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Women’s Services   

  Women’s Services

Your Pregnancy at Week 26

This week, your baby is as big as a broccoli.

Explore your pregnancy at Week 26

Week 22
Week 23
Week 24
Week 25
Week 26
Week 27
Week 28
Week 29
Week 30

14 Weeks to go!

The following information was reviewed by Dr. Chor, Michael

At A Glance

Week-26

Your baby's eyes are fully developed and able to blink

Your baby can open their eyes and even blink. They begin to simulate breathing with their lungs. Their nostrils start to open, giving them a chance to use their muscles and lungs to practice breathing.

Pregnant belly bigger

The belly is getting bigger; you may not even be able to see your knees when you stand up. Make sure you have some comfortable maternity clothes.

Baby's Development at 26 Weeks

lung

Rapid lung development

Your baby's nostrils are opening and they are using their muscles and lungs to practice breathing.

fetal-movement

Less amniotic fluid

The amniotic fluid volume will be lower this week as your baby will need less fluid to cushion its movements, so you will be more aware of the kicking, stretching, and flexing.

response-to-stimulus

Learn to distinguish external stimuli

The baby's brain has developed enough to distinguish external stimuli, such as the mother's voice, and may occasionally respond by kicking in the womb!

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Your Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 26

Belly grows bigger, moves slower

As you prepare to enter the final stages of pregnancy, your belly will get bigger, your movements may slow down, and you may even walk a little wobbly, like a cute penguin! It may be difficult to see your knees when you stand up now. Some women are worried that their body shape will become fat and indistinguishable after pregnancy, and feel that they are unattractive. Changes in body shape during pregnancy are a normal physiological phenomenon, but they will usually return to normal after the baby is born. For those who struggle, they can see a women's health physiotherapist or trainer. In severe cases a plastic surgeon ican help.

Stomach problems

Your gut may experience greater changes this week due to an enlarged uterus and hormones affecting the digestive system, such as continued constipation problems and more time spent on the toilet. You should drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fibre-rich foods, avoid processed foods, and try to do some simple daily exercise to get your bowels moving.

Dizziness

Orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that occurs when standing up after sitting or lying down. Pregnant women are more susceptible to this and may feel dizzy when standing up after sitting or lying down. To avoid this, stand up slowly when transitioning from sitting or lying down. If you still feel dizzy, ask for help from someone nearby. If you are in danger of falling, sit down slowly on the floor until the dizziness passes.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Contractions that become stronger, more frequent, or last longer
  • Persistent pain in the abdomen, back, or pelvis
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Baby's fetal movements decreasing or stopping

Advice from OT&P Obstetricians

Who Should Be Screened For Gestational Diabetes?

Since gestational diabetes is asymptomatic, all pregnant women should be screened for it.

Understanding The Hemoglobin Level Test

You can also ask your obstetrician if you need a hemoglobin level test at your next prenatal visit to screen for iron deficiency anemia, which is common during pregnancy. Make sure you are eating plenty of iron-rich foods such as red meat, eggs, high-quality grains, and green leafy vegetables like broccoli. If you are low on iron, you may need to start taking iron pills; however, iron pills may also exacerbate constipation problems, so please consult your attending obstetrician.

Maintain Healthy Eating And Living Habits

At the 26th week of pregnancy, your belly has significantly increased, resulting in slower movement. Pregnant women should drink plenty of water, eat fibre-rich foods, do some light exercise daily, and switch to maternity clothes for more comfort.

You can book maternity courses and workshops with OT&P Annerley midwives or physiotherapists.

Tips for 26 Weeks Pregnant

  • Drink plenty of water and a little prune juice to prevent edema and constipation.
  • Prevent excessive weight gain and develop exercise habits.
  • For breast enlargement, choose underwear that fits you better.
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you notice sudden swelling in your hands or face or high blood pressure.
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