Pregnancy week 26
At 26 weeks of pregnancy, the baby has grown to nearly two pounds in weight and is about 11 inches in length. The baby is accumulating layers of fat although it is not much at this point. The Doppler may be used at this point to efficiently gauge the baby’s heartbeat, which is growing stronger everyday. Since the nerves in connection to the ears and with hearing have matured, the baby’s reactions to sound can actually be felt as bumps in the whom. Soft music can be very soothing at this point for both mother and baby. Male babies tend to have a small growth spurt for about 3 days during week 26 of pregnancy where their testicles begin to move down into the scrotum. The uterus continues to expand at about 1 centimeter a week beyond this point. Leg cramps are a common complaint during this week but a good stretching routine should help alleviate those problems. Stretching is also a must before and after any kind of exercise to prevent injury and ensure comfort. Headaches are also a problem during this time in pregnancy. Sometimes severe but often not, the headaches associated during this period are connected to the hormonal fluctuations within the mother’s body. Over the counter medicines can be taken to ease this problem, but if the headaches persist or worsen, it is best to consult a physician for supplementary treatments.
The discomforts associated with pregnancy begin to accumulate from this point on. The ribs are often pushed against, along with other organs, as the uterus expands and the baby grows. Switching positions sometimes helps to alleviate the pains associated with the pinched nerves the baby’s position might cause. The mother’s blood pressure tends to spike just a bit during this week as where in the weeks just prior, it had been lower. At this point, it is best to be wary of a condition known as pre-elcampsia, where the blood pressure rises too quickly. Signs include inflammation in the hands and face apart from the usual pregnancy puffiness , strong and painful headaches, distorted vision, upper abdominal pain, and abrupt weight gain.
Current guidance (today's medical sources): Week twenty-six brings the opening of the baby's eyes and increasing brain activity, while the lungs begin producing surfactant, a substance that helps them work after birth. Movements are typically vigorous. Routine visits monitor blood pressure and growth as the second trimester nears its end.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly about heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, a high fever, severe or sudden headache, vision changes, or fainting. Seek urgent care if you are worried — these can be signs that need medical attention.
Sources: NHS — 26 weeks pregnant; Mayo Clinic — Fetal development: The 2nd trimester; ACOG — Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy. Informational only. See our sources & medical-review policy.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 26 weeks pregnant?
Week 26 falls in the second trimester. Pregnancy is usually counted in weeks (about 40 in total) rather than months, because weeks are more precise.
What is happening to the baby at 26 weeks?
The eyes begin to open; the lungs make surfactant; brain activity increases.
What symptoms are common at week 26?
Movements are vigorous; blood pressure is monitored at visits. Symptoms vary a lot from person to person; discuss anything that worries you with your healthcare provider.
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See the week-by-week guide →Informational only — not medical advice. Pregnancy Week to Week is a general educational reference. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Every pregnancy is different: always consult your doctor, midwife, or other qualified healthcare provider about your own pregnancy, and never disregard or delay professional advice because of something you read here. In an emergency, contact your maternity unit or local emergency number immediately.