26 Weeks Pregnant
At 26 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a head of lettuce. You are in the second trimester, and this week brings its own small changes — for your baby and for you.
- Size of
- a head of lettuce
- Length
- 35.6 cm
- Weight
- 760 g
- Trimester
- 2
Your baby this week
- The eyelids open for the first time.
- Brain waves now respond to sound and touch.
- Your baby practises breathing movements with amniotic fluid.
Your body this week
- The growing uterus presses up against your ribs.
- Blood pressure and urine are checked at each visit for signs of pre-eclampsia.
Common symptoms
- A dull ache in the lower back
- Getting out of breath more easily
- Headaches, often linked to hormones or low fluids
What to expect
The middle months are usually the steadiest part of pregnancy. Energy often returns, the bump becomes visible, and appointments settle into a routine. With 14 weeks to go, this is a good time to plan ahead while you feel well.
Tips for this week
- Report headaches, vision changes or sudden swelling straight away.
- Put your feet up when you can to ease swelling.
- Drink water through the day; dehydration worsens tiredness and headaches.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 26 weeks pregnant?
26 weeks is about 6 months. Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so counting in weeks is more precise.
How big is my baby at 26 weeks?
At 26 weeks your baby is around a head of lettuce — roughly 35.6 cm long and about 760 g. Healthy babies vary a lot around these averages.
What symptoms are normal at 26 weeks pregnant?
The most common ones this week are listed above. Contact your doctor or midwife about heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or any change in your baby’s movements.
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so week 1 begins before conception.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.