Weeks 22 to 26 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

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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 labor.

At your next doctor 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

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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.

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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.

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 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 http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter G264 in the search box to learn more about "Weeks 22 to 26 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.