Week 26 Pregnancy: Baby Opens Their Eyes for the First Time

At week 26, you are approximately in the last week of 6 months pregnant, and your baby reaches an incredible milestone as their eyes open for the first time, allowing them to start responding to light and shadow. Their brain is rapidly developing, creating essential neural connections for future learning and sensory experiences. You might also notice stronger and more frequent kicks as your baby grows bigger and more active.

Did you miss last week? Catch up on all the details and key milestones from pregnancy week 25 here.

Week 26 body changes

At week 26, you’re nearing the end of your 2nd trimester, and your body is continuing to adapt to your growing baby. Your expanding uterus is now taking up more space, putting pressure on your back and weakening your abdominal muscles, which may lead to lower back discomfort. The added baby weight and water retention can also place strain on your sciatic nerve, potentially causing sharp pains that radiate from your lower back down to the back of your leg. Frequent bathroom trips are common now, as your baby presses against your bladder. Additionally, your pelvic floor muscles might feel weaker, and it’s normal to experience a bit of leakage when coughing or sneezing.

Week 26 pregnancy symptoms

At 26 weeks pregnant, you’ll continue to experience common pregnancy symptoms from earlier in your pregnancy. However, some new ones may emerge, along with a few that could intensify. Here’s what to expect this week:

1) Rib pain

• Your baby is getting bigger and more active, which may lead to occasional rib pain. This happens as your baby kicks upward into your ribcage, causing discomfort, especially when sitting for long periods or slouching. Gentle stretches and maintaining good posture can help ease this.

2) Brain fog

• Pregnancy brain, also known as mommy brain, might make you feel forgetful or spacey. You might lose track of tasks or forget what you were planning to say. This is common and often lingers postpartum - sometimes for up to two years. 

• To stay on top of things, use tools like schedules, alarms, or sticky notes to organise your day and keep your memory on track.

3) Bloating and gas

• Hormonal changes and your growing baby pressing on your digestive organs may lead to bloating and gas. Smaller meals and staying hydrated might be helpful.

4) Clumsiness

• Shifts in your centre of gravity may make you feel more uncoordinated. Avoid heavy lifting, invest in non-slip shoes, and move carefully to prevent falls.

5) Swelling (oedema)

• Mild swelling in hands and feet due to fluid retention. Elevate your feet and stay hydrated to reduce it.

6) Blurred vision

• Hormonal changes can cause blurred vision or dry eyes. However, if paired with high blood pressure or severe headaches, contact your doctor to rule out preeclampsia.

7) Stretch marks

• Your skin stretches to accommodate your growing baby. Moisturise regularly and stay hydrated to ease itchiness and minimise scarring.

8) Fatigue and swelling

• Carrying extra weight and water retention can leave you feeling tired or cause mild swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands. Rest, elevate your feet, and wear supportive shoes for relief.

9) Braxton hicks contractions

• Irregular, painless uterine contractions preparing your body for labor.

10) Leg cramps

• You might experience painful leg cramps, often at night. Stretching before bed, staying hydrated, and eating foods rich in magnesium and potassium can help reduce these cramps.

If you have any concerns or would like professional advice, Thomson Medical is here to support you. Request an appointment with us today.

Your baby at week 26

At 26 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a leek, measuring approximately 34 cm (13.4 inches) from head to toe and weighing around 2 pounds. Your little one is becoming more active, though their movements now follow a more consistent pattern of sleeping and waking.

This week marks a special milestone as your baby’s eyelids open for the first time! While their skin is still a bit wrinkled, they’re steadily gaining weight, starting to develop adorable chubby cheeks that may even be visible on an ultrasound. For boys, this week begins the two-to-three-month process of their testicles descending into the scrotum.

Your baby is also practising swallowing by drinking amniotic fluid, which helps their digestive system develop and maintains the fluid balance in the womb. The amniotic fluid also cushions your baby and protects them as they grow.

Additionally, your baby’s sucking reflex is now in action, and during an ultrasound, you might catch a glimpse of your little one sucking their thumb - a sign of their growing readiness for life outside the womb

Pregnancy tests & screenings 

This week, your healthcare provider may recommend routine checks such as monitoring your blood pressure, weight, and urine to ensure both you and your baby remain healthy. These tests are designed to detect conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or urinary tract infections.

You may also undergo tests like the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or the glucose challenge test (GCT) to screen for gestational diabetes. The OGTT requires fasting and measures your blood sugar levels over a few hours, while the GCT is a non-fasting test that assesses your risk.

