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Your pregnancy week-by-week: Week 26

Your pregnancy week by week | Your pregnancy in week 26

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Your hair is thicker than ever (although it may be greasier too) and your nails are growing stronger and faster.

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Average rating: 4 out of 5 star rating

You are now 26 weeks pregnant or in your 27th week if that's how you're counting it

How is my baby growing?

Your baby is around 35cm and weighs 1lb 8oz.

Its lungs and brain are continuing to develop and and very loud noises can make it jump. The eyelids will open for the first time this week. The eyes are almost always blue and don't change to their permanent colour until after birth.

How are you feeling?

You're hungry! Your body now needs an extra 300 calories each day, so make sure you get them.

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

Top tips

If you're working and want to start your maternity leave soon (you can begin it 11 weeks before your due date) you need to give written notice to your employer at least three weeks before you plan to stop.

This means you need to write a letter this week if you're leaving at 29 weeks and give them your MAT B1 form too.

Where to next?

- Pregnancy week-by-week home
- Know all about your maternity rights
- Info about Braxton Hicks contractions
- Your pregnancy week by week in 3D scan pictures
- Baby names - ideas and meanings
- Labour and birth

Choose your week

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By Kate Corr

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