Pregnancy Week 27

What does my baby look like?

This week your baby is roughly the size of a head of cauliflower.

Your baby's lungs keep developing. The structures needed for breathing are in place, but the tiny air sacs in the lungs are still growing. Surfactant — which helps keep the airways open after birth — hasn't yet reached its full level.

Skin that looked more wrinkled just a few weeks ago is starting to look fuller now as more fat builds up underneath. As your baby gets ready for life outside the womb, their organ systems continue to mature.

Your baby's heart is beating strongly, and you can expect to hear that heartbeat again at your next checkup.

Your baby's hearing also keeps developing. Even though sounds inside the womb come through muffled, your baby can pick up your voice and familiar, repeated sounds around them. That's why talking, reading, or singing to your baby can be a meaningful way to bond.

The eyes may start opening and closing more regularly. Small as these changes seem for life in the womb, they lay the groundwork for the adaptation skills your baby will need after birth.

So active!

Your baby is quite busy right now. Kicks, rolls, and sudden movements may feel more noticeable. As their muscle tone keeps developing, the movements can feel both stronger and more coordinated.

Which month of pregnancy is this?

This week you're in the 6th month of your pregnancy and getting close to the end of the second trimester.

What's happening in my body?

Bloating, constipation, and pressure on your stomach may feel more noticeable right now. One reason is that your growing uterus presses on your digestive system; another is that the hormone progesterone slows down bowel movement.

Drinking plenty of water, eating a fiber-rich diet, and staying gently active whenever you can may help ease these symptoms.

Hemorrhoids, gas, leaking breasts, sleep troubles, and body aches may also become more noticeable during this time. As uncomfortable as they are, they're common complaints at this stage of pregnancy.

Whooping cough vaccine

If you haven't had the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine yet — the recommended window is weeks 16 to 32 — you can talk to your doctor about it. This vaccine helps protect your baby against whooping cough after birth.

The best sleeping positions in pregnancy

From these weeks on, sleeping on your side is generally considered the better choice. For some people, lying on your back can worsen dizziness, back pain, constipation, or hemorrhoid symptoms.

To sleep more comfortably:

• Support your belly with a pillow.
• Bend your knees slightly.
• Place a pillow between your legs.
• Use a small pillow to support your back.

Hair, hair growth, and skin changes

Thanks to hormones, your hair may look thicker. At the same time, you may notice more hair growth on your face and body. Safe hair-removal methods during pregnancy include waxing, tweezing, shaving, and threading. Laser hair removal and depilatory (hair-removal) creams are approached with caution during pregnancy because there isn't enough data on them. Medications like spironolactone are not considered safe in pregnancy.

Urinary leakage

Urinary leakage can also become more common during this time. Your growing uterus presses on the pelvic floor muscles and bladder. Pelvic floor exercises, getting enough fiber, and limiting caffeine can help. However, if you have burning, pain, or signs of infection when you urinate, you should contact your doctor.

Swelling and edema

Swelling — especially in the hands, feet, and ankles — can increase as you approach the third trimester. Standing for long periods, sitting for long periods, and hot weather can make it worse. Drinking plenty of water, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings can bring relief. Sudden, one-sided swelling, or swelling in your face or hands, or very pronounced swelling, needs to be evaluated.

Weight gain

Weight gain during pregnancy also matters at this stage. Gaining too little or too much can be linked to certain risks. Weight should be tracked based on your individual health situation, so the best approach is to monitor it together with your doctor.

Pelvic pain and body aches

Pelvic pain and body aches are also common. Hormonal changes loosen the ligaments, and your growing belly shifts your center of gravity. A support belt, a pregnancy pillow, staying physically active, and physical therapy when needed can bring relief.

Prenatal checkups

From these weeks on, your prenatal checkups may become more frequent. Visits are often scheduled every two weeks between weeks 28 and 36, and then more often after that. At these visits, your blood pressure, weight, urine, and your baby's heartbeat and growth are checked.

Symptoms you may notice this week

Common symptoms you may notice this week include:

• fatigue
• snoring
• vivid dreams or nightmares
• constipation and bloating
• heartburn
• hemorrhoids
• pelvic pain
• back pain
• swelling in the feet and ankles
• restless legs
• thrush (yeast infection)
• urinary leakage

Thrush (a yeast infection) can cause an odorless white discharge along with itching or irritation around the vulva. It's common in pregnancy. Because treatment requires choosing a product that's appropriate for pregnancy, you should check with your doctor before starting any medication on your own.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Some expectant mothers develop tingling, a crawling sensation, and an urge to move their legs in the lower legs. This tends to be more noticeable in the evening and at night.

The exact cause isn't known, but these may play a role:

• iron deficiency
• folate deficiency
• hormonal changes
• changes in circulation

To ease the symptoms:

• avoid caffeine
• don't smoke
• do light exercise
• try some stretching
• apply massage
• ask your doctor whether a supplement is needed

Nutrition this week

Heartburn may increase during these weeks. As your baby grows, there's more pressure on your stomach and intestines, and stomach acid can more easily back up into your esophagus.

To find relief:

• eat smaller, more frequent meals
• avoid heavy meals right before bed
• if needed, sleep with your head slightly raised
• choose lighter options like yogurt and bananas
• cut back on very fatty, very spicy, and very acidic foods

Heard conflicting stories about salmon?

Salmon is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA. DHA is valuable for your baby's brain development.

When eating fish:

• make sure it's well cooked
• buy it from trusted sources
• choose carefully, since certain substances can build up more in the skin and dark meat

Time to get moving

This week is a good time to start thinking about your birth plans. It may also be easier now for your family to feel your baby's movements.

Learn about car seats

You'll need a safe car seat to bring your newborn home from the hospital. When choosing one, pick a product that meets safety standards and is either new or has a known history.

Preparing for birth and beyond

Childbirth classes can be helpful whether it's your first pregnancy or a later one. These classes usually cover topics like:

• the stages of labor
• pain management
• breathing techniques
• breastfeeding
• newborn care
• emergency preparedness

Look into infant CPR

An infant first aid or CPR class can help you feel prepared for possible emergencies. You hope you'll never need it, but having the basics can be reassuring.

Don't forget your pelvic floor

Pelvic floor exercises can help reduce urinary leakage and support recovery after birth. Doing short sets a few times throughout the day can be beneficial.

Week 27

You're nearing the last week of the second trimester. Next week the third trimester begins.

Is it safe to fly?

If you have travel plans after this week, some airlines may ask for a doctor's note stating that your pregnancy is progressing smoothly. Because flight rules vary by airline, it's a good idea to check ahead of time.

Symptoms in the second trimester

Fatigue may return. Snoring caused by nasal congestion may also become more common.

Your emotional well-being

Pregnancy hormones can make some situations harder to cope with. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally strained, it's important to share this with your doctor.

Trust your instincts

If you have any symptom that worries you, let your doctor know. It doesn't matter that you've asked before — getting it checked is always the safer choice.

Preterm labor

Preterm labor is labor that begins before week 37. If you have any of the following signs before week 37, you should contact your doctor:

• fluid coming from the vagina or a constant leak
• unusual lower back pain
• regular contractions
• a feeling of pelvic pressure
• bleeding or a marked change in discharge

Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions may feel more noticeable during this time. They're usually irregular, don't get progressively closer together, and may ease when you change position or rest. If contractions are regular, painful, or intensifying, they need to be evaluated.

Where can I give birth?

This is a good time to start thinking about where you'll give birth. When deciding, weigh your medical situation, safety, your doctor's recommendation, and the options available where you live all together.