26 Weeks Pregnant: Milestones, Symptoms & Baby Size

Hey mum-to-be—big congrats to you! You're 26 weeks pregnant now, and you're practically on the final stretch. It's barely about 14 more weeks to go before you finally hold your little one in your arms! At this stage, your baby is growing fast, and you may experience certain changes in your body.

So are you curious to know about your baby's development and symptoms in the 26th week of pregnancy? Keep reading!

Key Facts: 26 Weeks Pregnant

• Your baby is much more alert now and responds to touch and sound.
• Their eyes may have formed but may not open until next week.
• You may be feeling more pressure, tightness, or even Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Sleep might become more difficult as your belly grows and back pain kicks in.
• You’re just one week away from the third trimester!

Baby At Week 26

At this stage, your baby is skyrocketing in size, like a teeny tiny human. They are also developing some fat and muscle, lending their skin a smooth appearance and generally rounding out their body. You might continue to notice them wiggling a bit more. What’s more, they can respond to sound, light and even your touch. So when you tickle your bump, they may squirm or even kick back!

Inside, your baby’s breathing movements continue even when they’re still receiving oxygen through the placenta. Their little lungs are growing and producing more surfactant, which is so important for them to be able to breathe after they are born.

Your Baby’s Growth At 26 Weeks

By the 26th week of pregnancy, your baby weighs around 820 grams. Lengthwise, they measure about 35.6 cm, which is roughly the size of a cucumber. Their legs and arms are getting a bit plumper now. And fat is accumulating steadily just under their skin, softening and rounding them out.

26 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?

26 weeks pregnant is approximately 6 months along. Pregnancy is typically tracked by weeks, and week 26 falls in the second trimester, nearing the end of month 6. You have about 14 weeks left until your due date!

26 Week Ultrasound

A 26-week ultrasound may not be standard unless there’s a medical reason. But if you do get one, you might catch your baby:

• Sucking their thumb
• Opening and closing their eyes
• Kicking or stretching
• Reacting to sounds

Some parents also opt for a 3D or 4D scan around this time, which can give a more detailed look at your baby’s face.

Pregnancy Symptoms At Week 26

The following are a few typical signs you might be experiencing this week:

Braxton Hicks contractions

Around this time, you may start to feel mild, irregular tightening in your belly. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. They don’t last long and are usually painless.

Stretch Marks

As your belly and baby grow, your skin stretches quickly. This may cause stretch marks, which appear as reddish or purple stripes, particularly on your tummy, hips, thighs, or breasts.

Round Ligament Pain

You might still experience a bit of discomfort on one or both sides of your lower abdomen since those ligaments are being stretched to support your growing uterus. This discomfort may occur when you move, walk or turn sidewise in bed.

Bloating And Constipation

Hormones continue to relax your digestive tract, which slows down bowel movements. This can cause bloating, discomfort, and constipation.

Leg Cramps

You may experience some leg cramps at times suddenly, particularly at night. They are not pleasant and are sharp, but are more often at this week.

Infections

Hormonal shifts and an expanding uterus can make it more difficult to empty your bladder fully, which may result in a urinary tract infection.

Chloasma

It is generally called the mask of pregnancy, which forms due to fluctuating pregnancy hormones. They appear as brown or grey-brown patches on your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip.

Dizziness

Lightheadedness or dizziness is most common for many mothers-to-be. It can be caused by a drop in blood pressure or standing for long periods.

Backache

As the weeks pass, you may experience lower back pain. This basically means your growing baby bump shifts your posture and adds extra pressure on your back. 

Indigestion And Heartburn

Slow digestion and pressure on the stomach may lead to acid reflux or heartburn. These symptoms may worsen after meals or on lying down.

Your Belly & Body At 26 Weeks Pregnant

By week 26, your belly shows up rounder, firmer, and harder to miss. Your uterus has grown enough to sit a few inches above your belly button. And if you’ve been stepping on the scale, you’ve probably added about 7 to 10 kilos, which is totally on track.

With your baby bump increasing in size, certain day-to-day activities may become more challenging, such as turning over in bed or walking without a waddle. Your balance and posture may be somewhat out of sync due to the changes your body is going through. In addition, many expectant women start noticing some swelling in their hands, ankles, or feet around this stage, which can be bothersome, but is completely normal during pregnancy. This is the stage where wearing maternity clothes seems comfortable—and rightfully so!

Tips For The 26th Week Of Pregnancy

Here are a few tips that can assist you with having an easier week 26 of your pregnancy.

• Drink plenty of water- During pregnancy, drinking water is extremely vital in dealing with edema, cramping, and for facilitating proper digestion.
• Maintain posture while sleeping- Switching the side you sleep to your left aids in blood circulation. Moreover, using a pregnancy pillow makes sleeping far more comfortable.
• Do kegels- Strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor will ease labour and recovery from childbirth.
• Put on compression socks- These socks can alleviate your swollen legs and feet.
• Plan ahead for your maternity leave. Postpartum, work transition, and leave planning should now be considered.
  
  

Wrapping Up!

If you’re 26 weeks pregnant, you are steadily moving towards the final stage of your trip. Your baby is growing quickly and your body is trying hard to keep pace. Stay rested, hydrated, and take it one day at a time as you near the third trimester.

FAQs

Q1) What To Expect At 26 Weeks Pregnant With Twins?

At 26 weeks pregnant with twins, you can expect your belly may be heavier or feel stretched. You may experience increased pregnancy symptoms like tiredness, back ache, or swelling in the hands and feet. Additionally, you may require more check-ups and ultrasound visits to monitor both babies' health. 

Q2) What Is the Baby's Weight in Kilograms at 26 Weeks?

Around the 26th week of pregnancy, the average weight of the fetus is around 0.82 kilograms (820 grams). However, it also depends on many factors such as genetics and the mother’s health. 

Q3) Is Cephalic Position Good At 26 Weeks?

Yes, the cephalic position (head down) is a good sign, even if it’s still early at 26 weeks. Babies tend to move around a lot at this time, so their position may keep changing. Most babies turn head-down position around 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.