Nerdy Weekly Baby Size: Week 26

This week for the Nerdy Weekly Baby series!

Congratulations! You’re now 26 weeks pregnant and your baby has reached an important milestone in their development. At this stage, your baby is roughly the size of the cap on Indiana Jones Fedora, measuring about 14 inches from head to heel and weighing around 1.7 pounds.

But what exactly is happening inside your body at this stage of pregnancy? And what can you expect in terms of your own physical and emotional experiences? Let’s dive into the nerdy details.

Table of Contents

Baby’s Development at 26 Weeks

At 26 weeks, your baby is starting to pack on the pounds in preparation for life outside the womb. They’re growing more hair on their head and their brain is developing rapidly, with their neural pathways becoming more complex by the day. Your baby’s lungs are also starting to develop the ability to breathe air, although they’re not fully mature yet.

One of the most exciting developments at this stage is your baby’s ability to open and close their eyes. They’re starting to develop their sense of sight and may even respond to light shining through your abdominal wall. Your little one is also growing more coordinated, with their movements becoming more purposeful as they practice kicking, punching, and even hiccupping.

Your Experience at 26 Weeks Pregnant

As your baby grows, you’re likely feeling some physical changes of your own. At 26 weeks, your uterus is about two and a half inches above your belly button, which means you’re probably showing quite a bit. You may be feeling more fatigued than usual, as your body works overtime to support your growing baby. It’s also common to experience shortness of breath and heartburn, as your uterus puts pressure on your diaphragm and stomach.

If you haven’t already, you may start to feel Braxton Hicks contractions around this time. These are practice contractions that help prepare your body for labor, but they’re usually painless and irregular. If you experience any regular contractions or other signs of preterm labor, such as pelvic pressure or vaginal bleeding, be sure to contact your healthcare provider right away.

Emotionally, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as your due date approaches. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times, especially if you’re a first-time parent. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your support network, whether that’s your partner, family, or friends, for help and reassurance.

Nerdy Tips for 26 Weeks Pregnant

Keep taking those prenatal vitamins! Vitamin D helped me so much with my low energy!
Consider signing up for childbirth education classes, either in-person or online. These can help you feel more prepared for labor and delivery, as well as provide you with useful information on postpartum recovery and newborn care.
Invest in a good maternity pillow to help you get more comfortable at night. Sleeping can be a challenge at this stage, but a supportive pillow can make a big difference.
Don’t forget to make time for self-care. Whether that’s taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or indulging in a favorite hobby, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your growing baby.