~ Pregnancy Week 26 ~ It is now 25 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 23 weeks gestation and is almost 8 3/4 inches long from crown to rump (11 3/4 inches from head to toe). Sudden noises may cause your baby to startle -- responses have been reported when baby hears a loud noise. Your baby's bowel now contains some meconium, a dark green tar-like substance that will be excreted during the first few days after birth. Advice for Mom Your uterus should measure about 9 1/2 - 10 inches and be about 3 finger-breadths above your belly button. The linea nigra is a black line that might appear from your pubic bone to navel. This is normal and will lighten about 3 months postpartum. While most women dread stretch marks, you should be proud of them! They're like a badge of honour and are symbolic of your baby's road map to life. To avoid varicose veins, try a support, maternity hose and/or frequent walks to increase circulation. Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 Week 17 Week 18 Week 19 Week 20 Week 21 Week 22 Week 23 Week 24 Week 25 Week 26 Week 27 Week 28 Week 29 Week 30 Week 31 Week 32 Week 33 Week 34 Week 35 Week 36 Week 37 Week 38 Week 39 Week 40 Calendar Index Due Date Calculator ~~~~~ Medela Maternity Support Belly Butter Prenatal Cradle Support