Week by week pregnancy guide: 26 weeks pregnant

You're now 26 weeks pregnant but what should you expect? Read week 26 of our week by week pregnancy guide to find out everything you need to know...During your pregnancy it's nice to know that the symptoms you're feeling are normal, which is why a pregnancy week by week guide can be so useful.

Here's a round up of everything you need to know about being 26 weeks pregnant, including how your baby is growing and developing...

Symptoms at 26 weeks pregnant

You'll be putting on weight now at the rate of about a 1lb a week and may already have gained anywhere between 15lbs and 21lbs. You've been feeling your baby's movements for some time now, but around this point in your pregnancy your partner will be able to feel those little kicks from the outside.

Don't worry if you feel your uterus suddenly tighten then relax. These are practice contractions called Braxton Hicks. They're your body's way of practicing for the real thing and toning up your uterus in preparation for labour.

Fetal development at 26 weeks pregnant

Your baby is around 35.6cm and weighs 760 grams. Their lungs and brain are continuing to develop and very loud noises can make them jump. Their eyelids will open for the first time this week and they'll start to blink. (The eyes of caucasian babies are almost always blue when they're first born.) Their spine is becoming stronger and more supple. Your baby will now have distinct toenails, finger prints and even eyelashes.

The changes you should make 26 weeks pregnant

One purchase that does require some careful consideration is a car seat. Hospitals will not let you take your baby home without one, so read our guide to choosing a car seat.

Bonding with your baby is something that starts in the womb, but partners can feel a bit on the outside - quite literally. But there are plenty of ways your other half can start bonding with your baby. Some dads have done everything from making homemade telephones out of empty toilet roll tubes to listening to their baby's heartbeat with a pinard stethoscope. One dad even sung ‘I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' to his baby every night in the hope that it would come out a true West Ham supporter.

Keeping fit during pregnancy is a good idea and swimming can be particularly soothing as the water supports your baby bump. Swimming also helps reduce swelling and boost your circulation.

The government recommends getting a whooping cough vaccination for women between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, so if you haven't had it already speak to your GP about getting it booked in soon.

If you've decided you want to have your baby at the hospital, it's worth preparing your hospital bag in the next few weeks too...