7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 27
It's not exactly the "moment" you've been waiting for, but the start of the third trimester is definitely a reason to celebrate. Week 27 initiates what is called the third trimester. This final stretch of pregnancy is quite different than the previous trimesters. During this period you will start to really pack on the pounds. Weight gain will continue steadily until around week 36. But don't panic about your ballooning body, weight gain during pregnancy is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Rely on
our pregnancy timeline to mark this special journey with informative information and helpful hints for you and your baby.
Week Overview
Your baby continues to grow - over 1/2 inch this week. During this week, the brain continues its rapid growth, and the lungs continue to grow. Eyelids begin to open, and the retinas begin to form. At this point baby's eyes are becoming sensitive to light, and are preparing to see after birth.
Baby's skin is wrinkled from floating in water and will remain wrinkled until a few weeks after birth as your newborn fills out into a baby. Around this time baby's eyelids open, while baby's retina, the part of the eye where light images come into focus, finally develops its normal layers.
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures 9.6 inches long and weighs a little more than 2 pounds
- Organ systems continue to develop and to grow
- Eyes become sensitive to light
You may be experiencing some shortness of breath. Your uterus is about 2.8 inches above your bellybutton now, and your lungs may not be able to fully expand. Don't worry though. Your baby isn't lacking oxygen and your circulatory system is actually working more efficiently thanks to those pregnancy hormones that have caused you so much discomfort.
Time to Start Thinking About
As your due date draws near you may be thinking about maternity leave. When should you go on leave? How much time should you take? Who will care for my baby when I return to work? The answers to these questions depend on the individual needs of each family. Now is the time to examine these issues and to determine a plan that meets your needs and expectations.
Tips for Mom
Did you realize the weight that you gain distributes itself in several different places? The average breast before pregnancy weighs about 7 ounces and during pregnancy each breast can weight up to an average of 28 ounces. Some of the weight will go to body fluids like amniotic fluid and blood volume (increases 30-50%) during pregnancy. The most important thing to remember is that a healthy diet is more important than the weight you gain. Pregnancy is not the time to go on a diet. Reducing your weight during pregnancy can actually harm the baby by burning your maternal fat stores and sometimes toxins can be released that are harmful to the baby.
Tips for Dad
Have you been engaged in emergency runs to the corner grocery store more and more often lately? Are Mom's cravings driving you bananas? While you can't curb your wife's hunger you can help Mom make healthy food choices that will benefit both her and the baby. Try your best to suggest healthy snacks for Mom but realize at this point, your suggestions may not carry a lot of weight.
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
Prenatal Care Checklist
- Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
- Try a body pillow.
- Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
- Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
- You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
- Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
- Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
- Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
- Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505