Congratulations! You have hit the halfway mark of pregnancy and are now 26 weeks pregnant. You may have noticed a significant increase in your belly size and weight gain. Your baby is now the size of a cucumber and is growing rapidly.

These weeks are exciting but can be challenging as your body is going through a lot of changes to accommodate your growing baby.

Development of the Baby

At 26 weeks, your baby is approximately 14 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds. Your baby’s eyes are now fully developed and can open and close. The lungs are developing and will continue to do so until the baby is born.

The brain is also growing rapidly, and your baby can now hear and respond to sounds outside the womb.

The baby is starting to build immunity as white blood cells are being produced. The digestive system is also starting to develop, and your baby can now swallow amniotic fluid.

The baby’s skin is still translucent but will start to thicken as the weeks progress.

Changes to Your Body

Your belly is continuing to grow, and you may notice stretch marks appearing on your skin. Your uterus is now the size of a soccer ball, and you may feel more pressure on your bladder, making you need to urinate frequently.

You may also feel more tired and have trouble sleeping at night due to discomfort.

You may also experience some Braxton Hicks contractions, which are harmless but can be uncomfortable. These contractions are known as “practice contractions” as they prepare your body for labor.

Things to Consider

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is essential during pregnancy, and you should continue to attend all scheduled appointments with your doctor or midwife. At each appointment, your weight, blood pressure, and urine will be checked to ensure you and your baby are healthy.

You may also have an ultrasound to monitor your baby’s growth and development.

Childbirth Education

As you are now halfway through your pregnancy, it is a good idea to start thinking about childbirth education. Attending childbirth classes can help prepare you and your partner for labor and delivery.

These classes provide information on the stages of labor, pain management techniques, and what to expect postpartum.

Diet and Exercise

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy, and now is a good time to reassess your dietary habits. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

You may also need to increase your calorie intake as your baby grows.

Exercise is also important during pregnancy, but you must speak to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are excellent options to help keep you active during pregnancy.

Preparing for Baby

As your due date approaches, you may want to start preparing for your baby’s arrival. This can include selecting a pediatrician, setting up a nursery, and purchasing essential items such as a car seat, stroller, and crib.

It can also be a good idea to prepare for postpartum recovery by purchasing items such as nursing pads, postpartum underwear, and pads.

Conclusion

The 26th week of pregnancy is a significant milestone in your pregnancy journey. Your baby is growing and developing rapidly, and your body is going through many changes to accommodate your growing baby.

By continuing to attend prenatal appointments, eating a healthy diet, and staying active, you can ensure the best possible outcome for yourself and your baby.