Week 26 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 902 g (estimated weight; Source: WHO fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)) — about as heavy as a lauki (bottle gourd) (Source: USDA SR Legacy (FoodData Central) FDC 169232 'Gourd, white-flowered (calabash), raw': portion '1 gourd' = 771 g edible portion; SR28 FOOD_DES refuse 30% (Ends, skin, and seeds). As-purchased weight = 771 / (1 - 0.3) = 1101.4 g.). 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

• Iron — blood volume rises ~50% — iron demand climbs (Red meat)
• Calcium — fetal skeleton mineralising (Dairy)
• Vitamin D — calcium absorption + bone (Fatty fish)

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.