Celebrity Mom Jennylyn Mercado Proudly Displays Her Blossoming Baby Bump

Among the many milestones, women go through is being able to carry life. So, it's only fitting for many expecting moms to document their pregnancy journey, including taking photos of their baby bumps.

Recently, Jennylyn Mercado marked her 26th week of pregnancy by sharing a fresh photo of her growing belly. The GMA-7 actress looked effortlessly stylish in a figure-hugging black outfit as she snapped a mirror selfie while turning to the side to give a glimpse of the size of her bump. Her red cover-up cardigan gave a pop of color to complete the look.

The celebrity simply wrote "26 weeks" in the caption with a classic red heart emoji.

Jennylyn, 34, is expecting her first child, a baby girl, with her husband co-celebrity, Dennis Trillo, 40.

The power GMA-7 couple tied the knot last November 2021 after six years of being together. 

Jennylyn's pregnancy journey

Jennylyn and Dennis, who both have a child from their previous relationships, have been sharing their pregnancy journey in a series of vlogs on Youtube.

The couple previously opened up about initially opting to undergo surrogacy due to fertility issues. They even got to a point where they already chose and met a surrogate mother in the U.S. But before going all out with the plan, a twist happened and found out the pleasant surprise that Jennylyn is already with a child. (Read more about their planned surrogacy here)

Closing the year 2021, the couple gave a glimpse of their mountain house, which is currently under construction. Dennis says having a home tucked in the mountains is the "perfect location" to spend time with his "growing family."

Pregnancy updates

At 26 weeks, Jennylyn is counting down the weeks before the arrival of her baby girl. In her most recent video upload, the couple shared they had to isolate themselves after some of their family members tested positive for COVID-19.

Staying in the condominium, Jennylyn shared it was Dennis who gets all the chores done around the house. "Ayaw niya naman ako pakilusin. Si Dennis ang nagluluto, lahat lahat—naghuhugas, naglilinis." For his part, Dennis says getting things done for Jennylyn is no big deal.

Being alone together, Jennylyn quipped, "Na-practice 'yung pagiging mag-asawa namin dito."

While in isolation, Jennylyn makes sure she gets exercise, which she does by walking and dipping in the pool for swimming. 

Did you know? Pregnant women must get at least 150 minutes or 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (Read more here)

26 weeks pregnant: What to expect?

At 26 weeks, pregnant women is about to enter the beginning of their third trimester. When it comes to your baby's development, your little one could actually open his eyes at this point!

Below you'll read about some symptoms you'll encounter at this stage of your pregnancy, lifted from a 2019 Smart Parenting article. (Read the full article here)

Your belly button protrudes

Before you even pop, your navel will do so first. Don't be surprised if you notice your belly button beginning to protrude. As your uterus grows, it's pushing your abdomen forward — your navel included.

Weight gain

Even if you're watching what you eat, it's inevitable for you to gain weight — you need to add the pounds for a healthy pregnancy! Just make sure you're well within the healthy weight gain bracket.

Mommy brain

Don't be surprised if you may experience bouts of forgetfulness at this point in your pregnancy, even at a young age. Mommy brain is real, but not in a bad way. It only means your mind is getting used to having a lot to think about now that you're so close to having a baby to care for. 

Round ligament pain

You might already be getting used to it by this time. As your expanding uterus stretches, you'll feel the pull around your lower abdomen and your back.

Checklist for Week 26 of your pregnancy

By your third trimester, you have to make sure to start putting together a birth plan. You may think it's too early to do so, but before you know it, you'll be giving birth already.

Here are some things you'll need to cover when creating a birth plan.

1. Your details

2. Your companion/s' details

3. Research about labor preferences

4. Research about your preferred pain management

5. Research about delivery preferences6. Infant care

Read more about what your birth plan should contain here.

Aside from anticipating the near of your pregnancy, of course, don't forget to enjoy the rest of the journey while you care for your little one inside your womb!

Check out the stunning photos of celebrity moms showing off their baby bumps in 2021 here.