Your baby this week
Your baby's eyes open for the first time this week. Eye color isn't final yet and can keep changing after birth.
At 26 weeks your baby opens their eyes for the first time. The eyes can sense light, and your baby may move in response to bright light. The lungs keep maturing, and the number of air sacs grows. For you, practice contractions (Braxton Hicks) may become more frequent: your belly tightens for a short while, then relaxes. They're irregular, don't get stronger and often stop with rest, fluids or a change of position. Before 37 weeks, regular contractions that get stronger, or more than about four in an hour, or leaking fluid, bleeding or pelvic pressure can be signs of preterm labor, so call your provider.
By the numbers
Week 26 covers days 182 to 188 counted from the first day of your last period, which is 65% of a 40-week pregnancy. About 98 days remain until a 40-week due date. Since last week, an average baby gains about 4.4 oz (124 g). By date of conception, your baby is about 24 weeks old.
Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, so conception happens around week 2. Your due date is 280 days (40 weeks) from that day, and an early ultrasound may adjust it.
Your body
You may notice your belly tightening now and then. These practice contractions are usually irregular and painless. If they become regular before 37 weeks, or come with low back pain, leaking fluid or bleeding, call right away.
Tests and to-dos this week
Sign up for childbirth, breastfeeding or infant CPR classes if you're interested. The Tdap vaccine window opens next week.
Glucose screening for gestational diabetes · weeks 24–28 · test
Done earlier if you have risk factors.
Coming up: Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine (from week 27). Full prenatal visit schedule
Tips for the second trimester
- Most healthy pregnant people are advised to get about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as walking or swimming.
- Your recommended weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI, and gain usually speeds up in the second trimester.
- Once you feel your baby regularly, learn their usual pattern; a change in pattern matters more than any count.
- The flu shot is recommended at any point in pregnancy during flu season.
Call your provider or labor and delivery right away if you have:
- vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- regular contractions or pelvic pressure before 37 weeks
- a severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of the face or hands
- a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher, or painful urination
- after 24 weeks, your baby moving less or differently
In an emergency, call 911.
Last week and next week
Next week (27): The lungs have come a long way but still need weeks to mature.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the baby at 26 weeks?
About the size of a head of cauliflower: about 14.2 in (36 cm) · 2 lb (902 g), measured head to heel. These are rounded averages, and every baby grows at their own pace.
How many months is 26 weeks pregnant?
26 weeks is in month 6 and the second trimester. About 14 weeks (98 days) remain until a 40-week due date. Months are approximate; providers count weeks and days.
How do I tell Braxton Hicks from real contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, don't get stronger and often fade with rest or a change of position. True labor contractions come regularly and get closer together and stronger. Before 37 weeks, call your provider about regular contractions.
What's the next test or appointment after week 26?
Next up: Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine, from week 27. Your provider may schedule things differently depending on your health and local practice.
Sources
- WHO Fetal Growth Charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)
- INTERGROWTH-21st crown-rump length standard (Papageorghiou et al., 2014)
- Hadlock et al.: In utero fetal weight standard (Radiology 1991)
- NHS: Week-by-week guide to pregnancy
- NHS: Pregnancy symptoms you need to get help for
- ACOG: How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
- ACOG: Routine Tests During Pregnancy
- ACOG: Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests
- CDC: Vaccine Recommendations Before, During, and After Pregnancy
- Office on Women's Health: Prenatal care and tests
- Hungarian Decree 26/2014 (IV. 8.) EMMI on prenatal care
- NNGYK (Hungary): 2026 vaccination methodology letter
- ACOG – Group B Strep and Pregnancy (Committee Opinion 797)
- ACOG – The Rh Factor
Last reviewed: November 14, 2026 · Kitpebble editorial team
This page is for general information. It isn't medical advice or a diagnosis and doesn't replace your OB-GYN or midwife. Sizes are rounded averages. Our editorial policy