26 weeks pregnant: your baby & body
Your baby this week
About 35.6 cm and 760 g — around the size of a lettuce head. Every baby grows a little differently.
How your baby is developing
- The eyes are typically beginning to open around this week.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)
- Responses to sound are becoming more established as the inner ear matures.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)
How you may feel
- Braxton Hicks contractions may increase in frequency; sleep can become harder as the bump grows.NHS
- Anti-D treatment is typically offered around now to those who are Rh-negative.ACOG
Nutrition this week
Tests & scans
- Glucose screen for gestational diabetes (weeks 24–28)
When to reach out
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
- Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
- Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
- Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
- Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS
- A severe or persistent headache that doesn't improve.ACOG
- Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.ACOG
- Visual disturbances — blurring, flashing lights, or spots.ACOG
- Regular contractions, pelvic pressure, or low back pain before 37 weeks (possible signs of preterm labor).ACOG
- Fluid leaking or gushing from the vagina (possible ruptured membranes).NHS
- Persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially under the ribs on the right side.ACOG
These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.
Part of the Second trimester (weeks 14–27).
Educational reference only — not medical advice. Typical/average figures; every pregnancy differs. Always consult your doctor or midwife. Seek urgent care for any warning sign.