At twenty-six weeks pregnant, your baby is continuing to grow and develop. You might feel more uncoordinated or clumsy, but it is to be expected! After all, you have a growing pregnant belly to contend with. Many women feel tired this week, but your second trimester is nearly over, meaning the third is right around the corner.
What else happens this week? Keep reading to find out! Our in-depth guide charts your twenty-sixth week of pregnancy, covering what an ultrasound will show, your common symptoms, and more!
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 26 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 26 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 26 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 26 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a kale
- Your baby can now open their eyes
- You might experience weight gain this week, with more stretch marks appearing and your belly button popping out
- You might be asked to create a birth plan this week with your midwife
- You might experience tiredness, cramps, or headaches this week
- Your pregnancy could now be viable, but your baby would need constant care in a neonatal intensive care unit
What Does It Mean To Be 26 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-six weeks pregnant, you are nearing the end of your second trimester. Fetal development is continuing, with your baby opening their eyes for the first time this week! As your baby grows this week, you may notice weight gain or that your growing bump gets bigger. Your growing baby can add pressure to your stomach, pushing your belly button out too this week!
As you approach your due date, your midwife might ask you to create a birth plan or start thinking about how you would like the delivery to go. As you prepare for your new baby, look at ways to manage stress for the remainder of your pregnancy. Parents to be might look for support from family and friends to keep their stress levels to a minimum.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 26 Weeks?
You can detect pregnancy, but you might get a false negative result on home pregnancy tests. To confirm pregnancy, these tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. hCG is one of your pregnancy hormones that increases in your body during the first few months of pregnancy before declining.
At twenty-six weeks pregnant, your levels might be too low to confirm a pregnancy this way. You could feel your baby kicking but have a negative result! A doctor can perform a blood test to confirm pregnancy or use an ultrasound to check for a baby.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an ultrasound if you wish at twenty-six weeks pregnant. Unless your doctor monitors your baby, you won’t typically be called for an ultrasound at twenty-six weeks. You can pay for an ultrasound privately at twenty-six weeks if you prefer, though.
You can also pay to have a 4-D scan of your baby. These can be done at any stage, but for best results, they should be done between 26 and 30 weeks pregnant. This will give you a closer look at your baby’s face, showing their features in more detail than an ultrasound.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be offered a screening test for gestational diabetes if you have not already had one. This glucose screening test measures your blood sugar levels to determine if you have the condition. You might also have your blood pressure monitored by your midwife or doctor, but this is mainly if you have had issues with your blood pressure before.
You might also be offered genetic screening tests if your doctor has not already offered them. These will check for conditions like cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs syndrome, and other genetic conditions. These tests are not compulsory but might be offered to you. Your doctor can provide you with more guidance about this if needed.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can detect a heartbeat at twenty-six weeks pregnant! Your baby’s heartbeat can be detected via ultrasound or a Doppler machine. A Doppler machine resembles a small microphone midwives typically use between ultrasound appointments. This allows you and your midwife to hear the heartbeat. It will still sound fast at twenty-six weeks, with a rate of 140 beats per minute!
Is Pregnancy Viable At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
A pregnancy is viable at twenty-six weeks. Pregnancies are considered viable when your baby can survive outside of your womb. At twenty-six weeks, your baby would be born premature, but it could survive provided there were few complications and it receives the care it needs.
Your baby’s lungs will still develop at twenty-six weeks, so they will need help breathing outside the womb. Babies born at twenty-six weeks tend to spend several weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit, receiving the necessary care and treatment. The University Hospital Sussex NHS Foundation Trust found that babies born at twenty-six weeks have roughly an 80% chance of survival.
Of course, this depends on them getting the care they need and any conditions that impact their health.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
This week’s common pregnancy symptoms include trouble sleeping and tiredness, stretch marks, and headaches. You might also experience Braxton hicks contractions. These false contractions can be uncomfortable and last for a minute or so. These aren’t a cause for concern but speak to your healthcare provider immediately if you notice signs of labour, such as your water breaking.
These symptoms will vary from woman to woman and can change daily. Some pregnant women will experience all of them, and others none. This is normal; after all, we are all different!
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will be lower this week, averaging between 1,400 and 53,00 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at twenty-six weeks pregnant. You might notice pains on the side of your baby bump, known as round ligament pains. Your expanding uterus causes these. You might also experience leg cramps this week.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness can happen throughout pregnancy but is more common during the first trimester. Some women still experience morning sickness at twenty-six weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts may feel tender or sore at twenty-six weeks. They might also ache, feel full, or leak some of your early milk. Wearing breast pads can prevent stains and keep your bras dry.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout your pregnancy, including week twenty-six. You might crave unusual combinations or foods you previously didn’t enjoy.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at twenty-six weeks pregnant. This becomes more common as your pregnancy progresses and your baby drops, adding pressure to your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common at twenty-six weeks pregnant. Your growing belly and aches make it harder to sleep. Adding a pregnant pillow and napping during the day can help.
Will I Feel Bloated At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
It is common to feel bloated at twenty-six weeks pregnant. Eating smaller meals and avoiding eating late at night can help with this.
