26 weeks pregnant: baby, body and what to expect

Trimester 2 of 3About 6 months14 weeks to go

Week 26 of pregnancy: baby is about the size of a zucchini

Week 26 at a glance

At 26 weeks, the baby is about 35–36 cm (13.8–14.2 in) long and weighs around 760 g (1.7 lb), roughly the size of a zucchini. The eyes may open for the first time and often look blue or gray because there is still little pigment in the iris.

26 weeks pregnant is about 6 months. You are in month 6 of pregnancy and the second trimester.

Your baby at 26 weeks

The size of a zucchini: the baby may open its eyes for the first time, and they often look blue

At 26 weeks, a sweet milestone may happen: the baby may open their eyes for the first time. The eyes often look blue or gray at this stage.

What is happening this week

The baby is about 35–36 cm (13.8–14.2 in) long and weighs around 760 g (1.7 lb). The eyelids are becoming more mobile, and the eye structures continue to mature. Because there is still little pigment, the iris often looks blue or gray.

The eyes may open briefly.
Eye color is not final yet and may change after birth.
The baby continues to move actively, suck a thumb, and respond to sounds and touch.

Opening the eyes at this stage does not mean vision is fully developed. The baby can detect light and shadows, but the visual system keeps developing for months after birth.

How this week may feel

At 26 weeks, many pregnant people feel stronger movements and may notice more tiredness by the evening. Heartburn, back pain, and shortness of breath with activity can also happen.

Contact your OB-GYN or midwife right away if you have bleeding, severe pain, fever, regular painful contractions, or a noticeable decrease in movements after you had already felt them regularly.

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Your body at 26 weeks

Practice Tightenings

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Around the middle of pregnancy, you may notice your belly feeling hard or tightening from time to time. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. Some people call them 'practice' contractions because the uterus muscles are getting ready for labor.

The uterus tightens as part of normal pregnancy. These contractions are common and usually do not mean labor is starting.

How do you recognize them?

They feel like mild tightening in the lower belly.
They are irregular and do not become more frequent.
They do not get stronger over time.
They often ease after you rest, change position, or drink fluids.

Practice contractions may happen more often when you are tired, dehydrated, or after physical activity.

When should you call your doctor or midwife?

Practice contractions are usually harmless, but call your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of preterm labor, which can happen before 37 weeks. Warning signs include:

Contractions that become regular, closer together, or stronger, such as 4 or more in one hour.
Any vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina.
Pelvic pressure or a feeling that the baby is pushing down.
Lower back pain that is new, steady, or does not go away.
Contractions with strong or persistent pain.

If you are not sure whether what you feel is normal, ask your provider. It is always reasonable to call and check.

Common symptoms at 26 weeks

Braxton Hicks contractions

You may feel your belly tighten and harden for under a minute, and it may come and go without a pattern. Resting, drinking water, or changing position often helps these ease.

Heartburn

Growing pressure from the uterus can push stomach acid upward, especially after meals or when lying down. Smaller meals and staying upright for a while after eating may bring some relief.

Shortness of breath

As the uterus presses up on the diaphragm, you may feel like you cannot take a full breath. Slow pacing and good posture can make it feel easier.

Leg cramps

Calf cramps are common at this stage, often at night. Gentle stretching of the calf before bed and staying hydrated may help some people.

Swelling in feet and ankles

Some swelling is common as fluid volume increases and blood flow shifts. Raising your feet and moving around during the day may ease heaviness, but sudden or severe swelling is worth reporting to your care team.

Stronger baby movements

Many people notice more regular kicks, rolls, or hiccups now that the baby is more active. Learning your baby's usual pattern can help you notice changes over time.

Your week 26 checklist

Schedule your glucose screening test if it has not been done yet. Track any tightenings, noting how long they last and how often they come. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip through the day. Practice a few slow, deep breaths when you feel tightening, to notice how your body responds. Plan a comfortable sleeping setup with a pillow between your knees or under your belly. Write down questions for your next prenatal visit.

Tests and appointments

Glucose screening (glucose challenge test). This blood test checks how your body handles sugar and is often offered between weeks 24 and 28.
Complete blood count (CBC). This blood test checks for anemia and is sometimes repeated in the third trimester.

For your partner: Offer to handle chores, meals, or errands so the other person can rest more, since fatigue and heartburn can build up this week. Learning the signs that mean a call to the care team is needed, such as regular contractions, fluid leaking, or bleeding, lets you respond quickly if something changes.

Questions about week 26

How many months is 26 weeks pregnant?

26 weeks pregnant is about 6 months. You are in month 6 of pregnancy and the second trimester.

What trimester is 26 weeks?

Week 26 is in the second trimester. The first trimester runs through week 13, the second from week 14 to 27 and the third from week 28 until birth.

What is happening with the baby at 26 weeks?

At 26 weeks, the baby is about 35–36 cm (13.8–14.2 in) long and weighs around 760 g (1.7 lb), roughly the size of a zucchini. The eyes may open for the first time and often look blue or gray because there is still little pigment in the iris.

How can I tell Braxton Hicks from real labor?

Braxton Hicks are usually irregular and ease with rest or a position change. Labor contractions tend to grow closer together, longer, and stronger over time. If you are unsure, contact your care team, who can help you sort out what you are feeling.

Is it normal to feel the baby hiccup this week?

Yes, many people feel rhythmic small jerks in the belly that are often baby hiccups. They are generally harmless. Tell your provider if you notice a big change in how often your baby moves.

Why do my eyes feel itchy or dry at this stage?

Hormone shifts and fluid changes can affect the eyes for some people. Lubricating drops made for dryness may help. Let your provider know if your vision changes or your eyes become painful.

Safe or not?

Ask your doctorCan you drink kombucha while pregnant?Generally OKCan you fly while pregnant?Generally OKCan I eat avocado while pregnant?Generally OKCan I eat shrimp while pregnant?

Guides for this stage

Mental healthFeeling Less Attractive in Pregnancy: Learning to Accept a Changing Body Medical careCervical length check in pregnancy: what the test shows HealthManaging chronic conditions during pregnancy FeedingColostrum Leaking in the Second Trimester: What's Normal and What to Do

Coming up next weekWeek 27: Your Baby's Brain Is Forming Folds and CortexRead week 27 →

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Learn more

NIH: Pregnancy (NICHD)
CDC: Pregnancy

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General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.