Overview of Weeks 25 and 26!

 By now, Owen is almost 9 1/4 inches  from the top of their head to the bottom of the buttocks (known as the crown-rump length), and his height is about 13 inches from the top of the head to the heel (crown-heel length).1 This week, he weighs just about 32 ounces or 2 pounds.  2

Eyes 

All the parts of his eyes are formed. He even has visible eyebrows and eyelashes.3

Reflexes 

Owen is beginning to display the startle or moro reflex as well as the palmer (hand) and plantar (foot) grasp, all reflexes you'll see them perform as newborns.4

Reproductive System 

Since he is a boy, the testicles may begin to descend into the scrotum this week.5

Intestines 

Owen’s intestines also continue to grow and develop. They are absorbing more and more nutrients from the amniotic fluid and producing enzymes to break down nutrients such as sugars, proteins, and fats for digestion.6

Survival Outside the Womb 

While he still has plenty of growing and maturing to do, advances in modern medicine give babies born at 26 weeks an excellent chance of survival. These babies are still extremely premature, but with specialized care in the NICU, survival rates are as high as 85%.7 As each week passes and brings the baby closer to term, the chances of survival go up and the risks of life-long health problems go down.