Day 187 of 280, second trimester
You are 26 weeks and 5 days
As your baby gets bigger every day, you'll be more and more aware of his body and movements.
93 days until your due date
Feeling your baby move is wonderful, but it can be uncomfortable too. As he grows, there's less room, especially when he kicks or stretches against the uterus wall. Movements range from gentle paddling to what feels like hiccups.
Sometimes he'll kick hard; under the ribs, it can take your breath away and leave you sore. Kicks can also wake you at night, and many women say their babies are more active then. If you sit or lie in a position your baby doesn't like, such as too long on one side, he may kick until you move.
These movements can be uncomfortable or surprising, but mostly they're a gentle reminder of your growing baby and something to look forward to.
Focus on
Safety: Buying bedding
Your baby doesn't need a blanket or pillow; experts advise against them. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), put a fitted sheet on a firm crib mattress (not secondhand), and keep blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys out of the crib. For a Moses basket or bassinet, buy sheets made for it.
Keep the room at a temperature that feels comfortable to you. If you're worried your baby is chilly, consider a sleep sack, which many parents find comfortable for their babies.
Ask a Doctor
If I went into labor now, would my baby survive?
Until fairly recently, babies born before 28 weeks often didn't survive. Today, thanks to advances in neonatal intensive care, babies born at 22 weeks have survived, although this is still very rare, and many hospitals won't resuscitate a baby under 24 weeks because the chances are so low.
Extremely premature babies have a higher risk of disability even with the best care, and the delivery itself can put great strain on the baby. Very experienced doctors and nurses care for these babies.
Ideally, delivery should happen in a hospital with a NICU; if not, babies are often transferred once stable enough. Very premature babies take a long time to "catch up" and meet developmental milestones. Every day and week of pregnancy counts, and the closer to full term (37–42 weeks) you deliver, the better for your baby.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 26 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.