27 Weeks Pregnant
Hey there, pregnant moms and dads-to-be! You’re 27 weeks pregnant — congratulations! As you enter your final week of the second trimester, take some time to look back at all you’ve been through. I definitely have been taking note of my experiences through this series. If you haven’t started journaling your pregnancy, now is a great time to start. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Let’s discuss what should be top of mind during your 27th week of pregnancy!
27 Weeks Pregnant: Recurring Symptoms
27 Weeks Pregnant: Common Symptoms
Stress Incontinence During Pregnancy
Does sneezing or laughing have your running straight for the restroom? Me too, sister. Stress incontinence occurs when you lose control of your bladder during activities, such as sneezing, laughing, or coughing. Because your baby is getting so big, more and more pressure is placed on your bladder. To prevent yourself from leaking urine while pregnant, commit yourself to your Kegels routine (I’m telling you this works wonders!) and wear a pantiliner if you’re in a professional setting. Don’t beat yourself up over this issue — it’s totally normal. I’m going through it along with you. I’ve been changing my pantiliner multiple times a day, yup!
Itchy Belly During Pregnancy
My growing belly has been so itchy that I think I have poison ivy (I’m not the only one with this problem, right?). Because your pregnant belly is expanding so rapidly, your skin is tearing on a microscopic level. This can cause stretch marks, which I’ve discussed several times during the series. Overheating constantly can exacerbate the problem. To combat dry skin and an itchy pregnant belly, apply great moisturizers and lubricants several times a day such as Argan oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, oatmeal-based lotions, and Palmer’s coca butter cream (which I used during each of my pregnancies).
CeraVe Anti Itch Moisturizing Lotion with Pramoxine Hydrochloride | Relieves Itch with Minor Skin Irritations, Sunburn Relief, Bug Bites | 8 Ounce
Terrasil Itch and Rash Ointment, Anti Itch Cream Extra Strength for Itchy Skin Relief, Rash Cream, First Aid Supplies, 14g Tube
Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Feminine Itch Cream, 1% Hydrocortisone, 1 oz.
Medcosa Adult Rash Cream - Fast Relief from Sweat Rash, Heat Rash & Adult Diaper Rash (Incontinence Cream) - Thick Moisturizing Barrier Cream. Zinc Oxide to Reduce Redness & Irritation (350g)
Hyland's Naturals Chafing Relief, Cream to Powder Formula, Women's Anti Chafing Cream - 3 Ounce
Organic Belly Balm - Natural, Made in USA, & USDA Certified Stretch Mark Cream to Moisturize, Protect, & Heal Skin Before & After Arrival
Monistat Instant Itch Relief Cream for Women, Maximum Strength Feminine Itch Care, 1 oz, 2 Pack
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Soothing Oil with Vitamin E, Dry, Itchy Skin Relief, Pregnancy-Safe Anti-Itch Body Oil, 5.1 Ounces
Eucerin Itch Relief Intensive Calming Lotion, Itch-Relieving Lotion for Sensitive Dry Skin, 8.4 Fl Oz Bottle
Stages of Fetal Development: Baby Growth & Size at 27 Weeks
At week 27, your baby weighs 2 pounds and is 14.5 inches long, about the size of a cauliflower. Speaking of food, I’ve always wondered if my baby could taste the foods I eat while in utero, and surprisingly, that turns out to be true! Approximately two hours after you eat, your baby sits down for their meal. Because your baby’s taste buds are very developed at this point, they can detect the flavors you eat — whether spicy, sour, or bitter — through the amniotic fluid.
By week 27, approximately one pint of amniotic fluid daily will make its way through your baby’s digestive system, with each cycle taking around three hours. While we’re on the topic of amniotic fluid, have your partner place their head against your belly. The amniotic fluid acts as an amplifier, so there is a chance your partner can hear your baby’s heartbeat!
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Fun Fact About Pregnancy It is possible to become pregnant . . . while you’re already pregnant! It’s called superfetation! After your first egg is fertilized, days or weeks later, it is possible for sperm to fertilize another egg. These babies typically are called twins, due to the fact that they are born on the same day. |
My Pregnant Belly Progression
Check out my 6 months pregnant belly!