Will I Get A Headache At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common throughout your pregnancy, including at twenty-six weeks pregnant. Typically, women who previously suffered from headaches will have more during pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is common during the first trimester of pregnancy but can still happen at twenty-six weeks pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell can happen throughout pregnancy, including at twenty-six weeks pregnant. It does tend to be more common during the first few months of pregnancy.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath or feeling breathless can happen at twenty-six weeks pregnant. Your growing baby will take up more space in your body, restricting your lungs. This tends to be worse when lying on your back; avoid doing so where possible. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about shortness of breath.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal throughout pregnancy, including week twenty-six. It could be unrelated to pregnancy and could be caused by a stomach bug, allergy, or food poisoning. Speak to your doctor if the symptoms do not improve after forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen at twenty-six weeks pregnant. It should be white or milky with little odour. Any changes to your discharge should be reported to your doctor, as they could be a sign of an infection.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain is common at twenty-six weeks pregnant. Your stretched ligaments are looser than before, adding pressure to your joints and causing backache.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings are more common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but you might experience them at twenty-six weeks pregnant.
Is Spotting Normal At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting can happen at twenty-six weeks pregnant and is normal. Light bleeding or spotting is common and not a cause for concern. However, speak to your doctor if the bleeding lasts more than twenty-four hours, becomes heavier, or is accompanied by other symptoms.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 26 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at twenty-six weeks pregnant.
- Thicker and shinier hair
- Spotty and oily skin
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Leg cramps
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nosebleeds
- Piles
- Bleeding and swollen gums
How Big Is A Baby At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is roughly 35.6 cm long from head to heel at twenty-six weeks. They are around the size of a cucumber! Your baby’s development continues as their eyes open for the first time! Your baby will learn how to blink this week. Your baby’s lungs continue to develop, getting ready to take their first breath outside your womb. Your baby’s weight is also changing, and they should now weigh around two pounds!
Your baby’s eyes will have colour too. They won’t have much pigment yet, but it is starting to form. It is a myth that all babies are born with blue eyes. The colour depends on genetics, and many babies’ eyes will continue changing colour for a few years, so don’t get attached to one colour!
Can You Feel The Baby At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You can feel your baby at twenty-six weeks pregnant. You can expect lots of movement in your stomach now, especially as your baby can hear noises outside of your stomach. Your baby’s movements will become stronger as they grow, allowing friends and family to feel them outside of your stomach. This can be a wonderful moment to share with your loved ones.
Should you notice any changes in your baby’s movements or that they stop, speak to your doctor immediately.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-six weeks, a miscarriage is considered a stillbirth. The common symptoms are a decrease in baby movements or no baby movements, heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, or contractions. Some women notice their waters break, and that labour happens suddenly. You might also notice backache or other pregnancy symptoms, like sore breasts disappear.
At twenty-six weeks, you will need to deliver your baby. This is often done at the hospital with medication to speed the process up, although you might have the option to go home and wait for labour to happen naturally. Your doctor can talk you through these options and provide you with the support you need during this heartbreaking time.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a miscarriage at twenty-six weeks are very low in Australia. 1% of babies born are born stillborn, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This does not consider any health conditions or complications in your pregnancy that could cause a stillbirth; your doctor can provide you with more specific information about this if needed.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions should be taken to maintain your health at twenty-six weeks pregnant.
Eat A Healthy Diet
You should continue eating a healthy and balanced diet at twenty-six weeks pregnant. You don’t need to eat any extra calories until your third trimester, so continue consuming the recommended amount for women (2,000 calories) unless told otherwise by your doctor.
You should try and eat a balanced and varied diet, including lean protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, and carbohydrates. This will fuel your body and provide you and your baby with the necessary nutrients.
Stay Hydrated
You should also drink plenty of water during your pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that drinking water during pregnancy helps to circulate nutrients around your body, form the amniotic fluid, and aid digestion. They recommend drinking eight to twelve glasses daily while pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
You should continue taking your prenatal vitamins at twenty-six weeks pregnant. These vitamins will give you and your baby the necessary nutrients to aid development. Look for prenatal vitamins with high levels of iron and vitamin D if you are pregnant through the winter.
Your doctor can guide you on what vitamins you should consume during pregnancy.
Stop Smoking
Smoking while pregnant is extremely harmful, doubling your chance of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking during pregnancy increases your baby’s risk of birth defects and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speak to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking during pregnancy.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-six weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at twenty-six weeks pregnant. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase your chance of stillbirth and cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. FASD is a general term covering a variety of physical, mental, behavioural, emotional, and psychological disorders that can impact your baby during pregnancy and affect them for life.
Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
You should also limit your caffeine intake to 200mg a day. Drinking more than 200mg can increase your risk of low birth weight, preterm labour, and miscarriage, according to the Royal College of Midwives.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid high levels of Vitamin A, C, and E during pregnancy, as these can harm your baby. You should not take supplements labelled unsuitable for pregnant women, too. The label on all supplement bottles will state whether they are safe for pregnant women to consume. Check these before taking any supplement.
You can also ask your doctor for further guidance if needed.
