Watch Video

What the mother looks like:

• Ankles swell; legs are often tired
• Mom may feel unsteady because baby's weight pulls her forward

Feels Like:

• Mom is feeling many conflicts now: she can't wait to see the baby but she may fear the delivery itself
• Mom needs to empty bladder often
• Hiccoughing by baby is an almost daily event

Special Concerns:

• A nap during the day is helpful for mom
• Slowly rocking in a rocking chair is good exercise for the calf muscles and swollen ankles
• Perfect time to begin Childbirth Classes

What the baby looks like:

• Baby begins to make grasping motions
• Layer of fat is developing under the skin to insulate baby at birth
• Baby is now about eleven inches long and weighs about three pounds

Feels Like:

• Baby is CROWDED
• Eyelids slowly open and a new sense is awakened
• Hearing continues to develop; parent's voices are comforting

Special Concerns:

• At week 26, baby has over a 50 percent chance of surviving outside the womb with intensive medical care