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Second trimester

26 Weeks Pregnant

Nearing the third trimester

This week your baby is around the size of a bunch of spring onions.

How your baby is developing

  • Patterns of activity and rest may become more noticeable.
  • Your baby continues to grow and move.

What may be happening in your body

  • There's a lot of activity in your bump around now — kicks, turns and wriggles as your baby stays busy.
  • Leg cramps can pick up now, particularly during the night — foot and ankle exercises, pulling your toes upwards, or rubbing the muscle can help.
  • Backache can build after sitting or standing for a while, as your bump's extra load strains your lower back.

How you may be feeling

  • With the third trimester in sight, some people feel a surge of energy to prepare, while others feel more tired — there's no pace you need to match.
  • Energy can swing widely in these weeks — feeling driven one day and drained the next is common.
  • As birth moves from far-off to something on the horizon, a mix of eagerness and apprehension can surface for some.

Worth remembering

If you're ever worried that movements have slowed down or stopped, contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away.

A closer look

Feeling more forgetful?

If you keep losing your keys, you could have what some people call 'baby brain'. It's not a medical condition and it's not scientifically proven — it's simply something some pregnant women report. It may just come down to tiredness and having a lot on your mind.

Easing the load on your back

The extra weight of your bump can strain your lower back and make some positions less comfortable, especially after sitting or standing for a while. Flat, supportive shoes, resting when you can, and good back support when you sit may ease it. A warm bath can also help soothe tired muscles.

Something you can do this week

Doing a little, then resting, can be a kind pace.

What comes next

The third trimester begins around week twenty-eight for many.

Professional support

Services ParentSide defines for this stage. Each page explains what the service covers and which professionals are approved to provide it.

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Sources and updates

Last reviewed:
This content is based on estimated averages and general information; it does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about yourself or your baby, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

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