Pregnancy week 27

Your baby’s development

Week 27 is the last week of the second trimester. Your baby is about the size of a cauliflower. The focus this week is the brain: brain tissue grows quickly, folds form and the connections between nerve cells multiply. Your baby now has a clear sleep and wake pattern, with dream-like eye movements during sleep, and yawning, stretching and kicking when awake. The lungs keep getting ready to take in air. Bone marrow now handles blood cell production on its own. The eyes are open and the baby can move the eyelashes. The taste buds on the tongue have started to work. Reactions to sound and movement are increasing. Fat storage will speed up in the coming weeks. These measurements are averages, and small differences from baby to baby are normal. Development moves at its own pace in every pregnancy; your doctor interprets ultrasound measurements, and small differences are usually ordinary.

Changes in the mother

You have reached the end of the second trimester. By now your blood volume has increased, your heart works harder and the womb is well grown. Breathlessness, swelling, back ache and sleep problems are common. Varicose veins, haemorrhoids and constipation can be bothersome. Resting with your legs raised, drinking plenty of water and walking regularly can bring relief. It is natural to want more concrete preparations for birth now. Remember that every path is respected when it comes to the way of giving birth, the place of birth and feeding, and that your doctor's advice is what counts. The window for the glucose tolerance test is still open: it is meant to take place between weeks 24 and 28, so if it has not been done, talk to your doctor. Emotional ups and downs are common as well; asking for help is not a weakness.

To do this week

• Have the glucose tolerance test (OGTT) done before week 28 ends; call your doctor if it is still pending.
• Talk with your doctor about timing the third antenatal visit (usually weeks 28–32).
• Sign up for antenatal classes.
• Plan a small activity that does you good: a walk, swimming or gentle yoga.

Tip for the partner

Sharing the preparation tasks and making lists together lightens the load.

Nutrition tip

Going easy on salt may help with puffiness and swelling.