27-Week Pregnancy

Creator: Op. Dr. Sabina Koçak
Published: 2024-11-06T16:15:52+03:00

Your Baby at 27 Weeks of Pregnancy

Welcome to the 27th week of your pregnancy! You have now entered the third trimester, the last three-month period of pregnancy. Your baby continues to grow and develop rapidly. This week, your baby’s brain activity increases, and they begin to perceive the outside world.

Size and Weight:
At 27 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is about 36–37 cm long and weighs around 900–1000 grams. You can think of them as the size of a cauliflower.

Organ Development:
Your baby’s organs continue to mature. The lungs are still developing, and surfactant production is increasing. Surfactant is an important substance that allows the lungs to expand and fill with air after birth. Your baby’s heart beats more strongly, and blood circulation improves. The brain is growing rapidly, and the nervous system continues to develop. The bone marrow begins to produce blood cells.

Development of the Senses:
Your baby’s senses are developing further. The eyes can stay open, and the pupils can dilate and contract in response to light. They can hear sounds better and distinguish different ones. Your baby can react to sounds in the womb, music, and especially the mother’s and father’s voices. Taste buds are developed, and they can taste the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also improving, allowing them to touch the uterine wall, the umbilical cord, and their own body.

Movements:
At 27 weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s movements become stronger, more coordinated, and more regular. You can now feel kicks, nudges, turns, and even hiccups more clearly. Feeling your baby’s movements is both exciting and reassuring. Sharing these movements with your partner can also strengthen your bond.

Brain Development:
Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly, and brain activity is increasing. This week, your baby begins to think, learn, and remember. They also start to experience and express emotions.

Changes in the Mother at 27 Weeks of Pregnancy

In the 27th week of pregnancy, your body also undergoes many changes.

Physical Changes:

Growing belly: Your belly continues to grow and your skin stretches. Your navel may protrude outward.
Weight gain: By this week, it is normal to have gained an average of 9–12 kg.
Breast enlargement: Your breasts keep growing and colostrum production increases.
Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or more visible veins on your skin.
Hair and nails: Your hair may become thicker and shinier, and your nails may grow faster.

Other changes: Varicose veins, swelling (edema), back pain, lower back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, forgetfulness, hemorrhoids, and urinary incontinence may occur.

Emotional Changes:

Mood swings: Hormonal changes may cause emotional fluctuations.
Anxiety and worry: You may feel anxious about your baby’s health, childbirth, and parenting.
Maternal instinct: Maternal instinct continues to grow, and your desire to bond with your baby increases. Feeling your baby’s movements helps strengthen this bond.

Nutrition at 27 Weeks of Pregnancy

Eating a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby’s development.

Key Nutrients:

Protein: Essential for your baby’s rapid growth. Sources include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
Calcium: Important for your baby’s bone development. Found in milk and dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods.
Iron: Your need increases due to higher blood volume. Sources include red meat, legumes, leafy green vegetables, and dried fruits.
Folic acid: Helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Crucial for your baby’s brain development. Found in salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Fiber: Helps prevent constipation. Good sources are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Vitamin C: Supports iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Foods to Avoid:

Fish high in mercury: Avoid swordfish, shark, and mackerel.
Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: May increase the risk of food poisoning.
Unpasteurized milk and cheese: May contain harmful bacteria.
Alcohol: Can harm your baby’s development.
Smoking: Increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
Excess caffeine: May cause miscarriage.
Processed foods: Often high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats, making them unhealthy.

Gender Determination at 27 Weeks of Pregnancy

Your baby’s gender may have already been identified during earlier ultrasound scans. However, if you have not yet found out and your baby is in a suitable position, it is still possible to learn the gender during the ultrasound examination at 27 weeks of pregnancy.

Ultrasound at 27 Weeks of Pregnancy

A routine ultrasound scan is generally not performed at 27 weeks of pregnancy. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to evaluate your baby’s development or to check for any potential issues.

Things to Consider at 27 Weeks of Pregnancy

In the 27th week of your pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and your baby’s development.

Signs of Preterm Labor:
At 27 weeks of pregnancy, the risk of preterm birth is still high. It is important to pay attention to the following signs of preterm labor and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any:

Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Water breaking
Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
Abdominal pain or cramps
Back pain
Feeling of pelvic pressure
Changes in vaginal discharge

Braxton Hicks Contractions:
Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions of the uterus. These contractions are usually irregular, painless, and short-lived. Braxton Hicks contractions are not a sign of preterm labor, but if they become regular and painful, you should contact your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can pose risks for both mother and baby. Therefore, it is important to undergo gestational diabetes screening between weeks 24 and 28. If diagnosed, diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication are used to control blood sugar levels.

Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. It is a serious condition for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms of preeclampsia include headache, vision problems, swelling in the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

Avoid lying on your back: As your uterus grows, lying on your back can put pressure on major blood vessels, disrupting circulation and causing dizziness or fainting. Lying on your left side is recommended.
Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothes can affect circulation and cause discomfort.
Pay attention to footwear: Choose comfortable, flat shoes instead of high heels or pointed shoes.
Moisturize your skin: Dryness and itching are common during pregnancy. Regular moisturizing is important.
Take care of your dental health: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive. Brush your teeth regularly and use dental floss.
You may continue sexual intercourse: Unless your doctor advises otherwise, sexual intercourse during pregnancy is safe.
Monitor your baby’s movements: Once you begin to feel your baby move, it’s important to track these movements. If you notice a decrease or change in movements, contact your doctor immediately.
Join pregnancy exercises: Pregnancy exercises help you stay fit and prepare for childbirth.
Take childbirth classes: Childbirth education helps you learn about the process and prepare mentally and physically.
Start buying baby items: Preparing for your baby with necessary items can be both exciting and helpful.
Prepare the baby’s room: Creating a safe and comfortable space for your baby is important.
Make a birth plan: A birth plan helps communicate your preferences with your medical team.
Spend time with your partner: Sharing time with your partner strengthens your bond and helps prepare for the baby’s arrival.
Take time for yourself: It’s important to relax and take care of yourself. You can read a book, listen to music, take a warm bath, or meditate.

Pregnancy Follow-up at A Life Health Group

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetricians and gynecologists specialized in pregnancy follow-up. We provide personalized pregnancy follow-up services to our expectant mothers and their babies by using the latest technology and methods.

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