Pregnancy Week 26: What to Expect
Baby's development, your body's changes, common symptoms, what to eat, and what to do this week.
Baby's development at week 26
Baby's eyes are opening — eyelids unfuse this week or next. Baby can blink. Baby's eyelashes are present. Brain activity is similar to a newborn's. Baby's lungs continue developing — alveoli (the tiny air sacs that exchange oxygen) are forming. Baby's hearing is fully developed; baby may startle to loud sounds.
What's happening in your body
Your uterus is about 2 inches above the belly button. Bump is very large. Possible Braxton Hicks. Heartburn common. Sleep difficult. Possible swelling in feet, ankles. Possible mild back pain. Some people start to feel pelvic pressure from baby's weight pressing down.
Common symptoms at week 26
Increased fetal movement. Mild Braxton Hicks. Trouble sleeping. Heartburn. Possible swollen feet/ankles. Possible back pain. Carpal tunnel. Linea nigra prominent. Hair feels thick.
When to call your provider
Watery discharge or fluid leakage (could be amniotic fluid) — call provider. Painful regular contractions, bleeding, severe headache/vision changes, sudden swelling — same.
How to feel better this week
Start packing the hospital bag — gives you weeks to refine. Include: comfortable clothes, slippers, toiletries, phone charger, snacks, baby's coming-home outfit, car seat installed in car. Continue Kegels. Apply belly lotion. Sleep on left side with pillow support. Walk daily. Get glucose test results back.
Nutrition focus for week 26
Continue all nutrients. Iron continues to be a focus — baby is using your stores to build their own. Calcium, vitamin D, protein, healthy fats, fiber, hydration. Limit caffeine, avoid raw foods.
For your partner
Pack the hospital bag together. Practice installing the car seat (or schedule a fire-station check).
This week's to-do
Pack hospital bag. Install/check car seat.
Is this normal?
Babies in the third trimester have growth spurts — sometimes a week of intense kicking followed by a quieter week. As long as you feel movement every day and a regular pattern is maintained, this is normal.
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