Kicks you know a little better 💛

By now, many mums have started to recognise their baby's wriggles, rolls and kicks. Week 26 is a sweet time to get to know your little one's personality.

📌 Week 26 at a glance

• Trimester: Second
• Baby's size: about the size of a cucumber (around 35.6 cm head to heel)
• Still to come: roughly 14 weeks (a typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks)

🌱 Your little one this week

At 26 weeks, your baby weighs around 760 g and measures about 35.6 cm from head to heel, roughly the size of a cucumber. Around now, your baby's eyes may be opening for the first time, and the next trick is learning how to blink. The lungs keep developing, and your baby practises breathing movements with amniotic fluid.

Hearing is well developed now, and your baby may respond to familiar voices, music or sudden noises with a movement.

🌷 And how about you, Mum?

You may feel your baby's kicks more strongly now, and sometimes in surprising places, like under the ribs. Getting to know your baby's usual pattern of movements is a lovely habit. If you're ever worried that the movements have slowed down or stopped, please contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away.

Some mums notice more Braxton Hicks tightenings, usually irregular and painless, or leg cramps, especially at night. Pulling your toes upwards or rubbing the muscle where it hurts can help. You may also feel a bit more tired, clumsy or forgetful. That's understandable, as your centre of gravity has changed and you have a lot on your mind. "Baby brain" isn't a medical condition, but many mums say they feel it, so be patient with yourself.

🍽️ Food for thought: riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Riboflavin helps the body release energy from food, and contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system, skin and eyes.

Everyday foods that contain riboflavin include:

• Milk, yoghurt and cheese
• Eggs
• Mushrooms
• Lean meat and chicken
• Almonds and leafy greens

If you'd like personal advice about food or supplements, your doctor, midwife or dietitian is happy to help.

✨ Little things that may feel nice

• Many mums enjoy a few quiet minutes each day to notice their baby's movements
• Gentle leg stretches in the evening can ease restless legs
• Smaller meals can feel more comfortable when heartburn visits
• Playing soft music can be a lovely way to connect

🩺 Coming up

If you haven't had your routine blood sugar test yet, it's commonly offered between about 24 and 28 weeks. Your doctor or midwife will explain how it works at your clinic. Antenatal visits may start to feel closer together as you head toward the third trimester.

👨‍👩‍👧 Partner's corner

Kicks may soon be strong enough to feel from the outside. Placing a hand on the bump and waiting quietly can lead to a lovely first moment together. A little patience is all it takes.

❓ Quick questions

Why does my baby kick more at night?
Many babies seem more active when mum is resting, perhaps because there's less movement to rock them. It's very common.

Will my baby have blue eyes?
It's a myth that all babies are born with blue eyes. The colour depends on the parents' genes, and brown is very common. The colour can keep changing for a while, and usually settles by around age 3.

💛 A little moment for the two of you

Your baby's kicks are little hellos. Whether you feel them lots or a little, they're growing just right in their own time.

Hello, little kicker. 🦕

Sources & further reading

NHS — 26 weeks pregnant
NHS Week 26 pregnancy guide

Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) — Antenatal care
KKM maternal health and antenatal care

FirstDino shares general pregnancy information for education and comfort. It is not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Please speak with your doctor or midwife about your own health and care.