👶Your baby this week
Your baby is now about as long as a newborn hat (~35.6 cm) and close to 2 lb, with space starting to feel a little snug as growth continues.
**Eyes are beginning to open** and the **eyelashes** are growing, baby may even respond to bright light through the tummy.
Tiny **fingernails** are fully formed (and can be surprisingly sharp by birth!).
Baby is **swallowing amniotic fluid** regularly, vital ‘practice’ for digestion and healthy **lung** development.
The **retinas** have developed enough for baby to perceive light/dark; iris pigmentation is still filling in (eye colour may keep changing after birth).
**Brain-wave activity** is ramping up; baby can hear and **respond to sounds** with increased movement or heart rate.
Movements are becoming more **coordinated** (kicks, stretches, little jabs) and may feel stronger or more rhythmic.
Skin is still thin but gradually gaining **fat** and capillaries underneath, which will reduce the wrinkled look over the coming weeks.
🌸Your body this week
Approaching the third trimester, you may feel **more tired, clumsy, or unsteady** as the centre of gravity shifts and joints loosen.
A more **prominent bump** (and sometimes a **popping belly button**) is normal as the uterus grows upward.
More frequent **leg cramps**, especially at night, are common; stretching and ankle–foot exercises can help.
Hormonal changes may bring **‘pregnancy brain’** (memory lapses) and altered sleep patterns, including **insomnia**.
Growing pressure on the stomach and diaphragm can mean **heartburn**, **bloating**, and a sensation of breathlessness.
Common second-trimester issues can persist: **round ligament pain**, **backache**, **headaches**, **nasal congestion/nosebleeds**, **constipation**, and **piles**.
Mild **swelling** of hands/feet can occur; keep your midwife updated, especially if it’s sudden or accompanied by concerning symptoms.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 26 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Baby’s Movements
You should feel regular movements. **Call your midwife or maternity unit immediately** if movements **slow down or stop**, don’t wait.
Night-time Leg Cramps
Try calf stretches before bed, pull toes up toward the shins during a cramp, massage the muscle, stay hydrated, and consider magnesium/iron checks with your midwife if persistent.
Heartburn, Bloating & Indigestion
Eat small, frequent meals; avoid rich/spicy/fatty foods and caffeine; sit upright after eating; sleep propped up on pillows.
Round Ligament Pain
Aching or sharp twinges on one/both sides of the bump can flare with position changes. Move slowly, rest with feet up, and use bump support if helpful.
Pregnancy Brain & Clumsiness
Use lists, reminders, and allow extra time for tasks. Wear supportive shoes and be cautious on stairs and slippery surfaces.
Backache & Pelvic Discomfort
Mind posture, use a support belt, do gentle strengthening (pelvic tilts/Kegels). Ask about physio if pain affects daily life.
Headaches & Nasal Congestion
Hydrate, rest in a dark room, try saline spray or a humidifier. Seek advice for severe headaches, visual symptoms, or sudden swelling.
Constipation & Piles
Increase fibre (wholegrains, fruit/veg, beans), fluids, and gentle activity. Soothe piles with witch hazel pads, cool compresses, or sitz baths.
Trouble Sleeping
Limit late fluids, establish a wind-down routine, use pillows for bump/back/knee support, and keep the room cool and dark.
✨Tips for week 26
Movements Matter
Learn your baby’s usual pattern and **contact maternity triage right away** if movements are reduced, it’s always the right call.
Whooping Cough Vaccine
If not yet received, get the **pertussis (whooping cough)** vaccine **between weeks 16–32** to pass protective antibodies to baby.
Benefits & Work Rights
From now, you may qualify for **Maternity Allowance** if you don’t get Statutory Maternity Pay. You have the right to a **workplace risk assessment**, extra breaks, a safe role, and paid time off for antenatal care.
Stay Active, Stay Safe
Aim for regular gentle activity (e.g., brisk walks). Given balance changes, slow down, choose supportive footwear, and avoid high-fall-risk exercise.
Leg Cramp Prevention
Do daily ankle rotations and calf stretches; keep hydrated; consider a warm bath or magnesium-rich foods (nuts, legumes, leafy greens).
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Daily Kegels support the bladder and pelvis and may help with later-pregnancy pressure and postpartum recovery.
Antenatal Classes
Ask your midwife about NHS, Tommy’s or NCT classes (in person or online). They’re useful even if this isn’t your first baby.
Healthy Eating (No Extra Calories Yet)
You don’t need additional calories until week 28. Focus on balanced meals, plenty of fruit/veg, wholegrains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Vitamin D & Supplements
Consider **10 micrograms of vitamin D daily** (especially Oct–Mar in the UK). Continue prenatal vitamins unless advised otherwise.
Wellbeing Check-In
If you feels anxious or low, reach out to your midwife/GP and talk with trusted people. Support is available, you don’t have to cope alone.
Contraception Planning
Discuss post-birth contraception options now, fertility can return quickly and short gaps between pregnancies carry risks.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Call your maternity unit immediately for **reduced/no movements**, heavy bleeding, fluid leak, severe headache or vision changes, sudden swelling, chest pain, or severe abdominal pain.