For high-risk pregnancies or additional concerns, your doctor may suggest further screenings, such as preeclampsia monitoring or a foetal fibronectin test to assess the risk of preterm labour. Preeclampsia monitoring tracks maternal and foetal health to detect high blood pressure and related complications, while a foetal fibronectin test assesses the risk of preterm labour by detecting a protein in vaginal secretions.

Cervical length measurements may also be recommended to monitor signs of preterm birth.

Below is a summary of the key tests and screenings for this stage of pregnancy:

Learn more about our prenatal scans for each trimester here.

At Thomson Medical, we offer personalised pregnancy tests and screenings tailored to each week of your pregnancy. You can always request an appointment with us to discuss your pregnancy journey.

Preparing for Week 26 pregnancy

As you near the end of your second trimester, preparing for the 26th week of pregnancy can help you feel more comfortable and ready for the weeks ahead. Here are some tips on pregnancy week 26 to support you during this stage:

• Focus on comfort:

  • Use a maternity pillow and good posture to ease back and rib pain. Try light stretches or prenatal yoga.

• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals: 

  • Your growing baby and body need extra nutrients and hydration. For a healthy lifestyle, focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support your baby’s development and manage your energy levels.

• Plan your glucose screening test:

  • If you haven’t already, schedule your glucose challenge test, typically done between weeks 24 and 28, to check for gestational diabetes.

• Manage pregnancy symptoms:

  • Prepare for symptoms like rib pain, backaches, and bloating. Use a maternity pillow, wear supportive shoes, and rest frequently. Staying active with gentle exercises like walking can also help.

• Strengthen your pelvic floor:

  • Incorporate Kegel - Pelvic floor exercises into your routine to improve pelvic floor strength and manage bladder leakage as your baby grows.

• Get enough rest:

  • Fatigue may increase at this stage. Create a calming bedtime routine, take short naps during the day, and use pillows to support your body while sleeping.

• Start preparing for the third trimester:

  • Use this time to finalise your baby registry, set up the nursery, and register for childbirth classes (antenatal classes). This will help you feel more organised and ready for the next stage of your pregnancy.

Ready for the upcoming week? Dive into pregnancy week 27 to discover how your baby is growing and developing while learning how to manage the changes in your body. Alongside personalised care and expert guidance, you can also register for Thomson’s Courses & Workshops, designed to help you feel confident and informed throughout your pregnancy journey.

We understand that preparing for pregnancy can be overwhelming, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Request an appointment with us for personalised care and expert support to guide you through your pregnancy journey. 

FAQ

Why am I so tired 26 weeks pregnant?

Feeling tired at 26 weeks pregnant is normal due to your body working harder to support your growing baby, changes in pregnancy hormones, disrupted sleep, and carrying extra weight. It could also be caused by mild anaemia or emotional stress. Combat fatigue by staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich meals, taking naps, doing light exercise, and using pillows for better sleep. If extreme, consult your doctor to check for underlying issues.

Why am I so uncomfortable at 26 weeks pregnant?

At 26 weeks pregnant, discomfort is common due to your growing uterus, extra weight, digestive issues, Braxton Hicks contractions, and swelling. Use a pregnancy pillow, stay active, eat small meals, and rest often to ease the discomfort. If it feels severe, consult your doctor.

How should you sleep at 26 weeks pregnant?

At 26 weeks pregnant, the best sleeping position is on your left side with your knees slightly bent. This improves blood flow to your baby and reduces pressure on your back and major blood vessels. Use a maternity pillow to support your belly, back, and knees for added comfort. Avoid sleeping on your back, as it can compress blood vessels and lead to discomfort or dizziness. If you wake up on your back, simply adjust to your side again - there’s no need to worry.

What position is the baby in at 26 weeks pregnant?

At 26 weeks pregnant, your baby is typically in a head-up position (breech), as they still have plenty of room to move around and change positions frequently. Some babies may already be in a head-down position (cephalic), but it’s not a concern if they aren’t yet. Most babies naturally settle into the head-down position closer to the third trimester, around 32-36 weeks, as they prepare for birth. Regular ultrasounds or check-ups can give you more insight into your baby’s position.

What are the dos and don’ts for a healthy pregnancy at 26 weeks?

Dos:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

• Exercise regularly with light activities and pregnancy workout like walking or prenatal yoga.

• Get enough rest and sleep on your side for better circulation.

• Attend all prenatal appointments and complete your glucose screening test.

• Use a pregnancy pillow to support your back and belly.

Don’ts:

• Avoid sleeping on your back to prevent pressure on major blood vessels.

• Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol, smoking, and raw or undercooked foods.

• Don’t lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activities.

• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods without breaks.

• Don’t ignore severe symptoms like blurred vision, persistent headaches, or extreme swelling - contact your doctor immediately.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.