26 Weeks Pregnant

26 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

At 26 weeks, your baby’s lungs are hard at work, getting ready to take those first breaths once he’s born. The lungs are now starting to produce surfactant, which is a substance that helps the lungs inflate properly with each breath.

By now, your baby's sucking reflex is so strong that if his hand floats by his face, he might suck on his thumb or fingers. Ultrasounds often show babies sucking their thumbs.

Your baby’s skin is starting to take on a reddish color, though it’s still slightly translucent. Hair continues to grow on his head, and eyelashes are also starting to sprout.

If you’re eagerly awaiting the day when you can look into your newborn’s eyes, you’re a little more than halfway there. Although your baby’s eyes have been sealed shut up to this point, they’ll soon open, and he can practice blinking.

When you're 26 weeks pregnant, you may want to start tracking your baby’s movements, if your healthcare provider approves.

When you’re 26 weeks pregnant, your baby’s position may change from time to time, and in the coming weeks, it will be important to pay attention to the frequency of his movements. Your healthcare provider will let you know more about how to do this.

How Big Is Your Baby at 26 Weeks?

At 26 weeks, your fetus is about the size of a zucchini at 26 weeks pregnant. He could measure about 9 inches, from crown to rump, and may weigh nearly 2 pounds.

All snuggled up and comfy, check out what your baby may look like this week:

Mom’s Body at 26 Weeks Pregnant

The end of your second trimester is quickly approaching! In just two weeks, or from 28 weeks onward, you’ll begin your third trimester.

Your belly and breasts are continuing to grow, so you’ll want to make sure you’re dressing comfortably and wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra with wide straps and ample cup coverage. A department store or specialty lingerie shop may stock a variety of maternity bras as well as provide professional fittings to make sure you’re wearing the right size.

You may notice stretch marks appearing on your belly, breasts, and thighs around 26 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, these can’t be prevented, but you can take some comfort in the fact that they usually fade after you give birth. If your expanding skin is itchy, make sure you’re moisturizing often.

If you experience any abdominal pain or discomfort around 26 weeks pregnant, your healthcare provider may suggest an ultrasound to check the amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus.

26 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

At 26 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

• Pelvic pain. At 26 weeks pregnant, the ligaments in your pelvis may be loosening and becoming more flexible in preparation for labor and delivery. This can cause pain in your pelvic area and lower back that you may feel when you sit down or stand up from a chair, or when you walk up or down stairs. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage and alleviate back pain using exercise, stretches, and other methods.

• Braxton Hicks contractions. Some moms-to-be experience these so-called practice contractions in the second trimester, though the third trimester is a more likely time for these to occur. Braxton Hicks contractions may feel like a tightness in your abdomen, or they can be a bit more painful. Be aware that they’re more likely to strike later in the day and after exercise or sexual activity. Staying hydrated is one way you can help ward off Braxton Hicks contractions. If you are unsure if you’re feeling Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can crop up during your pregnancy as you start preparing for your baby’s arrival, and it’s normal to feel a bit anxious about the life changes that lie ahead. If you have a history of depression, or if you find yourself more worried or anxious than usual, talk to your healthcare provider about stress during pregnancy. Keeping up a moderate exercise routine can also help you manage stress, as can getting together with friends. Give yourself a break from time to time, too, and remember that you’re not alone.

• Urinary tract infections. During pregnancy, these infections are not uncommon, as bacteria can sometimes make its way into the body through the urethra. Urinary tract infections can lead to more serious bladder or kidney infections if not treated, so let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience painful urination, a strong urge to urinate, or a fever. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.