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Week 26 Foetal Development
At 26 weeks, the baby looks almost the length of a zucchini or scallion and weighs roughly 900 grams. At this stage, the skin is still translucent. The baby’s body is starting to fill out with fat layers. Their bones are fully formed but still fragile and malleable.During week 26, the foetus’s developing neurological system is integrating with other organs, regulating motions and reflexes. Foetuses also respond to external stimuli by showing immediate movement.
Efficient blood circulation between the mother’s placenta and foetus is also noticed at week 26. Lungs develop air sacs and start producing surfactant. Baby also imitates foetal breathing movements, drawing in and out the amniotic fluid. Baby’s intestines are absorbing a small amount of nutrient-rich amniotic fluid. The liver and pancreas start functioning better and regulate blood sugar. The adrenal glands also start producing hormones for metabolism and growth.
Your Baby’s Eyes are Opening
Pregnancy is divided into two periods. The embryonic phase, which is between weeks 3 to 8 and the foetal period, which starts at week 9 and continues until birth. Baby’s eyelid development begins during the embryonic period, which is week 6. During that time, small folds of ectoderm and mesenchyme (early stage of eyelids) form above and below the developing eye. By week 8, eyelids fuse shut to protect the eyes while eyelids, lashes, oil glands and muscles grow.Around week 20 and 26, the foetal eyelid starts separating. At week 26, the eyelids open more fully. This is not a simple opening. It involves a complex process which starts very early, around week 6.
Foetal eye movements occur episodically and are synchronised with other psychological growth. Though it remains challenging to observe foetal eye opening on ultrasound, by around week 26, foetuses naturally open their eyes frequently.
As a result of neurological development, babies begin to respond to external stimulation, such as soft or continuous light, by showing frequent eye movements. In fact, a foetus is not just moving its eyes, but is also learning to react, follow and focus. These are good signs that your baby's visual system is growing well.
Sensory Development at Week 26
Around week 26, the baby develops integrated sensory-motor activity, which enables visual, facial, and orbital motor responses. Baby’s eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair are visible. You might feel your baby's flexing, kicking, and gripping (the umbilical) get stronger as the baby's grip reflex strengthens.Week 26 is when the thalamocortical connection (link between thalamus and visual cortex) begins to mature. The thalamus is a part of the brain which is responsible for processing sensory information. This allows the foetus to react to light and follow shapes even inside the womb.
The baby can hear the mother's voice, heartbeat, and some external sounds. They may even start to respond to music or loud noises.
Maternal Changes at Week 26
As you enter the home stretch of the second trimester, your pregnancy symptoms can be both happy and hectic. Emotionally, you may feel more connected with your baby. The release of more oxytocin and prolactin increases your caregiving instincts.Mentally, you might feel more sluggish, since your brain is prioritising bonding over memory. You might also feel occupied with your birth plan, to-do lists and future change about to unfold.
From struggling to breathe and sleep, and clumsiness, pregnancy will test your patience for the last few weeks. Here are a few things you might feel at week 26;
- Braxton Hicks contractions or practice labour to prepare your body for the real labour
- Tightness in your abdomen as ligaments stretch to support the baby’s growth
- Mild aches in the back and hips as the belly protrudes
- Breathlessness occurs as the uterus gently presses against your diaphragm
- Gentle swelling on the feet due to fluid retention
- Acidity and heartburn, as hormones relax your digestive system
Preparing for the Next Trimester
After this week ends, you are officially entering the final trimester. Physically, you will put on extra kilos, your skin will stretch, and you will experience frequent cramps and aches. The baby's weight will double, fat starts to build up, and other vital organs will mature. It’s time for you to start preparing for the next trimester, labour and postpartum.Here are a few tips to get ready for the last few months.
- Focus on healthy, balanced nutrients. Include iron-rich foods, omega-3 fatty acids and other prenatal vitamin-rich foods in your diet.
- Prepare emotionally and mentally. Hormonal changes will make you sensitive and create anxiety. Discuss it with your partner and family for support.
- Start preparing your maternity bag checklist and include things needed for you and your baby.
- Start bonding with your baby and keep track of the foetal movement
Take advantage of this time and the coming trimester to enjoy the intricacies of pregnancy. Involve your partner and family members to bond with the baby. It will help in the baby's neurological development, social understanding, and emotional connection.
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FAQs on Your baby’s eyes are opening for the first time
- What is my baby doing at 26 weeks inside the womb?
At 26 weeks, foetuses inside the womb are actively moving, stretching, and kicking. Babies also respond, react and follow the external stimuli. - How do I know what position my baby is in at 26 weeks?
At 26 weeks, babies are usually in a head-up position. However, babies move their position every hour as the uterus has plenty of room for the baby to change its position. - Can my baby feel me rub my belly at 26 weeks?
Foetus sensory development is maturing during 26 weeks. So, yes, the baby can feel your rub and might even respond to your touch.