Illustration of a baby at week 26 inside the womb in cross-section, with the placenta and umbilical cord — Womb in cross-section, enlarged to show detail. Not true size.

Second trimester, week 26

26 weeks pregnant: Eyes begin to open

Size of a: Zucchini
Length: 35.6 cm head to heel
Weight: 902 g WHO median
Heart rate: 110–160 bpm typical range
Due date: 98 days away 65% of the way

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Checked against the sources listed on this page. Not reviewed by a clinician. Last updated 5 November 2026. How we check.

At 26 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a zucchini: roughly 35.6 cm from head to heel, weighing about 902 g. You’re in your second trimester, with about 14 weeks to go until your due date.

Your baby this week

Eyelids, fused since around week 10, begin to open, and the baby starts to blink.
The baby practises breathing by moving amniotic fluid in and out of the lungs.
Antibodies from you cross the placenta, giving the baby early immune protection.

Your body this week

Your blood pressure and urine are checked at each visit.
Some people are offered a repeat blood count to check for anaemia.
Braxton Hicks contractions may become more noticeable.

Typical weight gain so far: 5.8–8.8 kg
Your uterus: Fundal height ≈ 26 cm (±2 cm)

Weight gain range is for a pre-pregnancy BMI of 18.5–24.9 (IOM guideline). Your provider may advise differently.

Scans, tests and checkups

This week

Know your baby’s movements Self-care
Get to know your baby’s pattern. If movements slow down, change or stop, contact your maternity unit straight away. Don’t wait until the next day.
This week

Glucose test (gestational diabetes) Blood test
A sugary drink followed by blood sugar checks. The UK offers it based on risk factors. The US screens almost everyone.
From week 27

Whooping cough (Tdap) vaccine Vaccine
Antibodies pass to the baby and protect them in their first weeks. The US recommends 27–36 weeks. The NHS offers it from 16 weeks, usually around 20, and ideally before 32.
From week 28

Anti-D (if Rh-negative) & repeat bloods Blood test
If your blood group is Rh-negative, anti-D immunoglobulin is offered around 28 weeks. Blood count and antibodies are often rechecked.
From week 28

RSV vaccine Vaccine
Protects newborns from RSV, a serious lung infection. The US gives it at 32–36 weeks in RSV season. The UK offers it from 28 weeks. Check local guidance.

See the full scan and test timeline

Real size, next to an adult hand

Adult hand 18.5 cmbaby 24.2 cm curled up

Growth curve

Typical weight by week: WHO median from week 20, approximate before that. Healthy babies vary widely.

When to call your midwife or doctor at 26 weeks

Call your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away, day or night, if you have any of these:

A change in your baby’s usual pattern of movement. Call straight away rather than waiting until the next day.
Vaginal bleeding, or a gush or steady trickle of fluid.
Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away.
A severe headache, vision changes, pain under your ribs, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet. These can be signs of pre-eclampsia.
Regular tightenings, period-like cramps or lower back pressure that keep coming. This could be early labour.
Fever of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or higher, or pain or burning when you pee.
Pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath. These can be signs of a blood clot.
Feeling very low, hopeless or anxious most days. If you feel you might harm yourself, get emergency help.

Based on NHS and ACOG guidance. This list isn’t complete. If something feels wrong, call anyway. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

Tip for this week

Ask about pregnancy vaccines. Whooping cough (pertussis), flu and RSV are recommended in many countries, and the timing matters.

Common questions at this stage

All common questions

Questions people ask about week 26

Can babies open their eyes in the womb?

Yes. After being fused for months, the eyelids begin to open around 26–28 weeks, and the baby can blink.

Why are vaccines recommended during pregnancy?

Antibodies you make after vaccination cross the placenta and protect the baby from diseases like whooping cough and RSV in the first months of life, before they can be vaccinated themselves.

References

Advice differs between countries, so follow your own care team’s plan. Weights from week 20 are the WHO median, and earlier weights are approximate. How we check this.

All 40 weeks

First trimester Weeks 1–13

From conception to a fully formed, tiny fetus. The most rapid change of the whole pregnancy.

Second trimester Weeks 14–27

Growth, movement and senses. Often the most comfortable stretch for parents.

Third trimester Weeks 28–40

Weight gain, brain and lung maturation, and getting into position for birth.