Week 27 of Pregnancy

This week marks the beginning of the third trimester and you baby now weighs over two pounds. The burst of energy you had in your second trimester of pregnancy might be starting to ebb and be replaced by fatigue again. Also your discomforts can become more pronounced

Changes in your body at Week 27 of Pregnancy

You might be starting to feel very tired now but it is to be expected. Ensure you get lots of rest and nap in the day if you feel the need or are not sleeping at night. Sleeping when the baby does might be a good pattern to get into. If you find yourself waking up a lot in the night this is in preparation for the baby's birth.

Changes you may experience during the 27th week of pregnancy include:

• Frequent urination
• You will continue to put weight on
• Shortness of breath due to uterus pressuring on your rib cage
• Burning or tingling in hands to elbows known as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Heavier than normal vaginal discharge

Baby's Development at Week 27 of Pregnancy - Baby size: 35.5cm

Some typical developments which occur during the 27th week of pregnancy are:

• Baby's lungs are producing a substance called lecithin which will allow baby to breath on his or her own after birth
• Retina in the eyes begin to form
• Baby can detect light - try shinning a torch on your baby bump, the baby may move towards or away from it

During this third trimester it is important to recognize the signs of premature labor. Research shows that premature labor is more common in some women in the summer months then other times of year due to dehydration. You need to be sure you continue to drink plenty of fluids.

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away:

• Bright red blood from your vagina
• Sudden gush of clear, watery fluid from your vagina
• Severe pelvic pain
• Sharp or prolonged pain in your abdomen (possible sign of preeclampsia)
• Dull lower backache
• Contractions or bad cramps (if more then 5 in one hour)
• Pain during urination (could be an infection of the urinary tract, bladder or kidneys)
• Swelling or puffiness of your face and hands (possible sign of preeclampsia)

Don't panic though; some of these might just be normal pregnancy symptoms. Always see a doctor if you are unsure or worried about any of your symptoms.