🌸 Intro — Active Baby & Rapid Growth

Welcome to **Week 26**! 🎉 Baby’s movements are stronger, more frequent, and distinct. Mom may feel rolls, kicks, and hiccups clearly throughout the day. This week is crucial for **lung development** and brain growth, making bonding moments even more special.

👶 Baby’s Development — Growth & Lungs

Your baby is about the size of a **Romaine lettuce** 🥬 (~24–25 cm), weighing ~760 grams. - **Movements:** Strong kicks, rolls, stretches, and flips; belly visibly moves. - **Lungs:** Alveoli continue forming, surfactant production increases, preparing lungs for breathing after birth. - **Skin:** Becoming less translucent as fat accumulates; covered with fine lanugo. - **Brain & Nervous System:** Neural connections strengthen; baby may respond to sound, light, and touch. - **Senses:** Baby reacts to voices, music, and even gentle pokes on the belly. - **Digestive System:** Swallows amniotic fluid; intestines continue maturing. - **Hair & Nails:** Nails grow longer; hair may be noticeable under ultrasound.

🤰 Mother’s Body & Symptoms

Mom’s body is adjusting to a rapidly growing baby. **Common experiences:** - 🌸 Baby bump more prominent; uterus now above the belly button. - 💧 Back pain, round ligament pain, Braxton Hicks contractions, and leg cramps may occur. - 👙 Breasts continue enlarging; colostrum leakage may continue. - 🌿 Energy levels fluctuate; mild fatigue is normal. - 💤 Sleep may be affected due to belly size, movements, or bathroom trips. - 🤰 Occasional swelling in feet, ankles, or hands; elevate feet when resting.

🧪 Medical & Prenatal Guidance

Key check-ins for Week 26: - 📋 Routine prenatal visit: weight, blood pressure, and symptom review. - 📷 Ultrasound (if indicated) to check growth, movements, and amniotic fluid levels. - 🩺 Report any unusual pain, bleeding, or decreased fetal movements promptly.

🥦 Nutrition & Wellness Tips

🧘 Lifestyle & Emotional Wellness

- 🚶 Gentle exercises: walking, swimming, prenatal yoga. - 🛌 Prioritize rest and quality sleep. - 💬 Share pregnancy experiences with partner, family, or support group. - 📔 Track pregnancy milestones via journal or app. - 🧘 Practice mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises to reduce stress and connect with your baby.

💌 Real Mom Story — Feeling Every Kick

"At 26 weeks, my baby’s kicks became incredibly strong. I could see my belly move when baby rolled or stretched. Feeling hiccups and movements daily reminded me that my little one is healthy and growing." — Kavya, Bangalore

✅ Checklist — Pregnancy Week 26

• ✔️ Continue prenatal vitamins daily.
• ✔️ Eat balanced, nutrient-rich meals.
• ✔️ Attend prenatal check-ups and ultrasounds if scheduled.
• ✔️ Engage in gentle, pregnancy-safe exercises.
• ✔️ Track baby movements and report any concerns.
• ✔️ Avoid unsafe foods, alcohol, and smoking.
• ✔️ Document pregnancy milestones and belly growth.
• ✔️ Rest, hydrate, and enjoy stronger, distinct baby movements!

🌟 Final Thoughts

Week 26 is a thrilling stage — baby’s growth accelerates, lungs develop further, and movements become more distinct. Enjoy feeling every kick, stretch, and hiccup, and continue nurturing your bond and health. 🌸