Baby development at 27 weeks
Opening their eyes:
The moment has arrived—your baby’s eyes are now capable of both opening and closing! Watch for signs of responsiveness to light; shining a flashlight at your tummy might elicit a delightful burst of flutters and wiggles.
Hiccups in the womb:
Any gentle, rhythmic movements you sense are likely due to fetal hiccups. These episodes are typically brief and entirely normal, so take a moment to relax and appreciate the peculiar sensation.
Getting ready to breathe:
In preparation for life outside the womb, your baby’s lungs are producing surfactant. This essential liquid helps keep the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs, open—ensuring your baby can breathe comfortably upon arrival.
Your baby is about the size of a head of cauliflower
Pregnancy symptoms during week 27
Excess Body Hair
The manifestation of thicker, fuller hair is a widely appreciated symptom during pregnancy, but it comes with a dual nature. While the hair on the head may exhibit rapid growth and enhanced health, pregnancy can also contribute to increased facial and body hair.
During pregnancy, alterations in the hair growth cycle occur. More hair follicles remain in the growth phase (anagen phase) due to fluctuations in hormone levels, resulting in a noticeable increase in hairiness. If the additional hair is bothersome, safe methods of removal include waxing, tweezing, shaving, and threading. Laser hair removal, hair removal creams, and depilatories lack sufficient research during pregnancy, so it’s advisable to avoid these methods. Spironolactone pills, which reduce hair growth, are considered unsafe during pregnancy.
Restless Legs
In later stages of pregnancy, some women experience an uncomfortable “creepy-crawly” sensation in their lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them while trying to relax or sleep, known as restless leg syndrome (RLS).
The cause of RLS in 20 percent of pregnant women is unknown. Potential factors include iron and folate deficiencies, hormonal changes, and circulatory alterations. Avoiding caffeine and smoking, both of which can worsen RLS symptoms, may provide relief during pregnancy. If you have RLS symptoms, minimizing time spent in bed until you’re ready to sleep can help mitigate the worsening of symptoms. Fortunately, RLS during pregnancy is usually temporary and tends to subside after delivery. Strategies such as exercise, stretching, meditation, and massage, along with consulting your healthcare provider, can aid in symptom relief.
Urinary Incontinence
Many pregnant women contend with urinary leakage, particularly in later stages of pregnancy. Hormonal changes lead to relaxation of pelvic floor muscles, reducing support to the bladder. Additionally, increased blood volume results in heightened fluid processing by the kidneys, leading to increased urine production.
Women over 35, those who have had a vaginal birth, or those who are overweight are more prone to experiencing urinary incontinence during pregnancy. Avoiding caffeinated beverages and ensuring adequate water intake can improve symptoms. Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, and maintaining sufficient fiber in the diet are also beneficial. Consulting with your doctor or midwife is crucial to rule out a urinary tract infection (UTI) and explore potential interventions.
Swelling
Moderate swelling, especially in the feet and ankles, is common in the third trimester of pregnancy. Edema, characterized by fluid accumulation in body tissues, occurs in about two-thirds of pregnancies.
Hormonal changes contribute to swelling during pregnancy, as the body naturally retains more fluids to support the developing fetus. Increased pressure on veins from the growing uterus can slow blood return from the legs, causing fluid to pool in the feet and ankles. Minimizing time spent sitting or standing, wearing compression socks, and staying hydrated can alleviate swelling. Additional strategies include receiving massages, maintaining a healthy diet, and sleeping on the left side.
While swelling is generally normal, excessive swelling may indicate serious complications like preeclampsia or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Promptly contacting your healthcare provider is essential if you experience sudden or excessive swelling, especially if it’s unilateral or involves the face or hands.
Weight Gain
Monitoring pregnancy weight gain is crucial, as both excessive and insufficient weight gain pose risks. Guidelines vary based on individual health needs, but in general, recommended weight gain for those at a healthy pre-pregnancy weight with a single baby is between 25 and 35 pounds.
