26 Weeks Pregnant - What to Expect

Summary

At 26 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is reaching some exciting milestones. At around two pounds and 14 inches long, the baby’s eyes are now beginning to open, though the iris still lacks pigmentation, making eye color guessing premature. While they can’t see much yet in the dark womb, they can detect light, which can prompt increased movement. Additionally, as the baby bump grows, expect itching due to rapidly stretching skin. To ease this, regular massage with soothing creams can help. These developments are just a few signs of how your baby is growing and developing inside.

Takeaways

• 😀 At 26 weeks, your baby is about 2 pounds and 14 inches long, roughly the size of a spaghetti squash.
• 👀 This week, your baby's eyelids begin to open, marking a significant development in their vision.
• 👶 The retina, the part of the eye responsible for focusing images, is developing as the eyes open.
• 🌀 While it’s too early to determine your baby's eye color, the iris still lacks pigmentation at this stage.
• 💡 Your baby can now perceive light, although they are still in a dark environment within the womb.
• 🔦 If you shine a flashlight on your belly, you may notice an increase in baby activity as they respond to the light.
• 🤰 As your belly grows, the skin may become dry and itchy, a common experience during pregnancy.
• 💆 To alleviate itchiness, it's recommended to regularly massage the belly with soothing creams or lotions.
• 🌟 These skin changes are due to rapid skin stretching as the pregnancy progresses.
• 💧 Taking care of your skin during pregnancy helps relieve discomfort and supports overall skin health.

Q & A

At what stage of pregnancy do a baby's eyes begin to open?

A baby's eyes begin to open around week 26 of pregnancy.

Why are a baby's eyes closed for the first few months of pregnancy?

The baby's eyelids are fused shut for several months to allow the retina to develop and prepare for vision.

When can you start guessing a baby's eye color during pregnancy?

It's too early to guess the baby's eye color because the iris lacks pigmentation at this stage, and eye color is still developing.

What can a baby perceive with its eyes around week 26 of pregnancy?

Around week 26, a baby can begin to perceive light, although the womb is still dark. If a bright light is shone on the belly, the baby may respond with increased activity.

What effect does pregnancy have on a woman's belly skin?

As the belly grows, the skin stretches rapidly and can become very dry, which leads to itching.

How can a pregnant woman relieve belly itching?

A pregnant woman can relieve belly itching by regularly massaging her belly with a soothing cream or lotion.

What is the significance of a baby's retina in the development of vision?

The retina, located at the back of the eye, is responsible for allowing images to come into focus, and it develops as the baby prepares for vision.

Is it common for the skin on the belly to become itchy during pregnancy?

Yes, it is common for the skin on the belly to become itchy during pregnancy due to rapid skin stretching and dryness.

What physical changes can a pregnant woman expect as her belly grows?

As the belly grows, the skin will stretch, potentially causing dryness and itching, which can be alleviated with moisturizers.

What happens when a light is shone on a pregnant belly?

When a light is shone on a pregnant belly, the baby may react with acrobatic movements, as the baby is beginning to perceive light around week 26.