The 27th week of pregnancy mentions the end of the second trimester. The baby`s head is now as big as a head of lettuce. The good news is that if you go into preterm labor at this time, the baby has a good chance of survival (85%), but some medical attention may be required after birth.

Baby Growth

Until the 27th week of pregnancy, there are many developments in the baby as follows:

1. The baby`s eyes will open and eyelashes will form.

1. The baby will begin to practice breathing movements even though it is still in the amniotic sac.

1. Babies have about 15% body fat at this stage and this will increase to 30% when they are born.

1. By the 27th week of pregnancy, there will be more taste buds in the baby`s mouth than there will be at birth. This means that it cannot only notice what you eat through the amniotic fluid, but even reacts. For example, some babies respond to spicy foods by hiccupping. Or they can kick when they taste the spice.

1. Babies do not move constantly. Just as we allocate certain hours of the day to rest and sleep, they live their days regularly. When you are active it calms down, when you are calm it becomes active. As the pregnancy progresses, the movements and sleep of the babies are regulated. There are periods of increasing or decreasing mobility of 1-3 hours. But if there is a different kind of sluggishness and inactivity than usual, if your baby isn`t as active as you`re used to, it`s a good idea to talk to your doctor. If you say that I am 27 weeks pregnant and my baby is very active, it is not surprising. Because the most active time of the baby is between weeks 27-32. Now it`s old enough to punch, kick and still have enough room to move inside, enjoy each one of them.

Baby Size

The 27-week-old baby is approximately 36.6 cm tall and weighs 875 grams. The baby can distinguish between day and night, and the brain is in its final stages of development.

During this time, you will notice that the baby is developing its own sleep patterns. This is normal and doctors say your rest schedule should be as close to your baby`s as possible.

Common Body Changes

1. Shortness of breath: As the uterus grows, it will put pressure on the upper part of your chest, so you may have breathing problems (shortness of breath).

1. Edema: During this time, you experience swelling in your ankles, feet and hands, as well as an increase in your belly button size. This condition is known as edema and is caused by fluid retention in the body. Fluid retention is caused by increased blood flow and uterine pressure. In case of excessive swelling, you should consult your doctor as this may be due to a condition called preeclampsia. To get rid of swelling, you should avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. You can try doing appropriate exercises like yoga or swimming. This condition is temporary in nature and will disappear completely when the baby is born.

1. Itching: Your skin can stretch until it pushes the limits and therefore itches.

1. Dry skin: You should avoid showering with hot water as it can dry out your skin.

1. Fatigue: You may feel tired all the time. Try to sleep as much as possible.

Pregnancy Symptoms

At 27 weeks, your baby will have grown enough to feel its movements. Some of the common symptoms that women feel during the 27th week of pregnancy are:

1. Fatigue: You may feel mental and physical fatigue due to changes in your body.

1. Pelvic pressure and pain in the lower back: You may experience abdominal cramps due to the increased weight of the uterus.

1. Vaginal discharge: Vaginal discharge may increase. If it`s a thin, white discharge that`s odorless or with little odor, it`s nothing to worry about.

1. Severe abdominal pain and tenderness: The growing belly can sometimes be painful and tender.

1. Pain or burning when urinating: Insufficient water intake can cause pain or burning when urinating

1. Braxton Hicks contractions: These contractions, also called false labor, prepare the abdominal muscles for birth.

1. Blurred vision and headache

1. Swelling or swelling of the face, ankles, feet and weight gain: These are signs of edema, a condition in which the body retains water.

1. Dizziness with increased heart rate: As blood volume increases, the heart works harder to pump it, which can cause a rapid heartbeat and lightheadedness.

1. Respiratory problem in coughing up blood: The strain on the lungs due to the reduced space and increased oxygen demand can cause respiratory problems.

1. Constipation: As the space available for the digestive organs decreases, the efficiency of the digestive system also decreases.

1. Cramp in the legs: The increase in the weight of the uterus causes cramps by preventing blood flow.

Abdomen

It is healthy to gain about 6 to 12 pounds during this time. If you have gained weight too quickly, it is recommended to slow down a bit. During this time, you should know that extra need is only 300-500 calories per day. At 27 weeks of pregnancy, it is appropriate to take 500 grams for the mother`s weight to be at the ideal level. Most of the weight you gain is not from fat accumulation; The weight gain of the baby is due to the growing placenta and amniotic fluid and fluid accumulation in the tissues.

It measures approximately 7 cm above the navel of the uterus and 27 cm from the pubic symphysis to the apex of the uterus.

You may be feeling the kicks and hiccups more intensely at 27 weeks pregnant as the baby is a little older.

Ultrasound

If your pregnancy hasn`t been complicated so far, you won`t need to go to an antenatal appointment or ultrasound at week 27.

What to Eat?

You must continue to have a healthy diet to ensure that you and your baby are well fed. Here`s a quick look at the 27-week pregnancy foods that are good for you:

1. You should drink at least 12 glasses of fluid a day. This will prevent urinary tract infections and relieve constipation that is common during pregnancy.

1. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, legumes, sesame, almonds, walnuts and figs are high sources of calcium and protein. Calcium and protein help develop baby`s bones and teeth.

Tips and Care

Here are a few tips to help you take care of yourself during this time:

1. Staying healthy: You should be healthy during pregnancy, the key is to maintain a nutrient-rich diet.

1. Manage your diet: Eat healthy to ensure baby growth.

1. Hygiene: Ensuring environmental and personal hygiene is extremely important to prevent infections.

1. Exercise: You should do exercises suitable for this stage of pregnancy. This will help you maintain your weight and safety, and reduce pregnancy discomforts (such as constipation, back pain). Exercising also makes the birth process smoother! However, you should always consult your doctor and exercise under a certified trainer.

1. Goal: You should stay away from stress and anxiety as it can also have negative physical effects on you.

Don’ts

1. Avoid excess sugar and salt: Consuming too much sugar and salt can lead to gestational diabetes.

1. Cut down on caffeine: Caffeine tends to dehydrate your body, so you should avoid consuming it and switch to healthier options such as antioxidant green tea.

1. Slow down!: It is recommended that you slow down while performing your daily tasks. Your increased weight and growing baby can make you unstable, increasing your risk of falls or injury.

Shopping

Since you are almost in the final stages of your pregnancy, you should start planning shopping for the things you may need:

1. Start shopping for baby room accessories and baby furniture.

1. Start shopping for the things you will need in the hospital and at home, such as nursing bras, nightgowns, baby clothes, car seats, diapers and wet wipes.

1. While this is currently behind in importance, you may want to think about postpartum contraception. This may be a decision you want to make before the baby is born.