Pregnancy: Week 27

You are entering the third trimester — the seventh month of the new life growing inside you has begun. Free movement and carefree activity are becoming increasingly difficult, as the physical load is now quite heavy. Breathing, sitting, sleeping, and moving around become more challenging. However, if you have been doing special fitness exercises for pregnant women, controlling your body will be much easier.

At 27–28 weeks, the baby becomes noticeably more active: by looking at the belly, the mother can observe the baby’s movements and their unique “greetings” made with little hands and heels. This week, be especially careful with your diet and avoid foods that may cause allergies.

27th week of pregnancy: fetal position

By this time, you have gained about 9 kg, which is considered normal. Until the end of pregnancy, you may gain another 3–5 kg. More precisely, you are allowed to gain that amount — anything beyond that is not just extra weight but also an additional burden for both mother and baby.

At the 27th week, the uterus rises almost to the ribs and presses on the lungs and intestines. This causes constipation and nausea, but usually does not reduce appetite. Unfortunately, this condition may persist until delivery. The only solution is proper nutrition and eating small portions.

This period is also important regarding the baby’s position. If your doctor says at the 27th week that the baby is lying head down, there is no reason to worry — the fetal position may still change several times. If the baby is positioned incorrectly, you still have time to influence this. You may be advised by your doctor to do special exercises.

Fetal development at the 27th week

The baby now weighs nearly one kilogram, and their length may range from 25 to 30 cm or even slightly more. The baby sleeps up to 20 hours a day and wakes up about every hour.

It is believed that a baby born at this stage can survive. In a natural environment, survival would be impossible — a special setting that replicates the conditions of the womb would be required. However, the baby’s organs and systems are already capable of functioning.

At the 27th week, the baby begins a stage where they can partially fight certain viral infections on their own, as the immune system enters an active phase. To some extent, the baby is already able to protect itself from infections. The immune system can also react to certain harmful substances — allergens. Therefore, at this time, the mother should avoid consuming allergy-triggering foods.

27th week — fetal movements

The baby has grown a little more and naturally started making new movements with arms, legs, and head. Many mothers at the 27th week can see how the baby kicks and pushes even without an ultrasound — movements become clearly visible through the upper part of the abdomen. The movements are now more distinct and sometimes even stronger. The baby is sensitive to light and to contrast showers taken by the mother in the morning; they are learning to kick their legs and roll from one side to the other.

Maybe it is time to start maternity leave earlier?

The long-awaited maternity leave is approaching, which means you will soon be able to devote more time to yourself. If you have the opportunity to go on maternity leave earlier, do so. It will make things easier for you and relieve you from daily stress. This is especially relevant for mothers who commute by public transport.

Despite occasional weakness, at this stage mothers should look to the future with hope, believing that the final part of pregnancy will pass successfully.

Healthy foods help prevent nausea and heartburn

Eat only healthy foods and divide meals into small portions. Gather your willpower and try to follow this advice — then heartburn will not be frightening, and the exhausting feeling of nausea will not bother you.

You have already been advised to limit salty foods. If you have not done so yet, now is the time to strictly follow these recommendations. Carry an apple, some biscuits, and drinking water in your bag. This will help you avoid stopping at nearby fast-food places.

27 weeks: fewer tests, ultrasound may be unscheduled

If you have been referred for an ultrasound, it means it is unscheduled and that there are certain issues that need clarification through ultrasound examination.

You will continue to submit a routine urine test, and if low hemoglobin was previously detected, you will also have a complete blood count.

Improve your hairstyle and do not give up makeup

The weight you have gained during this period inevitably affects your appearance. These changes may even make you look more attractive. Do not try to wear your old clothes — they may cause discomfort for both you and your baby. Clothing should be loose and comfortable so that you do not feel restricted.

Light makeup and beautiful hairstyles are another reason to look lovely and unique — pregnancy itself is a reason for beauty.