You’re 27 weeks pregnant!
Good news: Now that you’re 27 weeks pregnant, the third trimester is finally here! You may start to feel a bit like you did in those early weeks of pregnancy (with the added bonus of a lot of pressure on your bladder and a much rounder belly), but take heart. You’re finally in the home stretch of your pregnancy, and you’ll be meeting your little one very soon!
There’s a lot to get done in the next few months before your baby makes their big arrival, but don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Make sure you’re hydrating and taking the time to get some rest. You are growing a human, after all.
Pregnancy symptoms at 27 weeks
Your ultrasound
You probably won’t be getting an ultrasound this week, but if you did, you’d see a baby who’s focusing on gaining weight, developing their brain at warp speed, and who might even be sucking their thumb! At this point, they’re finishing up all the development they need before they meet you for the first time, and even practicing breathing for when they exit the womb.
Your pregnant belly at 27 weeks
Around 27 weeks, you’re probably noticing that your bump is growing practically by the day — hope you’ve found a favorite pair of maternity pants by now! You’ve probably gained between 15-30 pounds, but if you fall outside that range, your OB-GYN knows you and your pregnancy best and is the right person to ask.
Pregnancy tips at 27 weeks
You might feel like you’re quickly running out of steam, but remember that feeling of exhaustion will probably only grow from here. This week is a great time to tie up all those loose ends — finish up the nursery, make any online baby-related or postpartum orders you’ve been procrastinating on, and make sure everything is set with maternity leave at work.
Your pregnancy checklist at 27 weeks
Here’s what you might want to work on this week:
- Finalize your birth plan
- Make sure you’re registered at the hospital you plan to deliver at
- Start researching pediatricians
- Make childcare plans, if necessary, including getting on waiting lists at daycares if needed
What are you eating for you and your baby?
In week 27, you might want to think about making sure you’re getting enough DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid) in your diet. While it’s an element that’s usually included in your prenatal vitamins, it’s also important to make sure it’s in your diet (around 200-300 mg per day) too, since DHA helps your baby’s quickly developing bran. You can find DHA in foods like:
- Salmon
- Eggs
- Seaweed
- Tuna
- Sardines
- Grass-fed meats
When to call your doctor
While you should definitely call your OB-GYN anytime you feel something might be amiss, any unusual bleeding or cramping are both reasons to get a visit in ASAP, as well as experiencing symptoms like painful urination. And if that lightheadness you might be feeling leads to actual fainting or passing out, it’s important to call or stop into your emergency room, too.
Keep an eye out for any unusual swelling, since that could be a sign of preeclampsia, and it’s important to call your doctor if you have itchy palms or feet, which might mean that you’re experiencing cholestasis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and death compared to non-pregnant women. Furthermore, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of delivering a baby before 37 weeks (preterm birth) and other adverse ramifications.
Note: If you are visiting a medical professional during COVID, make sure to ask about the facility’s safety measures and confirm that they are following COVID protocols as indicated by the CDC.
