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 a head of lettuce
9 inches · 1.7 pounds
Baby this week
- •Eyes are opening and closing; can respond to light changes
- •Developing regular sleep-wake patterns you may start to notice
- •Lungs are maturing and beginning to produce surfactant (essential for breathing after birth)
- •Hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows are becoming more defined
You this week
- •Increased Braxton-Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- •Shortness of breath as your uterus presses upward
- •Swelling in feet and ankles, especially toward evening
- •Continued lower back pain and pelvic pressure
- •Possible gestational diabetes screening side effects if recently tested
This week's tips
- •If you haven't completed your glucose tolerance test, schedule it soon—it's typically done between weeks 24-28
- •Elevate your feet when sitting and try compression socks to help with swelling
- •Practice pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to strengthen muscles for labor and recovery
- •Stay hydrated and monitor your water intake; dehydration can trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions
- •Start thinking about your birth plan preferences and hospital policies
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You're entering the final stretch of your second trimester. In the coming weeks, you'll likely feel even stronger baby movements, and your healthcare provider will start monitoring fetal growth and position more closely.
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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.
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