If you are 26 weeks pregnant, you know you're in your sixth month of pregnancy and your baby is growing very quickly. At this point, you are showing a lot more, and you can expect to gain about a pound per week for the rest of your pregnancy. While your baby is continuing the grow and develop, you may experience more uncomfortable symptoms. As you continue on this journey, be sure to take care of yourself and reach out to your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. Read on as we explore what 26 weeks of pregnancy looks like for both you and your baby.
Key Points of 26 Weeks Pregnancy
- At this stage, your uterus size is about 2 1/2 inches above your belly button.
- Your baby is around 9.2 inches long and around 2 pounds.
- You will experience more weight gain during pregnancy, around a pound per week.
- Pregnancy symptoms may increase such as rib pain, indigestion, and stitch-like pains down the sides of your abdomen.
Pregnancy Body Changes at 26 Weeks Pregnant
At 26 weeks pregnant, your uterus is now about 2½ inches above your belly button. Your weight gain will increase to about a pound per week. You may also experience rib pain, indigestion, heartburn, or stitch-like pains down the sides of your abdomen as your uterine muscle stretches.
You may begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions more regularly. These contractions are painless, but feel similar to menstrual cramps, and occur at irregular intervals. Braxton Hicks contractions are your body's way of practicing for delivery and will help to tone your uterus for labor.
Your Baby's Growth and Development at Week 26
At 26 weeks pregnant, your baby will be about 9.2 inches long and will weigh around 2 pounds. He or she is still wrinkly but will continue to gain weight and fill out as time goes on.
Although your baby's eyes have been sealed shut for the last few months to allow the retinas to develop, they are likely opening and beginning to blink during week 26 of pregnancy.
Your baby begins to make breathing movements (although there is no air in the lungs) and will respond to touch. The eyelids, eyebrows, and fingernails are still developing.