Week 27 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
Baby is
about the size of a head of cauliflower
14.4 inches · 1.9 lbs
Baby this week
- •Eyes can open and close, and can respond to light
- •Brain is developing rapidly with increased neural connections
- •Lungs are producing surfactant, a substance needed for breathing after birth
- •May hiccup, which you might feel as rhythmic movements
- •Hearing is well-developed and can recognize your voice
You this week
- •Increased back pain from shifting center of gravity and weight gain
- •Swelling in feet and ankles, especially by end of day
- •Shortness of breath as uterus presses on diaphragm
- •Braxton-Hicks contractions becoming more noticeable
- •Increased trips to the bathroom, even at night
- •Possible varicose veins or spider veins
This week's tips
- •Start pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to prepare for labor and support your changing body
- •Elevate your feet when sitting to help reduce swelling, and stay hydrated
- •Invest in supportive, flat shoes and consider a maternity support belt for back pain relief
- •Schedule your third trimester glucose screening test (gestational diabetes screening) if not already done
- •Practice good sleeping positions—left side is ideal to improve circulation to baby
Looking ahead
You're entering your third trimester next week! Your baby's survival rate outside the womb becomes very high, and you may notice your little one's movements becoming stronger and more predictable.
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