Pregnancy Week 26 - Pregnancy Week by Week

Welcome to Pregnancy Week 26.

Changes to Mother During Pregnancy Week 26

Your doctor may have to give written permission if you have to travel by flight from this point onwards. This is because a flight journey can can cause a great risk of high blood pressure and result in premature birth.

You may experience back pain or pressure and leg cramps. This discomfort can be lessened by stretching routinely. Also, eating a nutritious diet helps to keep your body charged with the required vitamins and minerals. Some women face pain in their ribs because the uterus or your baby's feet press against your ribs. Changing your position reduces this discomfort. Headaches may be common due to hormonal fluctuations.

You may also find your blood pressure rising slightly. Your doctor monitors your blood pressure to ensure that your blood pressure is stable and does not increase too suddenly. A rapid increase in blood pressure is indicated by upper abdominal pain, swelling or blurry and spotted vision.

Changes to Baby During Pregnancy Week 26

Your baby can now open his eyes and even blink. He responds to light from outside the womb and also to a torch light being shone through the womb. His heart continues to develop. Neural pathways are developed inside the ears and he responds to noises more often. He continues to practice breathing and swallowing amniotic fluid. Most male babies experience growth spurts at this stage as their testicles continue proceeding into the scrotum. This lasts for just a couple of days. Eyelashes and hair on his head continue growing.