26-Week Pregnancy

Welcome to the 26th week of your pregnancy! Your baby continues to grow and develop rapidly. This week, your baby’s eyes are opening and preparing to take their first look at the world.

Size and Weight:

At 26 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 35 cm long and weighs around 800-900 grams. You can think of your baby as the size of a cantaloupe.

Organ Development:

Your baby’s organs continue to mature. The lungs are developing, and surfactant production is increasing. Surfactant is an important substance that helps the lungs expand and fill with air after birth. Your baby’s heart is beating stronger, and circulation is improving. The brain is growing rapidly, and the nervous system continues to develop. The bone marrow has started producing blood cells.

Sensory Development:

Your baby’s senses are further developing. This week, your baby’s eyes open and begin to detect light. Pupils can dilate and contract in response to light. Your baby can hear sounds better and distinguish between different noises. They respond to sounds in the womb, music, and especially the voices of their mother and father. Taste buds are developed, allowing your baby to sense the flavor of amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also developing, enabling your baby to touch the uterine wall, umbilical cord, and their own body.

Movements:

At 26 weeks, your baby’s movements are stronger, more coordinated, and regular. You can now clearly feel kicks, nudges, rolls, and hiccups. Feeling your baby’s movements is both exciting and comforting. Sharing these movements with your partner can strengthen your bond.

Sleep Patterns:

Your baby’s sleep and wake cycles are becoming more distinct. Your baby may sleep and be awake at different times throughout the day. These cycles are starting to resemble postnatal sleep patterns. Your baby is beginning to experience REM sleep, which may indicate dreaming.

At the 26th week of pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes.

Physical Changes:

• Growing belly: Your abdomen continues to expand, stretching your skin. Your belly button may protrude outward.
• Weight gain: By this week, gaining an average of 8–11 kg is normal.
• Breast growth: Your breasts continue to enlarge, and colostrum production increases.
• Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or visible veins on your skin.
• Hair and nail changes: Your hair may become thicker and shinier, and your nails may grow faster.
• Other changes: You may experience varicose veins, swelling (edema), back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, and forgetfulness.

Emotional Changes:

• Emotional fluctuations: Hormonal changes can cause mood swings.
• Anxiety and worry: You may feel concern about your baby’s health, labor, and parenting.
• Maternal instinct: Maternal instincts continue to develop, and your desire to bond with your baby increases. Feeling your baby’s movements helps strengthen this bond.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby’s.

Important Nutrients:

• Protein: Adequate protein intake is essential for your baby’s rapid growth. Meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts are good sources of protein.
• Calcium: Calcium is important for your baby’s bone development. Milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods are sources of calcium.
• Iron: Your iron needs increase as your blood volume rises. Red meat, dried legumes, green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits are good sources of iron.
• Folic acid: Folic acid intake is important to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements are sources of folic acid.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your baby’s brain development. Salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Fiber: Consuming fiber helps prevent constipation. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are good sources of fiber.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C increases iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and tomatoes are sources of vitamin C.

Foods to Avoid:

• Mercury-containing fish: Avoid fish like swordfish, shark, and mackerel that contain mercury.
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: Raw or undercooked meat and eggs can increase the risk of food poisoning.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese: Unpasteurized milk and cheese may contain harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can harm your baby’s development.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
• Excess caffeine: High caffeine intake may lead to miscarriages.
• Processed foods: Processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat and are unhealthy.

Your baby’s gender may have been determined in earlier ultrasound scans. If you have not learned it yet and your baby is in a suitable position, you can find out the gender during the ultrasound performed at 26 weeks of pregnancy.

At 26 weeks of pregnancy, a routine ultrasound is generally not performed. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to assess your baby’s development or to check for any potential issues.

In the 26th week of your pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and your baby's development.

Signs of Preterm Labor:

The 26th week of pregnancy is still a period with a high risk of preterm labor. It is important to pay attention to the following signs of preterm labor and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of them:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Water breaking
• Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Back pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Changes in vaginal discharge

Braxton Hicks Contractions:

Braxton Hicks contractions are preparatory contractions of the uterine muscles. These contractions are usually irregular, painless, and short-lived. Braxton Hicks contractions are not a sign of preterm labor, but if they become regular and painful, you should contact your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can pose risks for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, screening for gestational diabetes is important. If diagnosed, blood sugar levels are managed through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Preeclampsia:

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein leakage in the urine during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is serious for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include headache, visual disturbances, swelling of the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid lying on your back: As your uterus grows, lying on your back can compress major blood vessels, disrupting circulation and causing dizziness or fainting.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothes can impair circulation and cause discomfort.
• Pay attention to footwear: Choose comfortable, flat shoes instead of high heels or pointed shoes.
• Moisturize your skin: Dryness and itching are common during pregnancy, so it is important to moisturize regularly.
• Pay attention to dental health: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive. Brush your teeth regularly and use dental floss.
• You can continue sexual activity: Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you can continue sexual activity during pregnancy.
• Track your baby's movements: Once you start feeling your baby's movements, it is important to monitor them. If you notice a decrease or change in movements, contact your doctor immediately.
• Participate in pregnancy exercises: Pregnancy exercises help you stay fit and prepare for childbirth.
• Take childbirth education: Childbirth education helps you gain information about the birth process and prepare for labor.
• Start buying baby items: Purchasing baby items is both exciting and contributes to preparation.
• Begin preparing the baby’s room: It is important to prepare a safe and comfortable environment for your baby.
• Make a birth plan: A birth plan helps you define your preferences during delivery and communicate with your birth team.
• Spend time with your partner: Spending time with your partner helps you prepare for your baby’s arrival and support each other.

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetrics and gynecology specialists specialized in pregnancy follow-up. We provide personalized pregnancy care services to expectant mothers and their babies using the latest technology and methods.

Our Services:

• Gynecology and obstetrics specialist examination
• Ultrasonography (including detailed ultrasound scanning)
• Prenatal tests (such as double screening test, triple screening test, glucose tolerance test)
• Pregnancy education and counseling
• Childbirth preparation courses
• Delivery and postpartum services
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Baby care training

Have a healthy pregnancy with A Life Health Group!