Second Trimester
Pregnancy Week 26
Your baby is about the size of a lettuce head 🥬 — eyes opening for the first time.
🥬
Size comparison
≈ Lettuce head
Length
35.6 cm
Weight
760 g
Milestone
Eyes opening for the first time
About 14 weeks to go until your due date (week 40).
Baby's development at week 26
Your baby opens their eyes for the first time this week! They can sense light and dark through the uterine wall. The immune system is strengthening from antibodies passed through the placenta.
Shine a torch on your belly — your baby may react to the light change.
Common symptoms at week 26
Shortness of breathBackacheFatigue returning
Eat more of
- ✓Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseed)
- ✓Calcium & Vitamin D (cheese, eggs, sunlight)
- ✓Protein (chicken, legumes, eggs)
- ✓Iron + Vitamin C together for absorption
- ✓Magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds, dark chocolate)
Foods to avoid
- ✕Alcohol
- ✕Raw/smoked seafood
- ✕High-mercury fish
- ✕Unpasteurised cheeses (brie, camembert)
- ✕Processed meats (deli cuts, hot dogs)
- ✕Excess sugar
Medically reviewed by First OPD Medical Team. Last reviewed on .
Based on average milestones from World Health Organization (WHO), ACOG, NHS UK. Educational only — not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
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