pregnancy | week by week

A small pineapple

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Week 26: Baby’s Eyes Are Fully Developed

A lot is changing! Find out what else is forming now.

At your 26th week of pregnancy, your baby’s unique facial and body features become more refined:

• By your 26th week of pregnancy, your baby probably weighs 1 1/2 to 2 pounds and is about the length of a small pineapple.
• Your baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes are well-formed.
• The baby’s eyes are fully developed, and he will start to open and close them at around 28 weeks.
• The hair on his head grows and thickens.
• Around the 26th week, little footprints and fingerprints form.
• Your baby starts using his lungs to mimic breathing.
  
• Essential fats accumulate under the baby’s skin.

Getting Your Daily Dose

Easy eating adjustments can help boost your nutrition.

Many expectant mothers can find it a challenge to get all the recommended nutrients in their diet. Here are a few more ways you can sneak in more valuable nutrients to your everyday meals:

• Drink a small glass of orange juice with breakfast every day. Orange juice is a great source of vitamin C, which promotes healthy gums. It also helps your body absorb iron.
• Get nuts. Choline is essential for your baby’s brain development and is found in peanuts, eggs and lean meats. Pack yourself some nut-based trail mix for a midafternoon snack, and add chicken breast or hard-boiled eggs to your salad or sandwich at lunch.
• Switch from iceberg lettuce to romaine. Romaine lettuce has twice the fiber, B vitamins, folic acid, calcium, potassium and trace minerals as iceberg lettuce. In addition, it has seven times the amount of vitamin C, which helps form red blood cells.
• Sneak veggies into your meals. Lutein is an important nutrient that supports eye health. Some sources of lutein include kale, spinach, corn and squash. So add some spinach to your next omelet or salad, and puree any variety of squash and add it to tomato-based pasta sauce.