Pregnancy week by week · trimester 2
26 weeks pregnant: your baby is about the size of a beetroot
At 26 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a beetroot, the eyes are developing quickly and may begin to open.
Your baby this week
Your baby is around 35.6cm long and 760g, similar to a big beetroot with its leaves. Their eyes are developing quickly and may begin to open soon. The lungs are continuing to mature, and your baby is practising breathing movements, moving fluid in and out. The brain is very active, with new connections forming all the time. Your baby may react to light, sound and touch, and their movements may feel stronger and more varied.
You this week
You may be noticing your bump in everything you do, from putting on socks to getting out of bed. Some mums feel more tired again as the third trimester approaches. Backache, leg cramps and difficulty sleeping are common. You might also feel your baby's kicks under your ribs. Your feelings about the birth may come into focus, and talking about them can help.
Kind things to do this week
- Try rolling onto your side first, then pushing up with your arms, to get out of bed more comfortably.
- Start a gentle list of things you might like for your birth preferences.
- Plan your 28 week appointment and any blood tests.
Appointments around now
Your next appointment is usually at 28 weeks, with blood tests to check for anaemia and, if you are rhesus negative, an anti-D injection.
Questions to ask your midwife
- What should I include in my birth preferences?
- What are my pain relief options?
When to call your midwife or maternity unit
If your baby's movements slow down, stop or feel different to their usual pattern, contact your maternity unit straight away, day or night. Do not wait until the next day, and do not rely on a home doppler. Also call your midwife or maternity unit if you have bleeding, fluid leaking, a severe headache, changes to your vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet.
OBubba from bump to baby
Follow your pregnancy week by week, free.
OBubba is free through pregnancy, with a weekly update, kick counting and contraction timing. On the day your baby arrives, the same app becomes your baby tracker.
Questions
Is it normal to feel tired again at 26 weeks?
Yes. As your bump grows and sleep gets harder, tiredness often returns. Rest when you can and ask for help.
Can my baby open their eyes at 26 weeks?
Your baby's eyes are developing quickly and many begin to open around now, though they will spend a lot of time closed.
Not sure how far along you are? Use the due date calculator.
Sources
OBubba gives general information. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Your midwife and maternity unit are always the right people to ask, any time of day or night.