Second trimester

Week 26 of Pregnancy

Eyelids begin to open and the lungs begin producing surfactant.

Fetal size
Scallion
Length
35.6 cm
Crown-to-heel
Weight
760 g

Fetal development

  • Eyelids begin to open.
  • Lungs produce surfactant — critical for breathing if delivered early.
  • EEG patterns of sleep and wake cycles emerge.

Maternal changes

  • Sleeping is harder; left side lying is most comfortable.
  • Leg cramps may strike at night.

Recommended checkups

  • Discuss iron supplementation if anemia is suspected.

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Textbook averages. Individual variation is wide and this is not medical advice — confirm with your OB.