Weeks 22 to 26 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions
Your baby's lungs are getting ready for breathing. Your baby may respond to your voice. Your baby likely turns less, and kicks or jerks more. Jerking may mean that your baby has hiccups.
Think about taking childbirth classes. And start to think about whether you want to have pain medicine during labour.
At your next doctor or midwife visit, you may be tested for anemia and for high blood sugar that first occurs during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). These conditions can cause problems for you and your baby.
To ease discomfort, such as back pain
- Change your position often. Try not to sit or stand for too long.
- Get some exercise. Things like walking or stretching may help.
- Try using a heating pad or cold pack.
To ease or reduce swelling in your feet, ankles, hands, and fingers
- Take off your rings.
- Avoid high-sodium foods, such as potato chips.
- Prop up your feet, and sleep with pillows under your feet.
- Try to avoid standing for long periods of time.
- Do not wear tight shoes.
- Wear support stockings.
Kegel exercises to prevent urine from leaking
Squeeze your muscles as if you were trying not to pass gas. Your belly, legs, and buttocks shouldn't move. Hold the squeeze for 3 seconds, then relax for 5 to 10 seconds.
Add 1 second each week until you can squeeze for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times a session. Do 3 to 8 sessions a day. If these exercises cause you pain, stop doing them and talk with your doctor or midwife.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
