Week 26 of Pregnancy

Baby's growth

The baby exercises by kicking and stretching, responding to lights and sounds. The baby is able to live outside the womb, although its chances of survival are still small because its lungs are so immature.

Weight: 1 3/4 pound / Size: 14 inches

Changes in mother

Increased pregnancy hormones tend to soften the connective tissue in your body and the result is that the joints between your pelvic bones relax and become more flexible and make it easier for the baby to pass through during delivery. Unfortunately, it can also have the added effect of hip pain.

It's good you know...

Are you experiencing symptoms such as sudden weight gain, headaches, or changes in vision? These symptoms could mean you have pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition that causes high blood pressure and can affect both mother and baby during the second and third trimesters. Pre-eclampsia can result in eclampsia, which can lead to seizures, coma or even death of the mother or baby. During your prenatal visits, your doctor will check your blood pressure, urine and swelling, but if you have any warning signs of pre-eclampsia, contact your doctor immediately.