What is going on with your baby during week 27?

Changes in you at this stage Week 27

• You are probably gaining weight at a steady pace and may be aware that you are starting to feel more tired.
• Shooting pain caused by baby's weight can be discomforting. Termed sciatica, walking, bending and lifting further aggravates this condition. Warm baths, ice packs may help.
• Since the amniotic fluid is lowered by half, you will be able to see bony knees and elbows poking out whenever your baby kicks and turns.
• Stretch marks on your breasts and abdomen become more pronounced.
• Your heart rate may have increased causing you to feel flushed with little exertion.

Good to Know in Week 27

Miscellany

• Babies have more taste buds at birth than they will have later in life.
• If you are flying and have a big belly, you need your doctor's note of approval to get on a plane. Some airlines do not allow travel after week 32 or as late as within 30 days of your due date without your doctor's note.
• Endorphins the happy hormone help numb the pain and stress of childbirth. After birth, on the same day, this hormone drops sharply. Endorphins can be increased with exercise.

Cholesterol

• Your cholesterol level may rise - cholesterol is used by you and your baby's placenta to manufacture progesterone. This hormone is responsible for preventing preterm birth, helping maintain cell's oxygen levels and regulating metabolism.

Wholesome Advice in Week 27

• Knowing your options for pain relief often eases anxiety. There is medication if you need it.
• Be open with your partner and your doctor about your fears. Becoming informed about the process and obtaining information from medical professionals will help ease your fears.
• Having other children makes it hard for pregnant women to set their priorities straight and take good care of themselves. Let some work and chores go and have your partner pitch in.

Your actions can impact your baby's growth at this stage

Calf stretch

If you are bothered by leg cramps at night a good exercise before going to bed is the calf stretch.

• Lean one side of your body against a wall. Reach one leg out behind you, keeping your heel on the floor.
• Lean into the wall to increase the stretch of your calf.
• Hold for 20-30 seconds then repeat with the other leg.

If You don't Work Out

• Some of us are not the type to work out or visit the gym daily. If that is the case figure out what it is that will keep you going - you don't have to pump iron or ride the stationary bike. Sweeping and mopping the floors of your house can be equivalent to some minutes on a treadmill (depending on the size of your house). Vacuuming for 15-20 minutes, riding your bike to the local store are great ways to exercise without having to actually ‘work out’.

Going up the Scales

• If you are gaining weight a little too fast and need to slow down or if your health care provider recommends that you cut back, first stop looking at your weight and worrying. Then cut down on your fat intake - this is the only nutritional requirement that is safe to restrict. So no butter on your toast, no oil and rich salad dressings on your salad and avoid fried foods altogether.

Common Concerns in in Week 27

Why do I keep gaining weight with each baby?

• Your body undergoes additional changes with each subsequent pregnancy. There is a tendency to gain a few pounds with each baby. The weight gain is not a permanent fixture if you are careful about your diet. Stay away from nutritional losers like sugars and fats. Another reason is pregnant women with other children tend to be too busy to take care of themselves and tend to take meals on the run. You need to allow time to pay attention to what you eat and make time for a simple exercise like brisk walking. A good intake of fruit and vegetables and other healthy foods will minimize the weight gain and keep you healthy.

What about non-ionizing radiation?

• Current research confirms that non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by microwave ovens, TVs and computers isn't harmful. Still preventive steps to take are sitting at least 1.25 meters from your computer; do not stand in front of your microwave when heating food and sitting at least 3 meters from the front of the TV screen. This applies to when you are not pregnant as well.

Weekly Nutrition advice in Week 27

• Some important vitamins that will help you through your pregnancy are Vitamins A, B & E. Vitamin A is essential to human reproduction. Deficiency in this vitamin is not so much an issue as an excessive intake is.
• Retinol form derived from fish oils is a concern when taken in excess; the beta-carotene form obtained from plant life is safe. The recommended dose is 2700IU for women of childbearing age with a maximum dose at 5000IU.
• Supplements are not usually necessary as the foods you eat provide an adequate supply of Vitamin A. Read food labels to get an idea of Vitamin A content.
• B vitamins are important during pregnancy and they include B6, folic acid and B12. They play a crucial role in the development of your baby's nerves and formation of blood cells.
• Lack of B12 leads to anemia in the mother. Good food sources of this group of vitamins are milk, eggs, bananas, potatoes, brown rice etc.
• Vitamin E is important as it helps in fat metabolism and building of muscles and red blood cells. If you are a meat eater, your vitamin E dose is taken care of through your meals.

Pregnant women who are vegetarians or those who are meat intolerant for some reason have a harder time getting their Vitamin E dose. Vegetarian foods rich in this vitamin are olive oil, wheat germ, spinach and dried fruits.