Day 185 of 280, second trimester
You are 26 weeks and 3 days
Parents are naturally fiercely protective of their children, and it often starts well before birth.
95 days until your due date
You may feel very protective of your belly and baby. Your bump acts like a beacon telling people you're pregnant, but you may still feel vulnerable in a jostling crowd or out shopping. Make it clear you're pregnant, and people will hopefully give you more space and a seat if needed.
When driving, you may be even more careful than usual, or become a nervous or critical passenger, and more irritated by people who seem to drive with no concern for your safety.
This protective instinct is a natural part of becoming a mother: the urge to protect and nurture your child, even before yourself. But rest assured, your baby is in the safest possible place. Your body provides warmth, food, and oxygen, and the amniotic fluid cushions him against any shoving or bumping.
The lowdown
HypnoBirthing
The idea of HypnoBirthing, giving birth so relaxed that you barely feel pain, sounds too good to be true, but the research is impressive. Several studies show self-hypnosis helps women feel less anxious about labor and birth, and they tend to need little pain relief or medical intervention; many succeed in giving birth at home.
- You learn self-hypnosis, relaxation, visualization, and breathing techniques that become second nature, so you approach birth calm and positive.
- You should feel in control of your body and able to manage pain in labor.
- Practice often; a supportive birth partner is invaluable for perfecting the techniques and using them in labor.
- Ask your doctor to recommend a course or visit HypnoBirthing.com.
Explainer
Learn and practice
HypnoBirthing works best if you're properly taught the relaxation and visualization techniques and practice them regularly during pregnancy.
Ask a Doctor
Why am I being told I need a glucose tolerance test?
Some women develop gestational diabetes in pregnancy, which disappears after the birth. It may be suspected if you have signs such as tiredness and thirst, and glucose is found in your urine. If so, you'll be advised to have an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 and 28 weeks. You'll be tested earlier if your BMI is over 35, a close relative has diabetes, or you had diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
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.