In week 27 of pregnancy, everything quite literally revolves around the bump: Your little one is becoming increasingly rotund and is tumbling around even more, while your baby bump continues to grow. To find out what else you need to do now, and why it might be a smart move to start thinking about a stroller, read on!
What's Going On in Your Belly at 27 Weeks Pregnant?
The fetus is around 15 inches long (crown to heel) and weighs approx. 2 lbs.
Your baby is continuing to put on weight and is building its fat reserves – this is particularly important for after the birth, as it takes some time for lactogenesis, or "milk production", to get going. Each week, your little one's weight will increase by around ½ a pound.
Your baby is now about the size of romaine lettuce.
Space in the uterus is becoming increasingly tight, although there remains sufficient room for the baby to turn and move. Babies don’t adopt the final birth position until later on. There is no need to worry if your child is in the upright position at the moment on an ultrasound.
Many organs are now fully developed – only the lungs need a bit more time before they are fully functional. Meanwhile, the baby's bone marrow is forming its own blood cells. In the brain, the characteristic furrows are starting to form in the previously smooth surface. This is a clear indication that brain development is significantly progressing.
How Do You Feel at 27 Weeks Pregnant?
As babies are still able to turn, you may also feel kicks in various places. These can be very painful, as baby’s muscles and bones are becoming much stronger.
If you are thinking about buying a new stroller, it's worth having a good look round for one. