Pregnant in week 26
In week 26 your baby is the size of a head of lettuce. The eyes open for the first time, and your baby starts to blink. Sleep can be tricky for you now – try a pregnancy pillow and sleep on your side.
Your baby in week 26
Your baby measures around 35.6 centimetres and weighs about 760 grams. The fat layers continue to grow, and the body becomes plumper and better formed.
The eyes, which have been closed for months, now open for the first time, and your baby can blink. It reacts to strong light from outside and to sounds with movements or a changed heart rhythm.
The lungs develop the last finer structures and continue to produce surfactant. The nervous system matures rapidly, and the connections between brain and body grow stronger.
Your body and symptoms in week 26
Sleep can become a theme now. The large belly, frequent toilet trips, heartburn and restless legs make it hard to fall asleep and sleep through. A pregnancy pillow makes a big difference.
You are approaching the third trimester, and the uterus takes up a lot of room. Back and pelvic pain are common, and the skin on your belly can tighten and itch as it stretches.
Braxton Hicks contractions can come more often. They are short, irregular and painless. If they become regular, increasing or painful, however, you should get them assessed.
Good advice for week 26
Invest in good sleep
A pregnancy pillow, a cool bedroom and a steady evening routine help. Sleep on your side, and get up calmly if you need the toilet at night.
Watch for swelling
Slight swelling is normal, but sudden severe swelling in the face and hands with headaches and visual disturbances can be pre-eclampsia – contact your midwife or doctor.
Learn your baby's rhythm
The movements now follow a pattern. Feel for them daily, and react if there are clearly fewer – it is your most important tool for following your baby's wellbeing.
Start thinking about the birth
It is a good time to sign up for birth classes and read about birthplace, labour and pain relief while you have the calm for it.
Checklists for this stage
Tick things off as you go – the list remembers where you got to, and you can share it with your partner.
Relevant with us in week 26
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 26
Can my baby see anything now?
Your baby can open its eyes and sense the difference between light and dark, but there is very little to see in the uterus. Sight develops properly after birth.
What helps with sleep problems?
A pregnancy pillow, side-lying, a cool room, less fluid late in the evening and a calm routine. Avoid screens just before bed.
Is back pain normal?
Yes. The growing bump shifts your centre of gravity and strains the back, and hormones soften the joints. Movement, good posture and possibly a physiotherapist help.
Your pregnancy – week by week, in your inbox
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Read on in week 26
Feeling life – when and how do you feel the first fetal movements?
Second opinion during pregnancy – extra peace of mind
