Pregnancy Week 27

At week 27, your baby is about 36-38 cm long and weighs 900-1000 grams. This week, the biggest change in your baby's world is happening in their brain tissue. While the brain surface was smooth before, characteristic folds and grooves begin to form starting this week. This means more brain cells and a more complex capacity for thoughts and reflexes.

• Eye Blinking: Your baby can now fully open and close their eyes and shows a blinking reflex at regular intervals.
• Lung Practice: Although the lungs are not yet fully mature, the baby is strengthening their breathing muscles by inhaling amniotic fluid.
• Sense of Taste: Interestingly, your baby's taste buds may be even more sensitive right now than an adult's.

They can taste the strong flavors of the foods you eat through the amniotic fluid.

Your uterus is now well above your belly button, rising toward your rib cage. This growth causes your internal organs to shift and be pushed upward. At week 27, you may feel heavier and more bloated than ever. What's Happening? - Shortness of Breath: As your uterus pushes your lungs upward, you might feel like you can't take a full breath. This is normal; your baby is not affected because they get the oxygen they need directly from your blood. - Heartburn (Reflux): Your stomach being pushed upward and pregnancy hormones relaxing the stomach valve can cause stomach acid to leak into the esophagus (reflux). - Loss of Balance: As your belly grows forward, your body's center of gravity shifts. For this reason, you need to be more cautious and careful while walking or bending over.

This week is your final opportunity for the Glucose Tolerance Test if you haven't had it yet. As your blood volume reaches its peak, your diet directly impacts both your blood pressure and any swelling.

• Protein and Calcium: Your baby's bones are hardening, and their tissues are growing rapidly. Your daily need for protein and calcium is at its highest during these weeks.
• Salt Intake: To reduce swelling in your ankles, you should limit your salt intake but not cut it out completely.
• Smaller Meals: Since your stomach is feeling crowded, eating 5-6 small meals a day instead of 3 large ones will help reduce heartburn.

With the start of the third trimester, childbirth is no longer a distant possibility and becomes a concrete reality. This can trigger anxieties for expectant parents about whether preparations will be finished in time or their competence as parents. What’s Happening? Vivid Dreams: When hormones and subconscious fears combine, you may experience very realistic and sometimes strange dreams. These are your mind's way of preparing for the process. Emotional Sensitivity: Sudden crying spells or feelings of sensitivity, similar to the first trimester, may return. Bonding: As baby’s movements begin to be felt clearly from the outside, your emotional bond with them will become even more tangible.

Week 27 is the ideal time to finish heavy tasks while you still have your mobility. In the coming weeks, bending over and standing for long periods will become much more difficult. What’s Happening? - Hospital Bag: Start making a list that includes button-front nightgowns for yourself, and first bodysuits and diapers for the baby. - The Nursery: If there is any painting or furniture assembly left, it should be finished this week; you need time for the room to air out and for any odors to disappear. - Car Seat: This is a good time to learn and practice how to install the infant car seat in your vehicle.

You may feel rhythmic, gentle pulses in your belly this week. These are usually your baby’s hiccups, which occur when their diaphragm contracts while swallowing amniotic fluid. This is a perfectly healthy part of development. Start observing your baby’s sleep and wake cycles, as they often sleep while you are moving and wake up when you lie down. Monitoring these movements throughout the day provides natural insight into their well-being. If you notice an unusual decrease in movement, try eating something sugary and lying on your left side to monitor them.