Your baby at week twenty seven of pregnancy
Now tipping the scale at over 900g, and a whopping 37cm in length (about the size of a head of cauliflower) your little one is now twice the size they were a month ago. It is becoming a tight fit in your uterus, now that your baby is getting so big! Babies of this age and size spend most of their time in the comfortable fetal position. You’ll be able to see and feel the jumping motion of your baby’s hiccups. It has been said that if you eat spicy food at this stage, it may induce your baby’s hiccups!
Although very developed, the baby’s lungs and brain are still immature, and although with the help of advanced intensive medical care should your baby be born now, if born now, your baby would have a high chance of surviving, the next thirteen weeks really are important for developments to be completely perfected.
Your body at week twenty seven of pregnancy
Your breasts have continued to change throughout your pregnancy and will continue to do so, it has been found than in many women the areola, the dark part of the breast that surrounding the nipple, will change further as well. In the first trimester, your areola grew darker.
However currently, the dark pigmented skin may even spread further than the areola, to create a secondary areola, covering up to half the breast. This is not a permanent change, and this ‘second areola’, will most likely have gone completely by your child’s first birthday.
Unfortunately, your uterus and belly are not the only things that are swelling, a perfectly normal, well known side effect of pregnancy it is edema. This is where swelling reaches extremities, usually the hands and feet, due to fluids building up in your bodily tissues to increase blood flow. Although it might seem distressing that it is now harder to take your rings on and off, and to perform delicate tasks, now deprived of nimble fingers, and fit your feet into your shoes, you do not need to seek medical attention.
What you may be feeling at week twenty seven of pregnancy
You may feel preoccupied with the changes that your new baby will bring to your relationship with you partner and any older children you may have. Whenever the dynamics of a family change there will be a period of adjustment and a realignment. Changes are normal and whilst your family will become more complex things will settle down – it is a huge adjustment and changes will be necessary but they are a good thing and communicating between each other and understanding each other’s needs is the key to making the shift in the family smooth and positive.
Common symptoms at week twenty seven of pregnancy
- Swollen sore breasts
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irritability or unexpected emotions
- Nervousness about the birth and impending parenthood
- Heartburn
- Decrease in appetite
- Clumsiness
- Sore ribs
- Bad dreams
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Pelvic discomfort
- Minor swelling of feet and ankles
- Braxton hicks contractions
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Hemorrhoids
Tips for week twenty seven of pregnancy
- To avoid swelling, avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, and try some gentle exercise like walking or swimming. Also, try to sit and sleep with your legs elevated whenever possible.
- Keep talking to your partner and family about the support you feel you will need and listen to any concerns they may have too.
- You may benefit from being re-fitted for a bra as your breasts may have changed again in recent weeks and need extra support.
If you have any symptoms that concern you it is important to consult your doctor as soon as you can.