Week 26: Time to make a list
Image: @j_o_jones
Welcome to week 26 of the Happy Parents Happy Baby guide to pregnancy, birth and beyond.
This week we'll be covering:
We hope you enjoy it!
Shopping
Most babies are born after week 37 but it’s never too early to start making lists of what you’re going to need. Aside from all of the adorable clothes, blankets and nursery furnishings there are some key things you’ll want to make sure you’ve got too. Some of the bigger items such as buggies, cots or car seats may have a longer delivery time so we recommend scoping them out first to make sure they arrive in plenty of time..
When you attend our HPHB parenting classes we’ll give you some top tips on what to pack in your hospital bag - and watch out for a really comprehensive list in our Week 32 email. And if you’re struggling for clothes inspiration, refer back to our week 22 email which was full of tips for maternity clothes.
Remember, there’s a great market for second hand baby items, especially for things which don’t get used for too long such as Moses baskets, bouncers or baby baths. It’s also worth asking friends and family who’ve had children if they have any bits and bobs you can borrow. And, if you find you’ve forgotten anything there is, of course, the internet which can get essentials delivered to you at the press of a button. Dangerous, we know!!
Everyone will have different priorities when preparing for the arrival of their baby, but we think this list of essential items is a good place to start.
Buggy
Car seat and adaptors
Clothes - baby grows, vests and sleepsuits
Hats/mittens
Blankets
Cot or crib
Nappies and baby wipes
Muslins
Changing mat
Changing bag
Baby monitor
Bottles for feeding - if not breastfeeding
Breast pump - for breastfeeding and bottle feeding
Steriliser
Baby bouncer
Playmat
Baby carrier
Baby thermometer
Baby bath
Your baby’s development in week 26
Size of a marrow
Weighs around 900g
And it’s another milestone week because your baby’s eyelids are starting to open for the first time. They will now be able to see the environment around them but the final colour of their eyes won’t be established until some weeks or months after the birth. Your baby will now be able to respond to light and dark so why not try shining a torch at your bump to see if there is a reaction?
Week 26 Checklist
You might like to:
Check your maternity allowance entitlements. Whether you are self-employed or have an employer you will be entitled to some maternity pay after your baby is born. Your employer may have their own maternity pay scheme and you can find out more about applying for the Maternity Allowance here.
Spend some quality time with your partner or older child. Life is going to look very different in a few weeks and if you already have a child you might want to plan some fun activities with them to make a fuss of them before more of your time is taken up with a new baby. If you don’t have a child already, why not book in a date night or night away with your partner?
Keep good posture to help back pain. Back pain is very common in pregnancy so try to keep your back straight and shoulders back when you’re standing. Avoid lifting heavy objects, wear flat shoes and always bend your knees and keep your back straight when picking something up. Speak to your GP if your backache is very painful.
Spotlight on: Urine infections
Each week we'll be delving into the common symptoms of pregnancy and bringing you top tips for managing them from our team of specialists and parent community.
Urine infections
This week we’re looking at a symptom that can affect many women during pregnancy - urine infections.
Why?
Having a baby can increase your risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). This is because your urine contains more sugars, protein and hormones than usual. Another cause is that your growing uterus can put pressure on your bladder which means it may be harder to release all of the urine from it.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
A temperature over 37.5C
A very low temperature, below 36C
Pain or burning sensation when you pee
Pee that looks cloudy
Needing to pee suddenly
Needing to pee more often than usual
Lower tummy pain or back pain
Blood in your pee
Top tips:
You should always make an appointment to see your GP if you suspect you have a UTI. You will need antibiotics to clear it up because otherwise there is a risk of the infection spreading to your kidneys. They will ask for a urine sample to make sure you are given the correct antibiotics. Check with your doctor, midwife or a pharmacist before taking paracetamol.
Make sure you get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids. You might want to also avoid having sex until you’re feeling better.
Birth story of the week
Hannah had a positive birth with her baby Harry who was conceived through IVF
“I went into labour at 36+5 days. My waters had broken before my contractions started and the hospital asked me to come in to be monitored. Due to Covid19 restrictions it meant that I had to be on my own before I was in established labour. I arrived at hospital at 3pm and hadn't even begun dilating but I had to stay and be monitored. If it hadn't been for HPHB antenatal classes I would not have known my options, what pain relief to ask for and what to expect. There were times when I was scared and frightened on my own but I knew I had to keep my oxytocin levels up so that labour could progress and my partner could join me. I had a stern word with myself at 1am the following day after discovering I was only 1cm dilated that I needed to relax to make sure things progressed. I had some gas and air, plugged my headphones in and listened to the relaxations that I had and accessed on the HPHB Instagram page and really focussed. By 5am I knew something had changed as my contractions were stronger. The midwife examined me and I was 6cm !!I had done it! Hannah was able to join me and with a final push at 6.25am on the 25th of July, Harry James entered the world.”
Giving birth during a pandemic is not easy -we’re so glad this was a positive experience.
Treat of the week
Treat yourself to some you time while being able to keep a clear eye and ear on your baby with the Dreamee Sleep and Nursery Video Monitor System. This baby movement monitor includes a sensor mat which is placed underneath your baby’s mattress. You will be alerted if your baby is still for a prolonged period or if there’s a sudden big movement in their sleeping area.
Products are based on suggestions from our specialists and community of parents. We may earn commission from shopping links.
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Connect with other parents-to-be and learn everything you need to know, by joining our award-winning antenatal classes.
That's all for now...
Thank you so much for joining us!
Have a great week.
Team HPHB x
Information you
can trust
Our articles are based on the latest-evidence based guidelines and scientific research and are written by our team of medical experts.
Coming up
next week
Tidying and cleaning everything? The nesting has begun!
Spotlight on: backache
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