26 Weeks Pregnant

Changes in Your Body When 26 Weeks Pregnant

At 26 weeks pregnant, your uterus is now about 2½ inches above your belly button. You may begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions more regularly, which are normal during week 26 of pregnancy. These contractions are painless, but feel similar to menstrual cramps, and occur at irregular intervals. Braxton Hicks contractions are your body's way of practicing for delivery and will help to tone your uterus for labor.

 

After week 26 of pregnancy, you will begin to put on weight at a rate of about 1 pound per week. You may also experience rib pain, which may cause indigestion and heartburn, or stitch-like pains down the sides of your abdomen as your uterine muscle stretches.