Week Twenty-Six Pregnancy

When you are at 26 weeks of your pregnancy, you are nearing the end of your second trimester. Your body is occupied with meeting the needs of your baby, which may be accompanied by symptoms like back pain, leg cramps, and increased fetal movement. For many women, Braxton Hicks contractions – light, irregular contractions – serve to prepare your uterus for the eventual onset of labor. As your baby grows further, your belly gets bigger and you might feel more pressure.

Sleep problems, heartburn, and swelling in your hands or feet may be due to hormones. Drinking a lot of water, eating a healthy diet, and doing mild exercises such as walking or prenatal yoga can help reduce some discomfort.

Your Baby

Your baby is about 14 inches long and weighs almost 2 pounds at 26 weeks, the size of a scallion. At this point, their eyes are functional, and they can see light and sound. Your baby’s brain is developing at a remarkable rate, and they may start to identify your voice too.

The lungs of your baby are developing, and the production of surfactant begins – this important element helps the lungs to function properly at birth. Slowly, your baby’s immune system is becoming stronger, so they are able to cope with external threats after birth.