Week 26 of Your Pregnancy
November 1, 2009
What is Happening Inside Your Body?
Your uterus is about 2 ½ inches above your navel now. You have on average probably gained between 16 and 22 pounds.
Your uterus and your baby are growing larger. As this occurs, discomforts such as back pain, pelvic pain, leg cramps, and headaches can become more challenging.
Your lung capacity is continuing to increase.
How Big is Your Baby?
Your baby is about 9 ½ inches from crown to rump and weighs nearly 2 pounds.
What Does a Fetus Look Like at 26 Weeks? - Video
This video of a fetus that’s around 26 weeks …
Video of baby in the womb
How is Your Baby Developing?
Your baby’s ears and eyes are completely formed now. The inner ear has completely developed, and will help your baby feel balance. It will also help your baby orient to which direction they are in inside the womb (sideways, right side up, or upside down).
Your baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes are formed and the hair on its head is growing and getting thicker.
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Sleeping may be getting markedly less comfortable now. You should not sleep on your back, as doing so places pressure on a major artery and cuts off blood flow.
Try sleeping on your left side. Pillows are very helpful, use lots of them. A pillow between your knees can really take pressure off of the back. There are some great pregnancy pillows that can help you rest more comfortably, or try a body pillow.
