# Day 188: Handrails

> Twenty-six weeks and six days. Coordination slips a little as the bump grows. From today, one hand on the rail on every stair, no exceptions.

- Series: Your sixth month of pregnancy, day by day (https://chorevia.com/learn/pregnancy-month-6), day 188 of 280, 26 weeks + 6 days
- Your baby this week: about the size of a cucumber; around 35.6 cm from head to heel
- Canonical URL: https://chorevia.com/learn/pregnancy-month-6/day-188
- Last reviewed: 2026-10-22
- Publisher: Chorevia (https://chorevia.com)
- Cite as: Chorevia. "Day 188: Handrails." Last reviewed October 22, 2026. https://chorevia.com/learn/pregnancy-month-6/day-188

This guide is general education that summarizes published research and guidance from groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, and the WHO. It isn’t medical advice, and every child develops on their own timeline. Your pediatrician knows your child; if something feels wrong, call them. In an emergency, call 911.

Twenty-six weeks and six days, the last day of week 26. Today's habit takes no time at all and lasts until the birth: a hand on the rail.

## Your baby

Around now your baby is around 35.6cm from head to heel, about the size of a cucumber ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-26/)). This week their eyes opened for the first time, and there has been a lot of movement inside the bump ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-26/)). Tomorrow is week 27, the last week before the third trimester, which the NHS says starts at week 28 ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-26/)).

## Your body

Clumsiness and reduced coordination are common now, linked to the extra weight and a shifted centre of gravity ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-26/)). Looser joints add to it, and as the bump grows you may feel less steady on your feet ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-21/)). Stairs are where a wobble costs most, especially with your hands full.

Leg cramps are on this week's list too, especially at night ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-26/)). For a sudden cramp, flex your foot forward ([OWH](https://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/body-changes-and-discomforts)), or press your feet hard against a wall or stand on the affected leg ([MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000559.htm)). Stretching your legs before bed may make them less likely ([MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000580.htm)).

## Try today

### The handrail habit

- **Time:** No extra time; every staircase, from today

1. On every flight of stairs, at home, at work, in the station, keep one hand on the rail, going up and coming down. No exceptions, even for two steps.
2. Carry with one hand only. If a load needs two, make two trips or hand it to someone else.
3. Put a night light or a lamp where you'll need it for the stairs after dark.
4. Tell the household the rule, so nobody leaves a bag or shoes on the steps.

**Make it work:** The rule only works if it's boring. Don't decide each time whether you need the rail; just take it.

## Watch for

- **Normal:** catching your hip on a table corner, or a wobble on a step. **Call your midwife or doctor** as soon as possible if you do fall; the NHS says stay calm, but tell them ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-21/)).
- **Normal:** symptoms from earlier weeks carrying on ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-26/)). **Call your provider** about any vaginal bleeding; the NHS says to seek advice ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-26/)), and MedlinePlus says heavy bleeding, a stiff and painful belly, or strong, frequent contractions may need 911 ([MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000627.htm)).
- **Normal:** a calf cramp at night that eases when you stretch ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-26/)). **Call your provider** to check any numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg that persists ([MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000580.htm)).
- **Normal:** a day that's hard to describe, when nothing on any list fits. **Call your provider** if you feel like something just isn't right, even if it isn't on a warning list; the CDC asks you to contact them anyway ([CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html)).

## For you

Being more careful isn't the same as being fragile. Your body is doing heavy work, and the rail is simply part of the kit now, like the water bottle in your bag.

That's week 26 done. Next week brings the start of the third trimester into view, and with it the kick counts that begin at 28 weeks ([OWH](https://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests)).

If you're the partner: you're the one who carries the laundry basket now. Take it before she reaches for it.

## Sources

- NHS. "Week 26." Week-by-week guide to pregnancy, Best Start in Life. https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-26/
- NHS. "Week 21." Week-by-week guide to pregnancy, Best Start in Life. https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-21/
- Office on Women's Health. "Body changes and discomforts." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/body-changes-and-discomforts
- MedlinePlus. "Problems sleeping during pregnancy." National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000559.htm
- MedlinePlus. "Aches and pains during pregnancy." National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000580.htm
- MedlinePlus. "Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy." National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000627.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Urgent Maternal Warning Signs and Symptoms." HEAR HER campaign, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html
- Office on Women's Health. "Prenatal care and tests." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests