Week 26 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of an eggplant
9 inches · 1.68 lbs
Baby this week
- •Eyes are beginning to open for the first time
- •Brain wave activity for sleep and wakefulness is developing
- •Lungs are continuing to mature with more surfactant production
- •Baby can now hear and respond to sounds, including your voice
You this week
- •Increased Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- •Back pain and pressure in the lower abdomen
- •Swelling in feet, ankles, and hands
- •Shortness of breath as the uterus expands
- •Vivid dreams and potential sleep disruptions
- •Round ligament pain or sharp pains on the sides of your belly
This week's tips
- •Schedule your glucose tolerance test (gestational diabetes screening) if you haven't already
- •Practice good posture and consider a pregnancy support belt to ease back pain
- •Stay hydrated and elevate your feet when possible to reduce swelling
- •Talk to your baby throughout the day—they can hear you and respond to your voice
- •Start thinking about birth plan preferences and hospital policies
- •Rest when you can; fatigue in the third trimester is completely normal
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You're entering the final trimester soon, which brings the real home stretch. Over the next few weeks, you'll likely feel baby's movements become even stronger and more distinct—some people describe them as rolls or tumbles rather than flutters.
Track your pregnancy on BringBaby
Join free to track your pregnancy week-by-week and find baby-friendly places to visit as baby grows.
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
More free tools
Looking for places to bring baby?
Explore BringBaby