Second Trimester · Week 26
26 Weeks Pregnant: Rehearsing sucking and swallowing
Baby development
Your baby at 26 weeks
Your baby is practicing important skills like sucking and swallowing. These little rehearsal steps matter because they help prepare for feeding after birth.
Your body this week
What you might be feeling at 26 weeks
The last week of the second trimester. Sleep is getting harder, your belly is heavy, and you might be thinking about the third trimester checklist: hospital tour, birth plan, packing a bag. A pregnancy pillow is worth its weight in gold at this point.
From Shelbi
Shelbi Kohler · mother of seven · certified birth doula
This is your last week before the third trimester, and it's a good time to take stock. With each of my seven, this was the week where I'd sit down with my partner and say, "Okay, what do we still need to do?" Hospital tour, birth plan, packing a bag, childcare for the older kids — it all starts to feel real now. You might also be noticing that sleep is getting harder. The baby is bigger, your belly is heavier, and finding a comfortable position is becoming an Olympic sport. A pregnancy pillow was the best investment I made by my third pregnancy. Don't wait — get one now if you haven't already.
For you
This week is about getting through it
Scroll up to revisit your baby's development and Shelbi's encouragement for week 26. When you're ready, share this week with your partner.
Share this week
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Common questions
26 weeks pregnant: your questions answered
What should I expect at 26 weeks pregnant? +
The last week of the second trimester. Sleep is getting harder, your belly is heavy, and you might be thinking about the third trimester checklist: ho...
Is my baby moving normally at 26 weeks? +
Movement patterns vary. If you notice a significant decrease in movement, contact your provider. When in doubt, always call.
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