26 weeks pregnant

You at 26 weeks pregnant

You might be experiencing backache, Braxton Hicks contractions and vivid dreams.

You’ll be gaining weight, and your centre of gravity has shifted. This can sometimes make you feel a bit clumsy as you get used to doing things and lifting things in different ways. The way you walk might change slightly too.

pregnancy illustration, week 26

Rh type
It’s important to test your blood to find out your Rh type.

If you’re Rh-negative and your baby turns out to be Rh-positive, this is OK for this baby. But it might cause serious health problems in any babies you have in future.

But no-one knows what your baby’s blood type is until after birth. So if you’re Rh-negative, you’ll be offered a special injection called Anti-D at your 26-28 week antenatal appointment and your 34-36 week appointment.

You’ll also be offered Anti-D if you have bleeding during pregnancy. This reduces the risk of health problems for future babies.

After your baby is born, blood is collected from your baby’s umbilical cord and the Rh type is checked. You’ll be offered another Anti-D injection if your baby is Rh-positive.

Ask your midwife or doctor for more information.

You might want only female health professionals to care for you during pregnancy, labour and birth. You can ask for a female midwife or doctor, but it might not be possible to have one – especially if you or your baby needs urgent or specialised medical attention.

Your baby when you’re 26 weeks pregnant

Your baby:

measures about 23 cm from head to bottom and weighs around 820 g
can hear, see and taste
might move in response if you firmly run your hand over your belly
starts growing a lot of fat and muscle from about now.