27th week of pregnancy

You are nearing to the end of your pregnancy period, enjoy this wonderful time. Here we are going to cover the details of the 27th week.

Development of baby:

By the 27th week, the baby has grown to almost 14.5 inches. This measurement is taken from the head to the heels.
The baby weighs about 2 pounds now.
The brain continues to develop, making the brain activity heightened.
The lungs too continue to mature and start functioning. Even though the baby is born at this stage (preterm labor), the chances of survival would be higher than before.
Baby’s immune system is maturing now, as he/she prepares to enter the real world.
If it is a baby boy, the testes have completely descended by now.
The baby has a lot of regular patterns now. He/she sleeps and wakes up like a newborn and is also capable of opening the eyes and actions like sucking the fingers, making a fist, etc.

Changes in the mother:

If the mother takes a strict balanced diet, the weight at this point must be between 20 to 22 pounds.
The belly continues to expand. It has grown approximately 3 inches by now.
Apart from an aching back, one may also have to bear with leg cramps now. This is because the uterus puts lot of pressure on the veins that carry blood between the legs and the heart. The leg cramps may put the mother through more trouble as days pass.
Constipation continues to trouble women.
Many women suffer from haemorrhoids during this last phase of pregnancy. They can be really painful and uncomfortable.

Attachment with the baby:

By this time, the baby’s movements have turned into full fledged kicks. They can be easily felt throughout the day. The mother is overjoyed by these sensations, even though can be a bit painful now. She can easily trace a wake and sleep pattern of the baby, which will help her once the baby is born. The mothers also can ascertain little rhythmic movement of baby’s hiccups now.

Complications & tips:

This is the time when one has to remain most careful about signs of early delivery. If you have more than 4 contractions in an hour, or the vaginal discharge changes, like becomes bloody or watery, you must consult the doctor immediately.
Persistent leg or calf pain must not be ignored. The leg cramps are common now and become worse at night, but they become better by simple methods like gentle massages. If not, see a doctor.
Remain hydrated to prevent discomfort of haemorrhoids.

Tips for dad:

By now, you must have started stocking in for the new member. Undoubtedly, the mother remains extra excited in preparing for her baby, but she is not fit enough to move around. Help her in doing smart shopping for the baby, so that you have adequate supply of all the basic stuff that you will need after a few weeks.

Diet:

Not much time is left in the arrival of the baby. It is important that baby is healthy and for this, he/she must be adequately nourished while in the womb. Take adequate amount of iron, calcium and vitamin C. simple tips like eating right, and reducing the intake of caffeine can also help in reducing the chances of preterm labor to a minimal.