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Pregnancy Guide/Second Trimester/Week 26

Week 26: Dad's Guide

Second Trimester • Baby is the size of a a laptop

Week 26 of 4065% there

👶 Baby Update

Size: A laptop

Eyes are opening for the first time! Baby can see light filtering through the belly. Brain wave patterns show sleep cycles — baby has REM sleep and may be dreaming. Lungs are producing surfactant.

💕 What She's Going Through

Trouble sleeping — between bathroom trips, heartburn, and baby kicks at night. Blood pressure monitoring becomes more important. Swelling continues. She may feel breathless.

💪 What You Should Do This Week

  • Help create a bedtime routine that promotes sleep — dim lights, no screens, comfortable setup
  • Start washing baby clothes and bedding in gentle detergent
  • Finalize your list of pediatricians — make a decision

🚫 Don't Say This

I'm tired too.

You might be. But she hasn't slept well in weeks while growing a human. This isn't a competition.

🧠 Dad Hack

White noise machine for the bedroom (not just the nursery) — helps her sleep through the night too.

Ready to gear up?

Our interactive checklist tracks everything you need.

Baby Gear Checklist →