Week 26, second trimester
26 weeks pregnant: placeholder title
Placeholder: a short, direct summary of 26 weeks pregnant — what's happening with the baby, how you might feel and which NHS appointments fall this week.
Placeholder: the week overview goes here. Add it as site/src/content/weeks/week-26.md.
Appointments and key dates this week
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Day by day this week
- 26 weeks 0 days (day 182)Dreaming is a natural, healthy part of sleep, but unsettling dreams are common at this stage.
- 26 weeks 1 day (day 183)It can be frustrating when your baby starts exercising just as you settle down for a nap, but take it as a sign all is well.
- 26 weeks 2 days (day 184)As your baby's sight keeps developing, he reaches another milestone: his eyelids open.
- 26 weeks 3 days (day 185)Parents are naturally fiercely protective of their children, and it often starts well before birth.
- 26 weeks 4 days (day 186)Your baby's reproductive organs are now in place: a boy's testes have descended and a girl's ovaries have all their follicles.
- 26 weeks 5 days (day 187)As your baby gets bigger every day, you'll be more and more aware of his body and movements.
- 26 weeks 6 days (day 188)Stopping work early in late pregnancy is tempting, but it means less time off with your baby.
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.