Congratulations, you are now in the last week of your second trimester and approaching the third, which will start at the beginning of week 28 –  so you are nearing the final stretch of your pregnancy. You’ll find that you’re probably becoming more used to your little one moving around inside of you and while you may have enjoyed less fatigue during trimester two, this unfortunately may begin to change.

Your baby at week 27

Your baby is starting to pack on the final pounds before birth (which should be in 13 weeks, but not all babies arrive at their due date). Inside of your uterus, your little one will be kicking and grasping, slowly developing their muscle tone before birth. Your baby will also be practicing breathing and swallowing with the amniotic fluid.

Your body at week 27

Haemorrhoids are a common pregnancy, thanks to your uterus becoming larger and putting pressure on your veins. Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum, and these are both uncomfortable and painful. While these are unwanted, they generally aren’t harmful to you or your growing baby and normally go away after birth.

Other pregnancy symptoms common during this time are leg cramps, aching pelvis and back, heartburn bleeding gums,  constipation, trouble sleeping, frequent urination and stretch marks.

Things to remember at week 27

At week 27, something you can start considering is putting together a birth plan. A birth plan is a written document that communicates your wishes during your pregnancy (think of the ideal way you’d like your birth to go) as when the time comes, you probably won’t be thinking clearly.  There is no right or wrong way to go about doing this – some may be detailed and others just cover the basics, the choice is yours!