Week 26 of Pregnancy – As your pregnancy continues, it is so touching that your baby is weight two pounds already! There are a lot of things happening with the growth of your baby and also, your body changing. Let’s dive into the changes that you may be experiencing and how your baby is growing.
🌟 Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways from this important article:
- Baby is now about 14 inches long and weighs nearly 2 pounds.
- Eyes begin to open, and brain wave activity is picking up.
- Common symptoms: Braxton Hicks, backaches, and sleep disruption.
- Glucose screening test is often done between weeks 24–28.
- It’s time to start learning about labor signs and hospital bag essentials.
How Big Is Baby at 26 Weeks?
Baby is growing and there are so many changes happening! At 26 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a zucchini — around 14 inches long and weighing about 1.7 to 2 pounds. Your little one’s lungs are developing more fully, and they’re practicing inhaling and exhaling tiny amounts of amniotic fluid.
👁️ Bonus milestone: Their eyelids are opening for the first time!
What’s Happening in Your Body
There is a lot happening to your boy this week. Consider some of these common symptoms and changes that mothers are experiencing:
Common Symptoms at 26 Weeks
Here are some common symptoms you may be experiencing this week:
- Back pain due to your growing belly and shifting posture.
- Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions) may increase.
- Swelling in feet and ankles (mild edema).
- Increased fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Insomnia or frequent nighttime urination.
➡️ Tip: Try sleeping on your left side and using a pregnancy pillow for better rest. Many moms to be say it feels great and can be a game changer.
Prenatal Appointments This Week
There is an important prenatal appointment that you may have scheduled this week. It’s for gestational diabetes and it is important to get this test.
Glucose Screening Test
Your provider may schedule your glucose screening between weeks 24–28 to check for gestational diabetes. You’ll drink a sugary drink, then your blood will be tested after one hour. For some people, the test is gross and too sugary. For others, it is a welcomed sweet treat.
📝 If your glucose levels are high, your provider may order a follow-up glucose tolerance test.
Baby Development at 26 Weeks
We have learned about your possible changes and development, now it is time to touch base with baby. Here are some exciting baby developments this week:
- Hearing is improving — baby may recognize familiar voices.
- Neural pathways in the brain are forming rapidly.
- Immune system is starting to develop.
- Eyes may begin to open, though vision is still limited.
🧠 Fun Fact: The brain is developing more complex brainwave activity, including REM sleep patterns!
Preparing for Labor and Delivery
It is never too early to educate yourself on labor and delivery. When we arm ourselves with practical information, it can be a little less scary. It may feel early, but it’s a great time to:
- Learn about preterm labor signs (cramps, back pain, discharge).
- Take a childbirth education class.
- Start researching pediatricians and hospital policies. – some hospitals let you do a pre-tour. Others are too busy to allow a tour.
- Make a hospital bag checklist (and consider packing early if you’re high risk). – Have it close to the front door just in case!
Nutrition Tips for Week 26
🥦 Your nutritional needs continue to rise. Do the best you can to eat as healthy as you can for you and baby. Make sure you’re getting:
- Iron-rich foods: spinach, lentils, beef
- Calcium: dairy, fortified plant milks
- Omega-3s: walnuts, chia seeds, fish (low-mercury)
📌 Reminder: If you’re taking prenatal vitamins, don’t double up — follow your healthcare provider’s dosage instructions.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
It’s normal if you’re not feeling elated everyday. It is okay, if you are feeling depressed, sad, confused or anxious. You may experience:
- Mood swings
- Body image concerns
- Increased nesting instincts
🧘 Try gentle yoga, journaling, or talking to a therapist trained in perinatal mental health. Prenatal anxiety is common and treatable. Remember to talk to trusted friends and family, reach out to your doctor if you need to and get a supportive community around you.
Your Checklist for Week 26 of Pregnancy
Here are some things to consider to put on your checklist for this week:
✅ Attend your glucose screening
✅ Continue pelvic floor exercises
✅ Choose a pediatrician
✅ Research birth plan preferences
✅ Eat small meals to combat heartburn
✅ Stay hydrated!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common frequently asked questions that people ask during week 26.
Can I fly at 26 weeks pregnant?
Yes, in most healthy pregnancies, flying is safe up to 36 weeks. Wear compression socks, hydrate well, and walk every hour on long flights. Always check with your provider.
Is cramping normal at 26 weeks of pregnancy?
Mild cramping from ligament stretching or Braxton Hicks can be normal. However, painful or regular cramping could be a sign of preterm labor. Contact your provider if you’re unsure.
How do I know if it’s Braxton Hicks or real contractions?
Braxton Hicks are irregular, don’t increase in intensity, and go away with rest. True contractions are regular, stronger, and don’t ease up. If contractions are every 10 minutes or closer, call your provider.
Bibliography
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Prenatal development: How your baby grows during pregnancy. ACOG. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-baby-grows-during-pregnancy
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Pregnancy week by week: Week 26. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2022). What is prenatal care and why is it important? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/prenatal-care
March of Dimes. (2023). Glucose screening and tolerance tests. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/glucose-screening-and-tolerance-tests
