a fetal heart rate monitor can detect any signs of distress.

Your Body This Week
Two thirds of your pregnancy is over, and you're really starting to feel the backaches, leg cramps and headaches more frequently as pressure within your pelvis builds. You'll continue to gain weight at the rate of about one pound (.45 kg) per week. As your baby grows, your uterus pushes up towards your ribs, which may feel sore. As uterine muscles stretch, you may occasionally feel a "stitch" in your side, similar to what happens when you run. But it won't be long now. Rest up, stay off your feet when you can, and get ready to be a mom!

Making the Best of an Uncomfortable Situation
Every day it's something new. If there's no heartburn, then you're constipated. If the morning sickness is gone for the day, it left a case of major fatigue in its wake. The list of pregnancy discomforts is a long one, and it may seem like there's no end in sight. The good news is that you can ease these discomforts and more with just a few nutrition choices and home remedies. The better news is that it can happen naturally, and in some surprising ways. Read more about natural cures for pregnancy symptoms.

Handling Hurting Hips
It would be nice if your pregnancy weight were distributed evenly throughout your body. But it doesn't happen that way. The hips and lower back are expected to "shoulder" most of the load, and the pressure can cause aches, soreness and downright pain. With good posture and sleeping positions, along with some exercises and stretches, you can alleviate some of that hip pain and get on with your normal day. Here are some hip-friendly exercises and stretches.