The 27th week of pregnancy

What to expect in the 27th week of pregnancy

Your body is getting ready during this next trimester for birth, breastfeeding, postnatal recovery, rest and adapting to the huge changes this bundle of joy has on your day-to-day.

You will have noticed that not only your bump, but also your breasts go through a change during pregnancy. This is the period you may need to buy a larger cup size and more supportive bra.

In this last trimester of pregnancy, your breasts will grow more milk cells in preparation for breastfeeding (setting up the production line), and you may be more aware that your nipples are larger and possibly a little darker in pigmentation. The milk-producing cells in your breasts start to make colostrum. This is that ‘first milk’ rich in antibodies and stem cells, which supports giving your baby’s immune and digestive system a helping hand as he prepares and embarks into the world outside you womb. You may start to leak a few drops of colostrum (don’t worry). Your pregnancy hormones inhibit (stop) the switch-on of milk production until around 24-72 hours after the birth of your baby. If this happens to you during pregnancy you can wear thin nursing pads in your bra to absorb those minor milk leakages.

When you rest and put your feet up you may be more aware that your baby is more active. During the day, you may be busy with work, family etc. and not notice your baby’s movements as much. Talk with your midwife to know how to track your baby’s daily movements. Often when you rest or try and sleep, your growing baby seems to decide it’s time to be awake and active. Your baby’s day and night pattern may be totally opposite to yours. Remember your baby can hear your voice and music. You can sing, talk and if you want play any music from classical to pop to relax both of you, and lullaby your baby to sleep.

How to get a good sleep

As your baby grows and is more active you may need to get up to use the bathroom during the night and you may feel that you have lighter sleep with more dreams. As your pregnancy advances this will happen several times a night.

Eating a healthy diet is of course important. Be mindful when you eat and what you eat before bedtime including any cravings. Certain foods may take longer to digest and leave you feeling bloated, uncomfortable, whilst other foods such as spicy foods or crisps may give you heartburn, which when lying down causes more discomfort. To help with good quality sleep, it is recommended to avoid or significantly reduce the caffeine¹ in your diet, including soft cola drinks during pregnancy and any products that contain high caffeine, like cocoa and chocolate. Read the product labeling for more information to help guide your pre-bed snacks.

Your sleeping position will also change as your pregnancy advances, especially if you were a tummy sleeper. Side-lying supporting your bump and placing a pillow between your knees may be a comfortable position for you to try.

Keeping active is great for you to relieve stress and create a feeling of well-being². Regular physical activity can also have a positive effect on your sleep. Walks, yoga or fitness exercises for pregnant women will support you to enjoy a good sleep pattern. Be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife if you need more support.

This is what happens to your baby in the 27th week of pregnancy

In the 27th week of pregnancy, your baby is as big as a broccoli. The foetus is 36 cm and already weighs up to 1,000 grams.*

At 27 weeks, Your baby’s brain is continuing to grow and develop, and will continue in maturation throughout the first 2 years after birth. Did you know that during the last 6-8 weeks of pregnancy your baby’s brain ‘white matter’ will grow by a third³. Around 27 weeks of pregnancy, researchers assume that your baby is now capable of REM sleep and dream for the first time⁴. I wonder what their first dream will be...

*Note: The information on length and weight are average values that cannot be applied to individual cases. Every baby develops individually.