27 weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby still has some growing to do but as of today, he’s over 30 cm long, big enough laying down to fit on your forearm between your hand and your elbow. As it has been 29 weeks since you have had a period, welcome to the third trimester of pregnancy. Read more about this week.
BABY DEVELOPMENT
At 27 weeks pregnant, your baby still needs to grow. His respiratory system has everything it needs to allow him to breathe, but it is still too immature to actually do so without a lot of help. His lungs are divided over 17 levels, forming the bronchial tree, but air exchange would be very difficult if your baby were to be born now. However, at this point there is usually enough surfactant (a substance that lines the inside of the aveolar surface, facilitating the opening of the cells and preventing sagging) and enough blood vessels to permit gas exchange such that babies born prematurely at this age may survive with intensive care. But it’s best to let baby grow a little more.
YOUR BODY
It has been 29 weeks since you’ve had a period – most women enjoy the pause! 29 weeks of amenorrhea translates to the 27th week of a pregnancy. Have you been trying to picture how big your baby is so far? Well, when you're 27 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 34 cm from the top of head to the ends of her toes. Imagine that her head is around the size of a small-medium sized orange. We’re willing to bet she is just lovely!
NUTRITION
At 27 weeks pregnant, one of the best ways to meet your nutrition and calorie needs is by eating a variety of foods from the food groups. This includes servings from the meat (or other proteins), dairy, fruit, vegetables, and grain groups. Although your health care provider may have prescribed a supplement of certain vitamins or minerals, it is still important to consider the fiber and energy that food brings to your diet. Think back over the last few days and ask yourself if you have missed eating foods from a food group. If so, it’s time to put foods from that food group on your shopping list and keep them at the front of the refrigerator or pantry. Try to eat from each food group, each day.
TIPS
Even if you are an experienced mum, it can be helpful to take classes that prepare you for childbirth. Researchers are constantly discovering new information that can help you during your pregnancy. In addition, delivery methods change frequently. Understand the changes occurring in your body during labour and delivery, and learn some good relaxation techniques for limiting anxiety when the time comes. Other good reasons to enrol in a childbirth preparation course? You may be giving birth in a new place this time around if your last baby was delivered some years ago.
Related articles
Your 40th Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is coming very soon. It measures 50 cm from crown to heel. It weighs 3.3kg, almost its final birth weight. The diameter of the head is 9.5cm, the size of a small melon.&
3 mins to read
Feeding Milestones – Count Every Victory!
Now that your baby is eight to 10 months old, has enjoyed her first tastes, and is becoming more experienced at eating, it’s time to move on to lumpy foods and helping her learn to feed herself.
6 mins to read
11-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
If you could look inside, you’d see thin little hairs developing on your baby’s eyebrows and above her lip. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Your Daily Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy
Iron, calcium, protein and carbohydrates, fibre and fats are all "must-haves" for baby making. Find out why.
6 mins to read
C-sections: What you need to consider
How you bring your baby into the world is a very personal decision, with different factors at play. Here are a few things to consider about an elective caesarean, also known as a C-section.
2 mins to read
5 simple snack ideas that can be customized for your child
Snacks are a great way to include more nutritious foods in your toddler’s diet. Think of them as “mini meals”. Offer him fruits and vegetables, as well as foods from the other food groups.
1 min to read
24-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Can you feel the baby reacting to noises and your caresses yet? Towards the end of the second trimester is when some women report that this starts to happen, so be on the lookout.
3 mins to read
Will I Be A Good Mother? Managing Prenatal Anxiety
With just a few weeks to go until your baby's grand entrance, you may be starting to think beyond the birth.
2 mins to read
Why fatherhood begins before conception
Your partner’s diet and lifestyle can play a vital role in conceiving your future baby.
4 mins to read
The First Trimester
The first trimester of your pregnancy – the first 12 weeks – can be an exciting time. This tiny little being is growing inside you. You probably have lots of questions.
1 min to read
36-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
From now until she makes her grand entrance, your baby will continue to grow. She is already 45 cm long and weighs about 2.9 kg! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
2'-FL – Natural Guardians of Your Baby’s Development
Your little ones need extra protection in early life as their natural defence systems are not fully developed at birth.
3 mins to read
8 month old to 10 month old activities
The time you spend playing with your baby is precious, and enjoying games together is fun for both of you. But playtime is much more than just special moments spent together.
4 mins to read
13-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
The start of your second trimester is the start of lots of new development milestones for your baby. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Your Appetite During Pregnancy : Cravings and Aversions
Pregnancy hormones can impact your appetite and sense of taste. Find out how you can manage your appetite and eat well during pregnancy.
3 mins to read
Planning a baby shower checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party. Whether friends or family are planning a baby shower for you, or you’re doing it yourself, here are some baby shower ideas to get you started.
2 mins to read
Does your toddler sleep less than your grandparents did?
Sleep has always been a concern for parents.
1 min to read
25-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks left of the second trimester. You are gearing up for the home stretch. . Read more about how to help feed it.
2 mins to read
The Magical Moments After Birth - What To Expect
With 9 months in the making, the anticipation of meeting your baby is almost unbearable. Here's what you have to look forward to during those magical moments after you give birth.
3 mins to read
