26th week – Pregnancy week by week
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What Changes Can You Expect in Week 26 of Pregnancy?
Pregnancy brings along many questions, especially as you reach the final stretch. If you’re in your 26th week and starting to notice more physical discomfort, you’re not alone.
Many women experience changes during this period that can be both exciting and, at times, overwhelming. This week is particularly important as your third-trimester approaches, and your body, along with your baby, is undergoing significant changes.
What Changes Are Happening to Your Body?
As you enter week 26, you might feel more discomfort than before. The length of your uterus has now risen about an inch above your navel, and it will continue to grow half an inch every week. With your growing belly, simple tasks like sleeping and breathing may start becoming difficult. One of the reasons for this is that your baby is putting pressure on your lungs, which reduces their capacity, making it harder for you to take deep breaths, especially when lying down.
You may find yourself waking up in the middle of the night due to difficulty breathing or because your baby’s movements are stronger and more frequent. It’s important to sleep in a more elevated position by propping up two or three pillows. This can help reduce the pressure on your lungs and make breathing easier at night.
Another common issue is weight gain. At this stage, your body is carrying more weight than ever before, but it’s crucial not to worry about it.
Is Your Blood Pressure Increasing?
Many women experience changes in their blood pressure during pregnancy. While it may have decreased during the second trimester—a condition known as “second-trimester fall”—you may notice that your blood pressure is now beginning to rise.
Some women may even experience high blood pressure, which can lead to swelling, blurred vision, headaches, and an unusual increase in weight.
How Is Your Baby Developing This Week?
By the 26th week, your baby is growing rapidly. The baby now measures approximately 14 inches long and weighs around 900 grams. The development of the lungs is progressing, and your baby has begun practicing how to breathe. Even though they are still in the womb, these early breathing movements help prepare the lungs for life outside.
You may also notice that your baby’s movements have become stronger and more noticeable. Their kicks might even wake you up at night. The baby’s circulatory system is also functioning well, and their ears are fully developed. This means your baby can hear your voice clearly, and they are starting to recognize it. Talking to your baby regularly will help them become familiar with the sound of your voice.
How Do You Manage Sleep and Breathing Issues?
With the growing size of your uterus, breathing can become more challenging, especially when lying down. This is because your expanding uterus puts pressure on your lungs, reducing the space they have to expand fully.
To ease this discomfort, try propping yourself up in bed with extra pillows. Sleeping in a more upright position will take some pressure off your lungs and help you breathe more easily.
Additionally, your baby’s increased movements may make it harder to get a full night’s rest. While these kicks can sometimes feel overwhelming, they are a sign that your baby is growing and healthy.
Should You Be Worried About High Blood Pressure?
During this phase of pregnancy, high blood pressure is something you need to keep an eye on. If your blood pressure becomes too high, it can lead to complications like preeclampsia, which can affect both your health and the health of your baby.
If you notice swelling in your hands and feet, sudden weight gain, blurred vision, or frequent headaches, contact your pregnancy doctor right away.
What Tests Should You Have Done This Week?
Between the 26th and 28th week of pregnancy, several important tests need to be conducted to ensure your health and your baby’s well-being. One of the key tests is the glucose tolerance test. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy.
To conduct this test, you will be given 75 grams of sugar in a glass of water to drink. After two hours, your blood sugar level will be tested. If your glucose levels are too high, your doctor may recommend further tests to confirm gestational diabetes.
Other tests include checking your hemoglobin levels. If your hemoglobin is lower than 10, your doctor may recommend iron supplements or even iron injections to ensure your body has enough iron to support you and your baby’s growing needs.
If your blood type is Rh-negative, your doctor will also conduct an indirect Coombs test to determine if there are any complications related to your baby’s blood type. If the test comes back negative, you may receive an anti-D injection to prevent future complications.
What Should You Focus on During This Week?
As your pregnancy progresses, your body will require extra care and attention. It’s important to keep a close eye on your health, particularly your blood pressure, sugar levels, and overall nutrition. A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals will help keep you and your baby healthy.
What Can Dads Do to Help?
As a dad-to-be, your support can make all the difference during this time. Your partner is dealing with both physical and emotional changes, and it’s easy for her to feel self-conscious about the changes in her body. She may be worried about her weight gain, darker skin patches, and swelling.
This is your chance to lift her spirits. Remind her that she is beautiful and that these changes are a natural part of the process. Compliment her often and let her know that she is doing an amazing job. Small gestures of love and support can go a long way in helping her feel confident and appreciated.
Conclusion
The 26th week of pregnancy is a critical period where both you and your baby are undergoing significant changes. With the baby’s growth, your body is adjusting, which may lead to discomfort in sleeping and breathing, as well as changes in blood pressure. Regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and emotional support from your partner are essential in keeping you healthy and happy.
As you navigate this crucial time in your pregnancy, ensure you have the best support. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Supriya Puranik, a top pregnancy specialist in Pune, to receive expert guidance tailored to your needs. Your health and your baby’s well-being are her top priorities!
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About Author
Dr. Supriya Puranik
Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist
Dr. Supriya Puranik, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility expert, leads the IVF & Gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. She is committed to helping couples overcome infertility challenges.
