Second trimester · 26 weeks pregnant
Week 26: eyes open
Eyelids part and the brain shows waves for sight and sound.
Your baby's eyes, sealed since week 9, begin to open and blink. Brain wave activity for hearing and sight is detectable, lashes grow and the immune system is absorbing antibodies from you.
Size and weight
About the size of
a head of lettuce
Length
35.6 cm
Weight
760 g
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- The eyes open and the baby blinks; eyelashes grow.
- Brain waves for hearing and sight can be recorded.
- The lungs continue producing surfactant.
- Antibodies cross the placenta to build the baby's immune system.
How you may feel
- Rib pain as the uterus pushes up
- Braxton Hicks
- Insomnia
- Clumsiness and forgetfulness
- Backache
- Rising blood pressure in some women
Preeclampsia can begin after 20 weeks. Its signs are high blood pressure, protein in urine, a severe headache, vision changes, swelling of the face and hands and pain under the ribs. Report any of them the same day.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- Glucose tolerance test window (24–28 weeks).
- Ask your doctor about vaccines: pregnant women are a priority group for the seasonal flu vaccine in Uzbekistan, and whooping cough (Tdap) vaccination in pregnancy is used in many countries.
What to do this week
- Learn the signs of preeclampsia and keep every blood pressure check.
- Start winding down earlier at night; a warm shower, no screens and a side-lying position help sleep.
- Plan your maternity leave dates and the paperwork they need.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Any vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from the vagina
- Regular, painful tightenings or period-like cramps
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your face and hands
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever, or pain when you pass urine
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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