Week 26 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 26

• You are presumably scheduled for the more definitive three-hour glucose tolerance test. You'll drink that sugary mixture again and have your blood drawn many times. If the test results are concerning, your doctor will diagnose gestational diabetes. You may be able to manage it with dietary modifications, but medication may be required. Regardless, you will be continuously monitored throughout your pregnancy

• You may have gained close to 9 kg by this point, give or take. Furthermore, your belly will increase by half an inch every week

• Feel the baby kicking, leaping, and wiggling? Talk to them! They can hear you and may react to the soothing tone of your voice

• At 26 weeks pregnant, the baby is interfering with your sleep, causing memory problems, and perhaps giving you a stress headache or two. When they say that moms-to-be have 40 weeks to prepare for their baby, they don't simply mean purchasing supplies. You should also psychologically prepare for a baby to become the focus of your attention. And in week 26 of pregnancy, the baby is giving you some practice in that area

• If you are in Week 26 of your pregnancy you are in the second trimester and in the sixth month

• 14 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Baby’s Development at Week 26

Babies are preparing their immune systems for life on the outside by absorbing your antibodies. And the baby's eyes are developing, and they will soon begin to open if they haven't already. Can you believe your foetus has already developed eyelashes?

Baby is responding more and more to stimuli, such as bright lights, the sound of your voice (which they may now recognise), and pokes and prods through your stomach. So, even if you can't see inside your tummy, you can still interact with the baby!

While your baby is still many weeks away from taking their first breath of air, their lungs are beginning to develop surfactant, a material that allows the lungs' air sacs to expand. It also prevents the air sacs from collapsing and adhering together when they collapse.
At this stage, foetal activity is robust. Your child is becoming busy there: pedalling, kicking, and stretching. It may sometimes hurt or feel strange.

Your baby is also capable (and probable) of responding to external stimuli (like sound or light near your abdomen) with enthusiastic movements or a rise in heart rate.

• Baby Weight: Around 770 grammes
• Baby Length: 14 inches long
• Baby Size: Comparable to scallion.

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

During week 26 of pregnancy, your body is quickly changing. As your baby develops, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• You may become clumsy, which, along with pregnancy brain fog, can make you feel as if you're losing your faculties. Fortunately, it's just a temporary symptom
• Along with clumsiness and memory lapses, you may encounter impaired vision. Doctor-approved eye drops may provide some comfort
• You may get puffy, bloated, and gassy, and the increased strain on your intestines will exacerbate the condition. You may also feel constipated, but do not worry! Just maintain a fibre-rich diet and optimal levels of hydration
• Be aware that your blood pressure may be elevated at this time of the pregnancy. Speak with your doctor to ensure that it is within the healthy range, since hypertension may create difficulties. Regular exercise may help avoid hypertension
• At 26 weeks, you may have contractions known as Braxton Hicks. Mild contractions, sometimes known as false labour, occur when the uterine muscles tense. They may feel unpleasant, similar to menstruation cramps, and last 30 to 60 seconds, or even two minutes
• Cramping in the leg and foot is typical, particularly at night

Body Changes This week

At week 26, you'll most likely begin to experience discomforting symptoms, including insomnia—it's as if your body is preparing you for restless nights. Consider techniques to control your sleep patterns so that you may obtain as much sleep as possible and minimise exhaustion.

You may notice changes in your hair and nails when pregnant and wonder what is going on. They may develop quickly or, like with your nails, become brittle. Pregnancy hormones contribute to various unexpected physiological changes, including skin alterations and vaginal discharge.

At 26 weeks pregnant, you should still be feeling fine physically and able to engage with the baby within your tummy. However, you may be feeling a bit worried about the delivery. If you are, start really considering what you want from your delivery experience. Remember that although you can't predict everything, you can prepare for many of the possibilities.

26-week Ultrasound

You probably have a few weeks before your next prenatal checkup, and there is usually no ultrasound at this point, so you're definitely eager to learn what's happening inside your tummy. Here's an idea. Baby is breathing amniotic fluid, not air. It's fantastic preparation for the first few seconds following delivery!

Your Baby Bump at Week 26

By 26 weeks pregnant, you've most likely gained 7 to 9 kg, or 12 to 19 kg if you're carrying twins. When you touch your tummy, you will see that the top of your uterus is about 2.5 inches above your belly button. For the remainder of your pregnancy, your belly will develop at a rate of around half an inch every week. At 26 weeks, the baby and belly sizes are likely to feel uncomfortable, so take it slowly.

Tips and Exercises for Week 26

Being 26 weeks pregnant is an important turning point for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• You could be attending a baby shower soon, or you might start receiving presents from friends and family. Just keep in mind that individuals aren't always aware of the latest safety requirements, so you may need to go through the process to ensure that presents (particularly hand-me-downs) are safe for babies. Please return or exchange any items that do not meet your expectations
• If you haven't already begun chatting to the baby, now is the time to start. You may read books, sing songs, or just recount your day so that the baby can appreciate your voice. Loved ones may also chat to your tummy, allowing the baby to learn their sounds too
• In all honesty, getting your workout will only become more difficult as your tummy swells. For the time being, you're probably still feeling energised, so make the most of it and go for short walks when possible
• Experts aren't clear why painful spasms in the calf muscles, feet, or both occur so often throughout the second and third trimesters. Staying hydrated, keeping active, and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes may all help avoid cramping
• Magnesium may assist with cramping. Magnesium depletion is associated with cramps and muscular spasms. It has also been associated with low mood or anxiety, difficulty sleeping, exhaustion, and elevated blood pressure, all of which are pregnancy symptoms. Check with your doctor to determine whether you're receiving enough; the recommended dose during pregnancy is 350 mg/day. Natural sources include greens, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, wheat germ, and oat bran. Try avocado black bean salad, tortellini broccoli dish, and other magnesium-rich meals. If magnesium supplements cause you to feel sleepy, take them at night
• Treat muscular cramps by flexing and pointing at the foot. Gently stroking the calf may also help to relax the muscles. If the leg discomfort does not go away immediately, or if you notice swelling, warmth, or redness, contact your doctor straight away

Checklist for Week 26

• Prepare for labour and discuss birthing plans with your healthcare provider
• Pre-register with the hospital
• Address visiting schedules with family members—it's best to have clear limits defined in advance
• Talk to your partner about expectations and assigning parenting tasks
• Remember to unwind, and attend a yoga or mindfulness session. If you haven't had a babymoon yet, attempt to schedule one soon

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 26 of Pregnancy

1. Why does the baby move constantly at night?
   It is fairly unusual for individuals to report that their 26-week-old foetus is most active at night. In reality, the majority of newborns in utero are awake in the evenings or at night! Though it is unclear why, scientists think that foetuses are acquiring circadian rhythms even while in the womb. So, if your baby has decided that nighttime is party time, know that you are not alone in being kept up by their own infant.
2. When and why should I start kegel exercises?
   Kegel exercises are motions that strengthen your pelvic floor, a muscle region that supports your pelvic organs such as your bladder, uterus, and vagina. Kegel exercises tighten those muscles. You may begin doing Kegel exercises anytime you wish, both before and throughout your pregnancy. Doing these on a regular basis is the most effective technique to build strength down there. Strengthening these muscles might reduce your chances of bladder leaks after childbirth and perhaps enhance your sex life.