During the third trimester, an additional 450 calories a day may be necessary to meet weight gain goals. Losing weight during pregnancy is unsafe, and excessive gain should be avoided. Consultation with your doctor or midwife is recommended if you encounter challenges managing weight gain, and they may refer you to a nutritionist if necessary.
Pelvic Pain
As pregnancy advances, sharp pains and throbbing aches in the hips and groin may become noticeable. Intensifying pelvic pain, or pelvic girdle pain, results from typical pregnancy changes like hormonal shifts, weight gain, and alterations in the body’s center of gravity due to a growing belly.
Alleviating discomfort can be achieved by wearing a pregnancy girdle or belly band. Using a pregnancy pillow for comfortable sleeping positions, along with placing a pillow between your knees to maintain neutral hip positioning, can be helpful. If pelvic pain is challenging to manage, your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy or over-the-counter medications. Regular exercise and breaks throughout the day can also contribute to reducing pelvic pain.
Pregnancy checklist at 27 weeks
Prepare for increased prenatal appointments during the third trimester. Expect to see your doctor or midwife more frequently, with appointments likely scheduled every two weeks from weeks 28 to 36, followed by weekly visits thereafter.
These regular check-ups will resemble your previous prenatal visits. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood pressure, weight, and urine, as well as listen to your baby’s heartbeat. Fundal height measurements will be taken to assess your baby’s growth progress.
Depending on your health history and pregnancy journey, additional ultrasounds and tests may be incorporated into your appointments. Familiarize yourself with what to anticipate during each visit.
Engage in some essential third-trimester shopping. As you approach the final trimester, ensure you have necessary items to ease the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. Examine your dresser drawers for nursing camis or bras, a comfortable robe, and spacious lounge pants for the initial postpartum weeks. If there are specific items you wish to include in your hospital bag, such as an eye mask, baby book, or gifts for older siblings, acquire them now.
Initiate Kegel exercises. These exercises can aid in preventing urine leaks during and after pregnancy, warding off hemorrhoids, and enhancing the muscle tone of your vagina, thereby improving sexual enjoyment.
To perform Kegels, envision halting both gas and urination simultaneously, or visualize sitting on a marble and attempting to lift it into your vagina. Focus on the sensation of squeezing and lifting with your pelvic floor muscles, excluding the involvement of your abdomen, legs, buttocks, or breath-holding.
Consistency is key when it comes to Kegel exercises. Begin gradually, with a few repetitions, and gradually increase as you build strength. While Kegels are beneficial, they constitute just one aspect of preventing pelvic floor dysfunction. If you have concerns, consult your healthcare provider and inquire about a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist.
27 weeks pregnant bellies
Your baby and your belly are gaining more weight at 27 weeks, and you might be experiencing increased pregnancy discomfort. While this is a common aspect of approaching the third trimester, it’s important not to simply endure it.
Consider using a pregnancy belt or belly band for additional support to your abdominal region and lower back, potentially easing pelvic and lower back pain. Various belts wrap securely around your hips, resting under your belly, while others cover your entire bump, providing support from your hips up to under your bust.
Remaining physically active is a key strategy to prevent and alleviate pregnancy-related body aches. Despite initial reservations, exercise proves effective in addressing various common pregnancy issues, such as back pain, constipation, and gas. Safe pregnancy exercises help manage weight gain, enhance muscle strength and flexibility, improve posture, and promote better circulation.
To alleviate back and pelvic pain, opt for a supportive chair, sit down while dressing, lift heavier objects using proper form, and minimize prolonged standing when possible.
If these measures prove insufficient, consult your healthcare provider about using a pregnancy-safe pain reliever, typically acetaminophen. Additionally, inquire about a referral to a physical therapist from your obstetrician or midwife. Collaborating with a physical therapist can help alleviate pain and enhance strength as your pregnancy progresses.
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