Natural Childbirth vs Epidural: Pros and Cons
Labor is quite a pain — literally. But there are two ways you can reduce your pain: through medication administered by doctors or through natural pain-relieving methods. I have had two natural childbirths and three epidural injections. For me, and let me know if you’ve felt differently, both experiences were painful. After receiving an epidural, I felt relief from the contractions. However, when I had to push, I found the pain level to be about the same. The days after childbirth with an epidural were a lot less painful and I didn’t have as much trouble walking around as I did when I had given birth naturally, likely since the medication was still running its course. Check out my videos on my experiences with epidurals and natural childbirth! Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to listen to your body and know that each individual has a different experience and feelings within their own body. Don’t judge others for receiving an epidural and don’t feel guilty for doing so yourself!
Your Pregnancy at 27 Weeks: Prenatal Appointments
The following prenatal tests are available at 27 weeks of pregnancy:
Biophysical Profile
Cordocentesis
Glucose Screening
Tdap Vaccination
Based on CDC recommendations, your doctor might advise that you get the Tdap vaccine, even if you’ve had it previously. Getting this vaccine passes antibodies from your blood to your baby, which reduces your baby’s overall chance of contracting pertussis (or Whooping Cough) after birth by 50%. This vaccination is generally given between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy.
Week by Week Pregnancy Food Guide
Making healthy choices with the foods you ingest will help you enjoy a healthy, safe pregnancy. Head over to Week 4 and Week 5 for information on healthy foods for you and your baby, and check back in each week for a healthy pregnancy recipe.
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Quick, Healthy Snack Tip Kale Chips: Chop kale (with stems removed) into bite size pieces and mix with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper. If desired, add ¼ cup of Parmesan, ¼ cup of nutritional yeast flakes, and/or red pepper flakes to taste. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 275 degrees until chips are slightly crispy. (MamaNatural) Why Kale? Kale is a leafy green that is considered a superfood and is also widely regarded as one of the most healthy foods on the whole planet. Kale is nutrient dense, meaning the ratio of nutrients to calories is very high. Kale is a great source of Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Vitamin B6. In addition to nutrients, kale also contains many antioxidants that are heart healthy and anti-inflammatory, and that reduce your risk of developing cancer. |
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The Complete Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners: A No-Stress Meal Plan with Easy Recipes to Heal the Immune System
The Anti-Inflammation Cookbook: The Delicious Way to Reduce Inflammation and Stay Healthy
VAHDAM, Turmeric Ginger Herbal Tea Bags (100 Pyramid Tea Bags) Caffeine Free, Non GMO, Gluten Free | 100% Pure Herbal Blend - Savory & Spicy | Whole Loose Leaf Tea Bags
Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Turmeric Powder, 16 Oz : Curcumin - Lab Tested for Purity - Premium Quality - Great for Inflammation
Navitas Organics Turmeric Powder, 8 oz. Bag, 45 Servings — Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free
Meals That Heal: 100+ Everyday Anti-Inflammatory Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less: A Cookbook
Best Turmeric Golden Milk Organic Turmeric Powder, Cinnamon Ginger & Black Pepper Maximum Absorption, Joint Pain, Gut Health, Sugar-Free, Vegan, Keto (30 Servings)
How Many Months Is 27 Weeks?
Doctors typically don’t measure your pregnancy based on months for a very good reason: months have a different number of days and weeks, meaning that the month during which your pregnancy began would influence the month of pregnancy you’re in. However, 27 weeks in months means you are (still!) in your sixth month of pregnancy.
Week 27 Pregnancy Checklist
- Stay hydrated and get some exercise
- Stay on top of doctor’s appointments (twice a month in third trimester)
- Research and finalize your choice of pediatrician
- Write in your pregnancy journal
- Keep knocking items off that checklist!
Resources
- What to Expect & What to Expect When You’re Expecting – 5th Edition (2016)
- The Bump
- Baby List
- Parents.com
- Healthline.com
- WebMD
- The Mama Natural Week to Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth (2017)
- Mayo Clinic’s Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy – Second Edition (2018)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
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