Week 27of 40
Trimester 2
Week 27 of 40
The fetus
37 cm950 grams
Size of A large head of lettuce
- The baby is approaching 1 kg and has good survival chances in case of premature birth
- The brain is very active and the baby can dream during REM sleep
- The baby is beginning to turn and find its position in the uterus
- The sense of taste is well developed and the baby prefers sweet flavors in the amniotic fluid
Your body
Physical changes
- The belly is large and affects your balance and gait
- The breasts may start leaking colostrum, the first breast milk
- The skin on the belly may be tight and itchy
Common symptoms
- Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
- Increased swelling in the feet and legs
Emotional changes
- The second trimester is nearing its end – mixed feelings of anticipation and nervousness
- You may start counting down the weeks until delivery
Good to know
- Last week of the second trimester – the final stretch begins soon!
- Sign up for a childbirth preparation class if you haven't already
- Talk with your partner about birth preferences
Appointments & check-ups
- Blood tests for Rh status may be taken if not already done
- A glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may be performed if your midwife deems it necessary
Important
- Contact your healthcare provider if you have regular contractions before week 37
- Seek care if your water breaks, you experience bleeding, or significantly reduced fetal movements
Food & nutrition
Good to eat
- Extra snacks to meet the increased energy demand
- Iron-rich foods combined with vitamin C for better absorption
- Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit as nutritious snacks
- Cooked vegetables and soups that are easy to eat
Be aware of
- If you take iron supplements, don't take them with coffee, tea, or milk as these inhibit absorption
- Eat often and in moderate portions – the stomach has limited space
Avoid
- Alcohol
- Liver and liver products
- Raw meat and raw fish
- Large amounts of licorice
Supplements
- Folic acid 400 micrograms daily
- Vitamin D 10 micrograms daily
- Iron supplements if needed after blood test results
Exercise
Continue with gentle, regular exercise. Focus on breathing, relaxation, and pelvic floor exercises in preparation for labor.
Suggested activities
- Prenatal yoga with breathing exercises
- Swimming and water aerobics
- Short walks
- Pelvic floor exercises
Avoid
- Prolonged exercise without breaks
- Exercises that cause pelvic pain
Pelvic floor exercises
Combine pelvic floor exercises with breathing training. Breathe in and relax the pelvic floor, breathe out and squeeze. This prepares you for labor.
Sources
The content on this website is based on information from 1177.se and the Swedish Food Agency. It does not replace professional medical advice. Always contact your midwife or doctor with questions about your pregnancy.