Your Pregnancy at Week 27

Congratulations! You are officially at the end of your second trimester.

Muscle cramps in your legs may become more and more common as your pregnancy progresses. This isn't just caused by the extra weight your body carries; your slowed circulation and compressed nerves also add to this problem. Stretching your legs, calves, ankles, and feet or asking your partner for a massage are two great ways to deal with these annoying leg cramps!

Did you know that the average person needs 15mg of iron daily? But the average pregnant person needs twice that amount, about 30 mg, daily. Iron is essential in producing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, which carry oxygen to other cells. While you're pregnant, your body holds about 50 percent more blood volume than it usually does. Ergo, your body needs more iron to produce more hemoglobin. You also need extra iron for your baby and the placenta. You can always ask your midwife or doctor for a complete list of iron-rich foods, but some high-iron foods include red meat, eggs, peas, dried fruit, poultry, dark leafy greens, and legumes. The liver can be a good source of iron, but it contains unsafe vitamin A levels. You should avoid liver until after labor and delivery.

It may be hard to get enough iron from your diet alone. If you are worried about your iron levels and can't fit more into your daily diet, ask your midwife or doctor if an iron supplement is right for you.

Below is a list of pregnancy symptoms commonly experienced during week 27.

Swelling, or edema, in your ankles and/or feet: some swelling is normal and expected during pregnancy, especially if you are on your feet all day, but it’s best to keep an eye on any sudden changes so your healthcare provider can ensure there isn’t anything to be concerned about.

Stretch marks and/or unwanted hair growth: as your baby continues to grow and your body grows to accommodate, your skin may experience stretching, leaving marks and causing discomfort. You may also notice hair growing in places it didn’t grow previously, or growing more aggressively than it did before. You can utilize lotions and creams to soothe irritated skin; but stretch marks are largely genetic and not something you should feel guilty for not “preventing”.  Unwanted hair growth can be shaved or plucked. Waxing may not be advisable during pregnancy and should be explored as an option with caution. 

Sweating: increased perspiration can be a result of hormonal changes, or the additional weight and pressure on your body as you carry your growing baby. Stay hydrated to replace any fluids lost. 

Thicker hair & stronger nails: this side effect of changing hormones and prenatal vitamins can be most welcome! Enjoy!

Heartburn: as your baby continues to grow and press on internal organs, your digestive system is likely to feel the impact of cramped quarters. This, paired with continuing hormone fluctuations can result in heartburn or indigestion. Talk to your medical care provider about options for relief if you’re feeling too uncomfortable.

Braxton Hicks: also referred to as “practice contractions” Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of preparing for giving birth. They are generally painless, or uncomfortable at most– like subtle period cramps. If you are experiencing severe pain, or the cramping does not stop– seek medical attention.

Tingling, numbness, or pain in your hands and wrists: possible warning signs for carpal tunnel syndrome, keep an eye on any numbness or pain in your hands and wrists and be sure your doctor is aware so they can rule out any concerns.

Bleeding and/or swollen gums: increased blood volume can make ruptures in sensitive places like the nasal membranes and gum line more likely. Dental health is critical during pregnancy, so you should continue to brush and floss– but take care to do so gently!

Interrupted sleep: between getting up to use the bathroom, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and even heartburn– you may be struggling to get a decent amount of sleep during the night. 

Backaches and/or leg cramps: increased blood volume and stress from increasing weight can put pressure on your muscles, causing cramps. Dehydration or low calcium may also be to blame, so check your prenatal vitamin to be sure you are getting enough!

Crazy dreams: the stress of anticipating your baby’s arrival and the poor sleep of the third trimester can result in interrupted sleep. While the cause of the more vivid dreams in pregnancy is unknown it may have something to do with that interrupted sleep. Not sleeping as deeply may allow you to remember your dreams more easily. 

Fetal activity: your baby’s movements are becoming less responsive and more purposeful! As the part of their brain responsible for movement develops you may notice more patterns in when and how your baby moves. 

As you approach your third trimester, you may want to consider getting registered for a birthing class, if you haven't already. These are generally offered by your local hospital, although if you have any interest in a specific method, such as the Bradley Method or Hypnobirthing, you may want to ask your midwife, obstetrician, or experienced friends, for some recommendations.

Limited class sizes tend to fill up more quickly than you'd expect. Some classes will last a couple of days, while others span over a couple of weeks or months. Do your research before deciding which birthing style is best for you. There are many techniques, such as Hypnobirthing, water birthing, the Alexander Technique, and the two most common types: the Lamaze Technique and the Bradley Method.

The Lamaze Technique teaches that childbirth is a normal, natural, and healthy process. It empowers women through education and support. This method should help you approach childbirth with confidence and explores ways to find strength, or comfort, during delivery, using various techniques for relaxation and eliminating counterproductive responses (like tensing up). The Bradley Method emphasizes having a natural childbirth alongside the active participation of your partner. Traditionally, this course is given in 12 sessions and focuses on nutrition, exercise, and techniques for relaxation, and highlights the importance of trusting your instincts during childbirth. The Bradley method also encourages and is highly supportive of breastfeeding.

If you take a class through your hospital, your class will often include a hospital tour. If you take a class elsewhere, you should still have the option to schedule a hospital tour. The hospital tour gives you a chance to see the labor and delivery areas, the operating rooms used for cesareans, the recovery and patient rooms, and the nursery area.

Some questions to consider asking while touring the hospital include:

• What are the hospital's policies on visitors?
• Will your partner be allowed to stay with you during labor and delivery? Throughout recovery?
• Are private rooms available? Are they standard?
• Do they offer nursing support?