Our Baby Journey26 weeks pregnant
26 weeks pregnant is about 6 months. It falls in the sixth month of pregnancy. You are in week 26 of 40, in the second trimester. Here is what is happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is about the size of a lettuce.
Length: about 35.6 cm (14 in) from crown to heel · Weight: about 760 g (1.7 lb)
Your baby at 26 weeks
The eyes begin to open. The baby is practicing breathing movements.
Around this time, your baby's eyelids, which have been sealed while the eyes developed, begin to open. Your baby can blink and may react to bright light shining on your belly. The retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye, is still developing and will continue to mature after birth.
Breathing movements are becoming more regular as your baby practices inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. The lungs are not yet ready for air, but the air sacs are beginning to form. Your baby's immune system is also getting support: antibodies from your blood are passing across the placenta, a transfer that increases through the third trimester.
The brain is growing quickly and building connections that help with hearing and vision. Your baby may now respond to sounds more consistently, for example with movement or a change in heart rate.
Your body at 26 weeks
You may feel clumsy or forgetful. Leg cramps can happen, especially at night.
Leg cramps are common in the second half of pregnancy. They often strike at night and can be sharp enough to wake you. The exact cause is not fully understood, but extra weight, changes in circulation, and pressure on nerves and blood vessels in the legs may play a part. Many people also notice mild forgetfulness or trouble concentrating, sometimes called pregnancy brain, which may be linked to poor sleep and the demands of pregnancy. Your growing belly can affect your balance, so take extra care on stairs and slippery surfaces.
Your belly at week 26
In month 6 (weeks 23–27) your bump keeps growing forward and upward, and the top of the uterus is now above your belly button. Fundal height is usually around 23–27 cm, close to the number of weeks.
Belly size and shape vary a lot depending on your build, whether this is your first pregnancy, your baby's position and the amount of amniotic fluid. At checkups your doctor or midwife may measure your fundal height to track your baby's growth, and may arrange an ultrasound if the measurement is quite different from what they expect.
Symptoms at 26 weeks pregnant
- Night-time leg cramps, often in the calves
- Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
- Feeling clumsy or off balance
- Pelvic or hip pain
- Headaches
- Swollen feet and ankles
Checkups around week 26
You may have your glucose screening between now and 28 weeks if it has not been done. Routine visits include checking your blood pressure and urine. Your provider may also check your blood pressure more closely, because conditions such as preeclampsia usually develop after 20 weeks. Timing varies by country and clinic.
Tips for week 26
- Stretch your calves before bed to reduce leg cramps.
- Keep lists to help with forgetfulness.
- Make sure you're getting enough magnesium and calcium.
Common symptoms in the second trimester
The second trimester runs from week 14 to week 27. Nausea often eases, energy returns, your bump starts to show, and you will begin to feel your baby move. Not everyone has every symptom, and it is normal for symptoms to come and go. Common ones include:
- A growing bump and weight gain
- First baby movements, usually felt between weeks 16 and 25
- Round ligament pain (sharp pains low in the belly or groin)
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Back ache
- A blocked nose or nosebleeds
- Leg cramps
- Skin changes such as a dark line on the belly or darker patches on the face
Read the full second trimester guide.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Contact your healthcare provider or maternity unit straight away, or get emergency care, if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Fluid leaking from your vagina
- Severe vomiting where you cannot keep fluids down
- Your baby moving less than usual or a change in their pattern of movements (later in pregnancy)
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Feeling very low, anxious, or having thoughts of harming yourself
Have a question about week 26?
Ask our AI pregnancy assistant about symptoms, nutrition, scans or anything else on your mind this week.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 26 weeks pregnant?
At 26 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a lettuce. That is about 35.6 cm (14 in) from crown to heel, weighing about 760 g (1.7 lb).
How big is my belly at week 26 of pregnancy?
In month 6 (weeks 23–27) your bump keeps growing forward and upward, and the top of the uterus is now above your belly button. Fundal height is usually around 23–27 cm, close to the number of weeks. Bump size, shape and when you start to show vary a lot from person to person.
How can I stop leg cramps at night?
When a cramp starts, straighten your leg and gently flex your foot so your toes point toward your knee, or stand and press your heel into the floor. Gentle calf stretches before bed, staying active during the day, and drinking enough fluids may help prevent cramps. Talk to your doctor or midwife before taking supplements. Seek medical advice if one leg is painful, swollen, red, or warm, as this can be a sign of a blood clot.
Can my baby see light at 26 weeks?
Your baby's eyes are beginning to open around this time, and babies can respond to bright light shining on the belly, sometimes by moving or turning. The womb is mostly dark, so your baby's vision is still very limited. Eyesight continues to develop for months after birth, and newborns see best at close range, around the distance to your face during feeding.
Is pregnancy brain real?
Many people report forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating during pregnancy. Research suggests there may be subtle changes, but tiredness, disrupted sleep, and having a lot on your mind likely play a big role. Writing lists, setting phone reminders, and getting as much rest as you can may help. If you feel persistently low, anxious, or unable to cope, talk to your doctor or midwife, as these may be signs of a mood condition that can be treated.
What trimester is 26 weeks pregnant?
Week 26 is in the second trimester, which covers weeks 14 to 27.
How many months is 26 weeks pregnant?
26 weeks pregnant is about 6 months. It falls in the sixth month of pregnancy. The sixth month covers weeks 23 to 27. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks, or roughly 9 months, counted from the first day of your last period.
This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife. Every pregnancy is different, and baby sizes are approximate averages. Last updated 2026-11-07. See our medical disclaimer.