Pregnancy Week 26

What does my baby look like, and how big is my baby now?

This week your baby is about the size of a bunch of green onions. As fat builds up beneath the skin, the body gradually takes on a fuller, rounder look.

There's still plenty of room to move around, but over the coming weeks the space inside the uterus will get tighter, leaving less room for big somersaults.

Hair, eyelashes, and nails keep growing. The grasp reflex is developing, and your baby may grab hold of the umbilical cord, which is usually harmless.

Your baby's eyes are opening

After being closed for so long, the eyes begin to open for the first time now that the retina has had a chance to develop. The blinking reflex will come along in the next stage.

Even though your baby is in a dark environment inside the uterus, they can sense and respond to bright changes in light coming from outside.

The idea that all babies are born with blue eyes isn't true. The iris, the colored part of the eye, still has limited pigment; eye color depends on the genes passed down from the parents, and brown is quite common. The true eye color becomes clearer in the weeks ahead and after birth.

How many months pregnant are you?

You're in your 6th month of pregnancy, with about 3 months to go until birth.

What's happening in my body?

During these weeks you'll feel your baby's movements more distinctly. If you think the movements have noticeably slowed down or stopped, you should contact a healthcare provider without delay.

Leg cramps, especially at night, may show up more often. Flexing your foot upward, gently stretching the muscle, and massaging it can bring relief.

“Pregnancy brain”

If you're feeling more forgetful, you're not alone. This is commonly called “pregnancy brain,” and while it isn't a medical diagnosis, many pregnant people experience similar complaints because of fatigue, mental load, and distraction.

Whooping cough vaccine

The recommended window for the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is weeks 16 to 32; if you haven't had it yet, you can talk with your doctor.

Symptoms you may notice this week

Symptoms you may notice this week include:

• fatigue and trouble sleeping
• stretch marks
• swollen, bleeding gums
• round ligament pain
• hemorrhoids
• back pain
• nosebleeds
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urinary tract infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin or brown patches on the face
• oilier, more acne-prone skin
• thicker, shinier hair

Symptoms that may carry over from earlier weeks include:

• mood swings
• morning sickness
• food cravings
• a heightened sense of smell
• sore or leaking breasts
• milky-white vaginal discharge and light spotting

Any bleeding calls for a medical evaluation.

Your baby's movements in the womb

During these weeks your baby's movements become more coordinated and stronger. The kicks and stretches can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

Your baby may sometimes stretch a foot up toward your ribs. When this happens, changing position, gently stretching, or resting your hand softly on your belly can help.

Sleep and nighttime complaints

Moving around during the day can settle your baby, while your baby's movements may become more noticeable once you sit down to rest. This can make it harder to fall asleep. Leg cramps, heartburn, frequent trips to the bathroom, and a growing belly can also interrupt your sleep.

These may help:

• getting regular but gentle exercise during the day
• getting some fresh air
• cutting back a little on fluids before bed
• finding a comfortable sleep position

Some people may also develop restless legs syndrome. If this happens, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor about ways to ease the symptoms.

Hot flashes

Hot flashes may show up during this time. Increased blood flow and hormonal changes can cause flushing and sweating around the face, neck, and chest. Cooling off with cool water and wearing light, loose clothing can bring relief.

Nutrition this week

Eating regularly and in a balanced way matters during this stage of pregnancy. A breakfast rich in B vitamins, folate, calcium, and vitamin C, in particular, can help you start the day well.

To manage complaints like leg cramps, fatigue, and constipation, it can help to drink enough fluids, eat a fiber-rich diet, and stick to regular meals.

Prenatal classes

If you haven't signed up for prenatal classes yet, this can be a good time to look into them. These classes give you a sense of labor, what may happen during the birth, and the first days afterward.

Walking is good for you

Even if you didn't exercise regularly before pregnancy, walking is a safe and practical way to get started.

It can help with:

• supporting circulation
• helping you sleep
• easing back pain
• maintaining overall stamina

If you can, try fitting walks into your daily routine in small pieces.

Clumsiness and changes in balance

Toward the end of the second trimester, you may feel more tired, clumsier, and less steady on your feet. This is because your center of gravity shifts as your belly grows.

For this reason, it can help to:

• not rush
• give yourself more time for daily tasks
• wear comfortable shoes
• stay active without overexerting your body

Back pain

Lower back pain can develop as your uterus grows and your ligaments loosen. Walking, swimming, gentle stretching, and proper rest can bring relief.

Self-care approaches like prenatal massage, meditation, or prenatal yoga may also help some people. That said, especially with things like massage, it's important to seek support from a professional experienced in working with pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks contractions

During these weeks you may notice Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes known as practice contractions.

These contractions are usually:

• irregular
• not steadily getting stronger
• likely to ease with rest
• likely to ease when you drink water
• likely to pass when you change position

Still, they can sometimes be hard to tell apart from preterm labor contractions. If your contractions are regular, getting stronger, or painful, you should contact a healthcare provider.

Headaches

Mild headaches during pregnancy can come from fatigue, hunger, dehydration, allergies, or changes in your vision.

These may help:

• getting enough sleep
• eating regularly
• drinking enough fluids

If a headache is severe, lasts a long time, or comes with other symptoms, it needs to be evaluated, because some headaches can be linked to serious conditions like preeclampsia.

Constipation and hemorrhoids

Rising progesterone levels can slow down digestion. That's why constipation is common, and it can make hemorrhoids worse.

These may help:

• drinking enough water
• eating a fiber-rich diet
• moving regularly
• using a stool softener if needed, on your doctor's advice

It's important not to use any medication or supplement without checking with your doctor first.

Stretch marks and skin changes

As your belly, breasts, and thighs grow, stretch marks may become more noticeable. Genetics plays a big role in whether they form, and it isn't always possible to prevent them completely.

As the skin stretches, itching and tenderness can increase. Using a moisturizer and avoiding anything that irritates the skin can bring relief.

Body aches and ways to ease them

You may feel new aches and pains during this time. Applying warm or cold to the affected areas can be soothing for some people. When using heat, avoid overheating your belly for long periods.

Anxiety about the birth

Feeling tense or anxious about giving birth is very common. Talking about how you feel with your doctor or someone close you trust can be reassuring.

The big picture

During this time you're approaching the end of the second trimester. Your baby's eyes may open, fat begins to build up beneath the skin, and the movements feel stronger.

You may also experience symptoms like insomnia, clumsiness, back pain, leg cramps, heartburn, and hot flashes during this period.