Week 26 of Pregnancy: All You Need to Know

Baby Development

As the end of your second trimester approaches and just before things kick into high gear for your third, you are about to undergo major changes this week 26 of pregnancy baby development. Expect your baby’s greater growth at a faster pace in the coming weeks.

Read on to know how your baby is developing, the possible symptoms you should anticipate this week, and what to expect in the coming days.

By week 26 of pregnancy baby development, your baby is somewhere between 13 to14 inches long. This will accelerate, and your baby is expected to grow at least half an inch per week.

Body & Life Changes

How is my body changing?

By week 26 of pregnancy baby development, expect to look “more pregnant,’ as your baby bump becomes more pronounced. This is the best time to start shopping for a maternity wardrobe. By this week, you will also be putting on more weight, on top of the 16 to 22 pounds that you may have put on so far.

If you have started noticing stretch marks or pregnancy stripes in the past couple of days, worry not! This is perfectly normal at week 26 of pregnancy baby development. However, understand that no pregnancy looks the same, so the appearance of these physical indicators of pregnancy varies greatly from woman to oman.

Obviously, as your baby grows, your belly bump grows along with it. At week 26 of pregnancy baby development, your uterus is being pushed up your abdomen. This is normal, and your bump will move further up as your pregnancy progresses. This may also cause a new “outie’ belly button. Here, the baby pushes the folds of your belly button outwards. Your “outie’ belly button will remain for the rest of your pregnancy, but will go back to normal right after your delivery.

Like last week, week 26 of pregnancy baby development will be one of the most active periods in your pregnancy. This means that your bundle of joy might inconvenience you with some kicks or jabs here and there as he fully forms in your uterus. Your baby will shift in position often, so you may feel like he is digging into your ribs or pelvis.

What should I be concerned about?

By week 26 of pregnancy baby development, it is normal for you to feel bloated and gassy, because your uterus is pushing up and inflating your abdomen.

In addition to bloating and general tiredness, you may also notice a decrease in memory or difficulty in processing information due to what they often call the “pregnancy brain.’ You may also experience migraines, morning sickness, and clumsiness due to a shifted center of gravity.

Most symptoms for the third trimester may set in as early as now. A common symptom is some pain in the pelvis, because of your bones and ligaments being loosened. Because of the shift in weight distribution, this is also very likely to strain your back. In general, expect growing pains for the rest of your pregnancy.

Symptoms that could set in this week are Braxton Hicks contractions, or “practice’ contractions, that usually occurs late into the second trimester or the moment you enter your third trimester.

Your Doctor Visits

By week 26 of pregnancy baby development, it is normal to feel stressed and anxious. Talking to your partner, doctor, and support system is helpful in times like these.

Since your body is overly sensitive and more susceptible to bacteria, be mindful of contracting a urinary tract infection. If you have any pain while relieving yourself, talk to your doctor immediately.

Health & Safety

This might be an overwhelming time, but do schedule a prenatal appointment with your doctor to discuss your initial plans for delivery. 

This is also the best time to ask your doctor about what changes you should prepare for as your baby’s growth is expected to spike in the coming weeks. 

To help alleviate some of the symptoms like bloating and gas, you may try light exercise. Consult your doctor for what is safe for your pregnancy. 

For the Braxton Hicks contractions that you may experience at this time, closely monitor how often these and occur and stay hydrated. These contractions are likely to happen after physical activity and are often exacerbated by lack of hydration. Make sure you drink enough fluids and mind how you are feeling whenever you decide to do light exercises.

Week 26 of pregnancy baby development is marked by exciting significant physical changes, which may leave you feeling a little overwhelmed. But do not worry and stay calm. Enjoy seeing and feeling the extraordinary progress of your pregnancy. 

Hello Health Group does not offer any advice, diagnosis, or medical treatment.