Second Trimester
Week 26: Baby
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is the size of a
Scallion
Length
14 in
Weight
760 g
Week
26 / 40
💡 Expert tip
Research childcare options if you plan to return to work — waitlists in many areas are 6–12 months long.
🌱 Baby's development this week
- Eyes opening for the first time
- Eyelashes fully formed
- Brain wave activity detectable — beginning of consciousness
- Immune system developing from maternal antibodies
Science fact
By week 26, EEG recordings show distinct brain wave patterns in the fetus — evidence of the earliest forms of consciousness and sensory processing.
🤰 Your symptoms this week
Vision changes
blurriness or dry eyes from fluid retention; normal unless sudden and severe
Itchy skin, especially over the abdomen
moisturize generously; severe itching needs medical evaluation
Fatigue returning as body works harder to support the growing baby
Rest when you can — your body is building a placenta. Iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils) help. Short walks boost energy.
💛 Changes in your body
- Third trimester approaching — energy may dip again
- Possible vision changes from fluid retention
- Skin stretching causing itching — avoid hot showers
- Braxton Hicks more frequent
💙 Mental health this week
Vision changes in pregnancy are common and usually temporary. Sudden significant changes in vision, however, warrant immediate medical attention as they can signal preeclampsia.
🥗 Nutrition focus
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is critical for vision and brain — baby
- ,
- s first 6 months of life
- Continue limiting caffeine — even at 200mg/day, some studies link it to reduced birth weight
📅 Appointment / test
Third trimester begins next week — appointment frequency increases. Confirm your schedule with your provider.
✅ This week's checklist
Research childcare waitlists and register if needed
Start building a postpartum meal plan or arranging meal delivery help
Review your health insurance coverage for labor, delivery, and newborn care
Track your pregnancy week by week
Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips
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