Day 183 of 280, second trimester
You are 26 weeks and 1 day
It can be frustrating when your baby starts exercising just as you settle down for a nap, but take it as a sign all is well.
97 days until your due date
Your baby may seem more active at some times than others, often when you're trying to relax or sleep! This is probably because when you're busy, you don't notice his movements as much. The moment you sit down, put your feet up, or go to bed is when he starts his somersaults.
Like newborns, babies in the uterus sleep a lot, so there will be times when he isn't very active, and it's fine for him not to move all the time. Every baby has its own cycle of waking and sleeping, and there are no rules about when he should kick or be still.
If you know your baby's pattern of movements and are worried you haven't felt him, lie on your side and relax, or play music to see if he responds. If you're still concerned, call your doctor, who may want to examine you and listen to the heartbeat.
Some women record their baby's movements on a kick chart, but these aren't often used now unless a doctor recommends one, because they can cause unnecessary worry. Every baby has its own pattern, and it's the pattern, not the number of kicks, that matters.
Ask a Mum
I've never looked after a baby and don't even know how to put on a diaper! What can I do?
You're not alone. I'd never been around babies and was full of questions: how do diapers work, what do babies do all day, what if I drop him? Luckily a friend had a three-month-old we "borrowed."
There are plenty of tired parents who'd love a break. Before taking the baby away, spend time with him and his parents, feeding and changing him under his mother's watchful eye. Once she's confident, offer to take charge for a few hours, building up to a day or even overnight. It will do wonders for your confidence and ease your fears, so when your own baby arrives you'll know what to expect.
As a matter of fact
More blood
Your total blood volume is 50 percent higher than normal in pregnancy.
The amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat rises by about 40 percent, and you make around 20 percent more red blood cells than usual.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 26 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.