At week 26, you may be experiencing some physical discomfort like leg 
cramps, disturbed sleep, and feeling
low emotionally. On this page, we offer you mental health and well-being tips during this time. Let us help you prioritize your mental health and well-being so that you can feel your best during this special time.
Your body
What to expect in Week 26
As the third trimester approaches you feel more tired, quite clumsy and uncoordinated – you are having to carry a lot of extra weight. You get leg cramps and just feel like curling up throughout the day. Your belly button is likely to be protruding out now and the line downwards starting from your naval is quite dark. You just feel like snacking – avoid that!
Baby size
Week 26 - What to expect
Your baby is as big as a Sweet Papaya (roughly 34 cm long and 740 gms in weight).
Your baby
What to expect
It's week 26, and Baby’s eyes are opening, blinking for the first time! The brain is developing and processing information – listening and responding to sounds. Fingernails have grown. He/she might be feeling a little cramped in your womb. Baby has quite a bit of hair this week.
Taking care of yourself
Tips
- Allow more time to do your usual activities – like when you have to walk to the bus stop.
- Remain active as you are likely to feel like staying put and not moving.
- Get to know your baby’s movement patterns. Learn how to track the frequency of movements.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you touch foods like raw meats, eggs, poultry or fish.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them, even the ones you will peel. Avoid raw eggs.
For more second-trimester tips click here. Learn here about COVID and pregnancy.
Ask your doctor
- I can’t feel my baby’s movements as strongly. Is that okay?
- Why am I kicking in my sleep?
- My eyes feel dry and irritated. Is that normal?
- I normally get migraines. But it seems to have increased a lot during pregnancy. What medication can I take?
- Do I need to have a birthing plan?
Actions
To do list
- Make a daily activity plan.
- Practice good posture.
- Get your weight checked and assessed.
- Have your folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamins.
- Book an antenatal appointment with your doctor.
Kushal workshops are conducted once a week to help pregnant women learn how to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Questions you may have
I can’t get to sleep easily. My leg cramps seem to have got worse. What can I do?
“Rubbing my muscles where it hurt helped. I also made it a point to do ankle and foot exercises when I got into bed. Pulling my toes upwards also helped.”
Will stress during pregnancy affect my baby?
“It’s best to talk to your doctor. Also, share how you feel with your husband or your close friend. It helped me. Try to take away negative thoughts from your mind. Don't suppress positive thoughts actively.
Having thoughts like I don’t deserve to be happy suggests that postpartum depression may be likely. Your doctor will suggest if you need specialised help.”
High levels of stress can also cause high blood pressure, which increases your chance of having preterm labour or a low-birth-weight infant.
You should talk about stress with your healthcare provider and loved ones.
If you are feeling stress because of uncertainty or fear about becoming a mother, experiencing work-related stress, or worrying about miscarriage, talk to your healthcare provider during your prenatal visits.
Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, USA
I often feel like I am going to lose my balance. Is that normal?
“I can definitely relate to that. It's because our baby is growing quickly and our muscles that assist with balance are relaxing to make room. I also find it difficult to do things that I like doing – sleeping on my belly!”
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Feeling unsteady or off-balance is a common experience for many pregnant women, especially as their centre of gravity shifts with the growing baby.
At 21 weeks, your body is going through a lot of changes as your baby grows and develops. It's normal to feel a bit unsteady or like you might lose your balance from time to time.
However, if you are feeling particularly dizzy or experiencing other concerning symptoms, it's always best to check in with your healthcare provider. They can help assess any underlying issues and provide guidance on how to manage any discomfort or concerns you may have.
In the meantime, taking things slow and being mindful of your movements can help you stay safe and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Stress during pregnancy
NICHD, NIH
Stress and pregnancy
Department of Health, Australia
Disclaimer
Kushal's website provides health, fitness, and nutrition recommendations for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any health concerns, you should always check with your healthcare provider.