26th week of pregnancy (26.TT): are fetal reflexes beginning to develop?

You're 26 weeks pregnant, in your second trimester. You're 14 weeks away from your due date.

How is the baby developing in your tummy?

The baby is slowly depositing fat, growing and gaining weight.

The foetus measures about 35-36 cm and weighs about 760 g.

In premature babies, the amount of subcutaneous fat is very small. Between 24 and 26 weeks of pregnancy, subcutaneous fat makes up only 1% of the fetus' weight.

The fetal circulatory system is fully functional, all blood vessels are already developed and functioning.

The heart pumps blood throughout the body. The fetal heart beats at 110 to 150 beats per minute.

The fetal spine is developing and continues to stiffen.

The fetal eyes are fully developed and eyelashes and eyebrows are visible.

The fetus blinks its eyes and looks around. When it sleeps, its eyes are closed. When it wakes, its eyes open.

The colour of the eyes is blue, which will change after birth.

The fetus practices breathing from time to time, but so far without inhaling air. It breathes in and out amniotic fluid to practice breathing movements.

The lungs continue to produce surfactant. Surfactant is important even after birth so that the lung sacs do not stick together after the first breath of air and the baby can breathe healthily.

The fetus swallows amniotic fluid. Its intestines continue to grow and develop. By about this week, all the digestive enzymes are in the fetal intestines. The exception is the enzyme amylase, which does not appear in the intestines until after birth.

The fetus swallows amniotic fluid. It excretes it through the kidneys. The proteins and cells found in the amniotic fluid later form the fetal intestine, the first stool of the newborn.

Although stool begins to be deposited in the intestines, the fetus does not excrete it during intrauterine life. Its contents are sterile. The first excretion of stool under physiological conditions occurs after birth.

The baby's nervous system is developing. The fetus is getting stronger and bigger. Its movements are becoming more forceful and sometimes painful.

Reflexes visible in newborns, such as the Moro reflex, begin to develop.

The Moro reflex develops during this period of intrauterine development and disappears between the 4th and 6th month after birth.

The Moro reflex is the infant's response to a pressure stimulus. It can be a touch, a sound or a sudden loss of stability. It reacts by opening the arms and legs, followed by crying and screaming. The hands open, breathing deepens and the heart rate increases.

It is believed that from the 26th week of pregnancy, the fetus begins to perceive pain. The fetus responds to painful stimuli by changing the rhythm of breathing and accelerating the heart rate.

The fetus both perceives and responds to sounds, changes in movement and increases in heart rate.

The umbilical cord, through the placenta, supplies the fetus with all nutrients and oxygen and carries away waste substances.

The umbilical cord is stronger and thicker than before.

The position of the fetus at 26 weeks may be horizontal across the abdomen. It gradually assumes a head-down position and is ready for birth.

The table shows the approximate dimensions of the fetus at 24 weeks as taken by sonography

For more information on fetal size, see the article.

How does a woman feel at 26 weeks of pregnancy?

As you approach the third trimester, you may feel more tired, clumsy and awkward. Don't be surprised. The growing belly and the extra pounds put more strain on your body. Your belly will slowly start to restrict you and normal activities will seem more difficult.

Your belly gets bigger and your belly button bulges outwards.

You may feel like you have a little boxer, football player or acrobat in your belly. The movements of the foetus are becoming stronger and may be painful for you.

You can not only feel but also see the fetal movements on the surface of your abdomen. Your baby is turning around, making bumps, and his kicks are not only felt but also seen. You may have the feeling of a dancing belly.

Enjoy this period together with your partner. The baby is letting you know that it is alive and healthy. These are the most beautiful moments of pregnancy. They prepare you for the baby's arrival, fill you with happiness and joyful anticipation.

Sometimes you may feel that the baby wants to push his ribs out of your chest. He is expanding his space in the uterus because he is too tight in it. If his pushing out is painful, try changing the position. You can also gently press your hand on your abdomen where the baby is painfully pushing out and push him back in with gentle pressure.

Braxton Hicks contractions (messengers) are starting to occur more often than in previous weeks and may be stronger.

If you experience severe pain, cramps coming at regular intervals, lower back pain or vaginal bleeding, visit the hospital immediately. It may be the beginning of premature labour.

The growth of the fetus in the womb puts more pressure on the bladder. You need to go to the toilet more often.

You may feel uncomfortable pressure or pain in the rib area. The growth of the fetus and the enlargement of the uterus takes up more space in the abdominal cavity. Depending on the position of the baby, you may feel movements and digging in the ribs. This may be uncomfortable or even painful.

Other common symptoms accompanying pregnancy in the second trimester may include a persistent feeling of fatigue.

More than one mom suffers from insomnia. Insomnia manifests itself in sleep disturbances, frequent waking or difficulty falling asleep. You may feel very tired the morning after waking up, with a feeling of sleeplessness or even nervousness.

Why is insomnia common in pregnancy?

Other causes include indigestion, a feeling of fullness, difficulty breathing due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the diaphragm, or unpleasant, strange dreams that wake you up and make you afraid to fall asleep again.

Try relaxation techniques at bedtime to calm and relax you. Do not eat just before bedtime and limit fluids.

Stretch marks on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and breasts appear as red, burgundy, transverse stripes on the skin that can burn and itch. Gentle daily massage and the use of moisturizing creams can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Increased blood supply to the mucous membranes during pregnancy can cause swelling and bleeding of the lower body. Nosebleeds may also occur at any time of the day.

