Welcome to your third trimester! Only three months left to go. We know this final trimester of your pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging. Since your mental health is a critical element of your well-being, make sure to take some time to prioritize it. You can use these questions to conduct a mental health check-in over the next few weeks as your due date nears.
Wondering where the last week of your second trimester went? There is some debate over when each trimester starts and ends. We’ve chosen to consider week 27 as the start of the third trimester (some other sources start it at 28 weeks). But what really matters is that in a few weeks, you’ll meet your precious baby.
Now is the perfect time to start researching car seats and other baby gear if you haven't already. Check out the Car Seat Ease-of-Use Ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for more information on choosing the right car seat.
This week, your baby is as big as a head of cauliflower. Don’t worry if you start to feel your little one hiccup. They may be more prone to hiccups now that their lungs are more developed.
27 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
Itchy Belly
As your pregnancy progresses, your skin stretches, which means your belly – and even your butt – might be feeling dry, itchy, and uncomfortable.
To soothe itchy pregnancy skin, moisturize regularly and try to avoid scratching. Get a great belly balm, and apply it liberally over your belly, breasts, and thighs to soothe and nourish stretching skin.
Excessive itchiness all over or hives on your belly could be symptoms of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, also known as PUPPP, a treatable pregnancy symptom that can appear in the third trimester.
A PUPPP rash typically lasts between 4 and 6 weeks. Your doctor or midwife can suggest ways to manage your itching so that you can find relief in the meantime.
Urinary Incontinence
Your growing baby is placing a lot of pressure on your bladder. You're also likely drinking a lot of water. This can lead to urine leaks and incontinence.
You might feel an urgent need to pee, or you might leak urine between trips to the bathroom. You might also leak a little pee when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or do physical activity.
Don’t worry: many women experience these leaks during pregnancy, but Kegel exercises may help to improve bladder control and reduce leaking urine. Bonus: Kegels may also improve orgasms!
Vivid Dreams
You might find it difficult to sleep in your third trimester if you’re waking up frequently to go to the bathroom or experiencing pregnancy symptoms such as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). But did you know vivid dreams and nightmares are common during pregnancy? Many pregnant women report finding it easier to recall their dreams too.
These dreams may be the brain’s way of working through the many feelings and emotions that arise during pregnancy, especially for a first-time mother.
Don’t worry too much about what your dreams -- or nightmares -- are trying to tell you, but talk to your doctor or a therapist if you’re having a recurring nightmare or if your dreams are making it difficult to sleep.
Baby on Board
At 27 weeks, your baby is around 14.5 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds.
Under Construction: Muscle Tone
All of that punching, kicking, and rolling through the amniotic fluid is helping your baby develop muscle tone. Your little gymnast will continue to flip until they (typically) settle into the head-down position between 32 and 36 weeks.
Under Construction: Voice Recognition
Your baby’s hearing is getting some fine-tuning this week. The network of nerves to the ears is maturing, and your baby may now be able to recognize your voice.
While the creamy coating of vernix covering their ears can muffle the sounds your baby hears, it's always good to read, talk, or sing to your little one.
What to Wear This Week
Elevate your loungewear with our Emmaline Robe, the ideal piece for nesting or nursing. Perfect for pregnancy, the hospital, and life with a new baby, this robe is designed with moms in mind and features deep pockets, ultra-soft fabric, and two places to tie the belt.
Looking for the perfect maternity bra for lounging? Try our French Terry Racerback Nursing Bra! Designed with around-the-clock comfort in mind, this wireless cotton maternity bra has a simple crossover design, making it ultra-comfortable for your sensitive breasts. Be sure to add it to your hospital bag packing list.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice that has been medically reviewed. Please reach out to your doctor or midwife with any questions.
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