26 Weeks Pregnant


Over the past few weeks, everything felt so easy, right? That’s the beauty of the second trimester, everything is so easy to handle, even the symptoms are not that bad, but since we are approaching the third trimester, you might start to feel a bit more tired than usual.

At this point, you might be a bit uncoordinated and even a bit clumsy as you are now carrying some extra weight that gets even heavier each week. If no one told you this today, you are a champ! 

Your center of gravity is probably now changed with your growing bump which could affect your sense of balance a little bit. You need to allow yourself more time to do the usual activities you are used to doing like the usual walk to the market, it might take a bit longer now.

No matter how much your body is changing or how difficult it gets, it will all get better soon after delivery, but for now, you need to cut yourself some slack as you will need more time to handle the usual errands. 

Your baby is now developing his eyelashes and will soon be able to woo you with those beautiful tiny eyes. In addition to the eyelashes, he is also now growing fingernails, they are probably going to be sharp and jagged by the time you see them!

Your baby is still working on his swallowing, he is now working on swallowing the amniotic fluid, this is an essential practice for him to have healthy lung development. 

Changes Happening in Your Body by Your 26th Week

There are a lot of activities happening inside your belly right now including kicking, punching, rolling, and even hiccuping! Get to know your baby’s patterns and make sure to report to your doctor or midwife if the patterns and movement got a bit slower or even if it has stopped. 

You might as well be experiencing more leg cramps than usual, especially during night time while you try to sleep. You can avoid those cramps by doing some foot and ankle exercises. Even pulling your toes upwards and rubbing the infected areas can help relieve the pain. 

Forgetting Much?

Are you forgetting things more often? You might keep on losing your keys or misplacing your phone every now and then. If you do experience those little incidents, you might be having what is known as “baby brain” or “momnesia”. 

This is not a medical condition or even scientifically proven, but it is something that many pregnant women have reported. It is probably caused by tiredness and having too much to think about during this time. No need to worry about it as you get your clear thinking again soon after delivery. 

You can make it easier for yourself by writing down notes, lists of groceries, setting reminders, and keeping your keys in the same place every time you come into the house. Take it easy and forgive yourself if you forgot a small thing every now and then. 

Symptoms of the 26th Week of Pregnancy

At this point, you might feel a bit hibernated, it could be very tempting for you to sleep all day long on the sofa with a packet of ice cream in your hands. You need to fight those urges though, stay healthy, go for more walks around the block every day to fuel up your power!

Your 26th week of pregnancy symptoms might include:

  • Sleeping problems
  • Headaches
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Random pain around muscles
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness 
  • Sore breasts
  • Leg cramps
  • Stretch marks
  • Thicker hair
  • Swollen gums
  • Urine infection 
  • Bloating or constipation
  • Spotty skin
  • Feeling too warm
  • Greasier skin
  • Piles
  • Vaginal infection
  • Thicker hair

Your Baby’s 26th Week Development

Photo by Tommy’s

Over the past few weeks, your baby has been busy growing nicely into a tiny human, he now weighs around 760g and is around 35.6cm in height, which is about the same size as four tomatoes.

By this week, your baby’s eyes will be opening and he will blink for the very first time. However, his eye color is not yet determined and will probably be blue now. His eyes will remain this way probably until he is born, some babies keep on changing eye color until they are three years old and that’s when the color is permanent. 

Your baby’s brain is developed to the stage where he can now respond to what he feels around him. Within the next couple of weeks, try shining a flashlight on your stomach and see if the baby kicks in response.

This Week’s Tips

Note Baby’s Movement

Tracking your baby’s movement can save you a lot of effort as every mother-to-be suffers from her unborn’s random movements and surprising kicks. 

Your baby responds differently to each exercise you do, keeping track of when he likes to be active and practice some karate, and when he feels soothed and quiet should help you a lot knowing his sleeping patterns.

Practice Yoga

Yoga is very helpful at this stage of your pregnancy, it helps to soothe you and change your mood for the better on one hand, and helps improve your posture on the other hand. Between your clumsy belly and your aching back, you might find some difficulties standing up straight.

Try not to thrust your stomach and hips forward, instead, imagine a straight line between your hips and your shoulders while walking and try to walk the line and see how it feels like. 

Leave a Comment