Leg cramps occur mainly at night. They make the night uncomfortable by waking you up from sleep. Their most common cause is a deficiency of minerals such as magnesium, calcium and B vitamins.

Digestive problems, the feeling of bloating, flatulence, fullness are not only caused by pregnancy hormones. They also arise as a result of the pressure put on the internal organs by the enlarging uterus.

To alleviate digestive problems, try to eat foods that do not bloat. Eat smaller portions of easily digestible food so as not to overload the digestive system.

The pressure of the uterus on the bowel and slowed peristalsis often result in impaired stool elimination, constipation. The subsequent pressure exerted on the stool can result in painful hemorrhoids, which may even bleed. Adequate intake of fiber along with plenty of water and regular exercise helps with constipation.

Pregnancy hormones also affect your feelings. You may become more irritable, tearful, experience hot flashes or dizziness.

Swelling of the hands and feet. If you didn't have any swelling before and the swelling suddenly started, or if you have swollen knees as well as swollen nipples, see your doctor. Don't take it lightly. It may be incipient pre-eclampsia.

Your skin is becoming more oily. Dark spots, called chloasma (pregnancy mask), may appear on your face.

Your hair is thicker and shinier.

Your breasts are full, sometimes painful. You may notice a small leakage of colostrum from your nipples.

The pregnancy brain manifests as a feeling of foggy thinking and forgetfulness. This is common in pregnancy. These feelings are not only caused by pregnancy hormones. Lack of sleep, loss of energy, and big changes in your life can also affect your concentration.

During the third trimester, the volume of brain cells actually decreases. It's only temporary. After the birth, everything returns to its original state.

Clumsiness, clumsiness, tripping or stumbling are caused by the increase in weight and abdominal girth. It is also caused by the loosening of the abdomen during pregnancy.

Migraines may occur more frequently, especially in women who suffered from them before pregnancy. Headache medications are not recommended during pregnancy. Rather, reach for other methods and eliminate stress, which is a known migraine trigger. Try yoga, massage, meditation.

Feeling of blurred vision. Pregnancy hormones also affect the production of tears and reduce their production. This leads to a feeling of dry eyes and blurred vision.

In pregnancy, you have an increased risk of urinary tract and vaginal infections. If you notice any symptoms such as burning when urinating or changes in vaginal discharge, contact your gynecologist.

Sex in the 26th week of pregnancy may not be very pleasurable because of the restrictions on the abdomen. But you can be worry-free. It is still safe and, most importantly, healthy.

Sex in pregnancy: what to watch out for and what changes does it bring?

Advice for pregnant women in the 26th week of pregnancy

In the second trimester, attend counseling once every 4 weeks.

If you have an appointment for counselling in this week, the doctor will examine you in the same way as at each visit to the counselling centre. You are not booked in for any special examinations in this week of pregnancy.

During the examination, your blood pressure, pulse, weight gain will be taken. Protein in the urine will be checked, uterine growth will be measured by measuring from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone. The consistency of the cervix will be checked, the position of the fetus will be checked, the fetal heart sounds will be measured, and the hardness of the uterus will be measured. The doctor will ask you about abdominal hardening, swelling, and any symptoms that are bothering you.

If you haven't had an oGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) yet, you will have one this week. The oGTT measures your blood sugar levels in the morning and after drinking glucose.

For more information about the oGTT and how it works, see the pregnancy advice article:
24th week of pregnancy (24th TT): Eye opening and fetal blinking?

What to watch out for?

• Make sure you get plenty of exercise. Daily walks or exercises at home suitable for pregnant women will help you keep fit and gain energy.
• Exercises to correct posture and strengthen back muscles will help you eliminate pain not only in the spine but also in the hips.
• Stay hydrated. Adequate hydration is especially important during this period. By taking in enough water, you will also ensure that you get enough amniotic fluid. Your kidneys will clean themselves better. By eliminating bowel movements more often, you will also reduce the risk of urinary tract infection and eliminate constipation.
• Kegel exercises will firm your pelvic floor and eliminate spontaneous leakage of urine.
• Your diet should be balanced, easily digestible with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Supplements in the form of prenatal vitamins will ensure a daily supply of minerals, vitamins and trace elements important for proper fetal development and health.
• Indulge in plenty of rest, relaxation, read a book.
• Avoid heavy and strenuous work, lifting heavy objects.
• Take extra care of your skin. It can be dry, itchy and prone to stretch marks.
• Wear comfortable clothes that don't squeeze, especially around the abdomen. Choose comfortable shoes, suitable for swollen feet.
• Start thinking about the baby's name and agree with your partner.

Read also other interesting articles about pregnancy:

• What is considered normal discharge? And how does an infection manifest itself?
• Do you know when they arise?
• Do you know when do you have stretch marks in pregnancy and after childbirth?
• What is the placenta, when is it formed and what is its function during pregnancy?
• What causes cervical spine pain in pregnancy? Why is it so common and how to learn to manage it?
• How to recognize pre-eclampsia and its symptoms in pregnancy? Know the risks
• Dangerous constipation in pregnancy? What to do when constipated and how to defecate without difficulty?
• Itchy skin in pregnancy? What causes burning skin and what helps?
• Do nervousness and stress overwhelm you?

Learn more about the next weeks of pregnancy in the summary article.