Can I Exercise While 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at twenty-six weeks pregnant, but you might need to make changes to your usual exercise regime. Swap out contact sports and high-impact exercises for low-impact ones, like swimming, walking, or yoga. Avoid any exercises where you could fall or injure yourself and anything that puts pressure on your joints, like running.
Your doctor or a personal trainer can offer you guidance and create an exercise regime that works for you. You might find exercising harder than usual with your extra weight and trouble sleeping. Don’t push yourself to the point of exhaustion; modify your exercises to suit your energy levels instead.
Is It Safe To Travel When 26 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to travel at twenty-six weeks pregnant, but there are some considerations you need to make. Speak to your doctor before flying if you are experiencing any complications, have deep vein thrombosis, or high blood pressure.
You should check before travelling to another country if you need any vaccinations or if there are any advisories in place.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twenty-six weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 26 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at twenty-six weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You might find you struggle to get comfortable and sleep at twenty-six weeks pregnant. Adding a pregnancy pillow or pillow between your legs can help. Angle any pillow to support aches and pains, too. Some women also use meditation apps before bed to help them relax and sleep through the night.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep on your side at twenty-six weeks pregnant. This is considered the safest sleeping position as it does not add any pressure to your belly.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 26 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common method used to determine a due date. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to have your estimated due date.
Your doctor or midwife will have also given you a due date. This is often provided during your first ultrasound, where your baby is measured, and its development is used to calculate how far into your pregnancy you are and provide you with a due date.
These dates are estimates, with many women giving birth after them. Don’t panic if your due date passes without your baby’s arrival!
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 26 Weeks Pregnant?
You might feel more uncoordinated or clumsy this week. You have extra weight to contend with and a new centre of gravity, thanks to your pregnant belly! You might notice that your belly button pops out this week! Your growing baby and uterus put pressure on your abdominal wall, causing your belly button to push outwards. This is completely normal!
It might also take longer to complete tasks like walking to the shops. Allow yourself time and be patient! You are growing another human; it is normal to feel tired.
Another body change is ‘baby brain,’ something that some pregnant women report during pregnancy, where they become more forgetful. There is no scientific evidence to back this up, but many women report pregnancy brain, where they are more forgetful than usual.
You might notice more leg cramps during the night than before, too. Foot and ankle exercises can help alleviate the cramps, which can be painful and interrupt your sleep.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is gearing up for labour, so you might notice some false contractions called Braxton Hicks. These can be uncomfortable and will pass after a minute or so. Your body is continuing to pump extra blood through your body, which can slow the blood flow. You might feel dizzy, which combined with poor coordination, could cause a fall. You will need to take care when moving to prevent injuring yourself.
Your body is continuing to grow, too, as your baby increases in size. You can expect more stretch marks to appear, your belly button to pop out, and breathlessness as your organs become restricted.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips can help you prepare for the remaining weeks of your pregnancy or an upcoming pregnancy.
Create A Birth Plan
It’s time to create your birth plan if you have not already! Some midwives won’t ask you about this until your third trimester, but it’s good to consider what you might like to happen. Your midwife will give you a plan to fill in, but consider the following questions:
- Do you want a hospital or home birth?
- Do you want pain relief? What pain relief would you like?
- Do you want medical intervention?
- Do you want a birthing partner? Who do you want?
These questions do not consider any complications that might impact your birth plan but are rather general questions you can discuss with your partner, family, or friends. Don’t forget to ask your midwife any questions you might have about your birth plan.
Think About your Baby’s Arrival
Each week, you are creeping closer to the day your baby arrives, so think about what this will be like. Do you need to start decorating the nursery? Do you have a budget in place to buy a crib and other essential items? Now is an excellent time to think about these and do some bargain hunting – you can find fantastic pieces second-hand, but do your research and ensure that items like your car seat and cot are safe to use.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might need to make lifestyle changes, like stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking illegal drugs if you have not already. Not only do these have a detrimental impact on your health, but your unborn baby’s too. Make these lifestyle changes when you discover you are pregnant or beforehand.
Your healthcare provider can assist you in making these changes if needed.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
You should also maintain a healthy weight where possible to prepare for pregnancy. This ensures that you avoid excessive weight gain that could impact your health or your baby’s health. You can speak to your doctor if you are unsure what healthy weight you should aim for.
A healthy and balanced diet and regular exercise will often help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Attend Parenting And Birthing Classes
You can also prepare for pregnancy by attending pregnancy and birthing classes. These aren’t essential but can provide you with plenty of information and guidance about the rest of your pregnancy and labour. Use these classes as an opportunity to answer questions you might have and access support.
They are also a fantastic way to meet other expecting mothers in your local area. You could find friends experiencing the same things as you who can offer support, guidance, and anything you need as your pregnancy progresses. Plus, your baby could end up with friends from this, too!
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy week twenty-six is exciting as your second trimester nears an end. While your symptoms and growing belly might be uncomfortable, you are one week closer to meeting your new baby. Braxton Hicks contractions might become more common or frequent, but they won’t last forever! Reach out to your healthcare provider for any questions you might have as you continue to prepare for your new arrival.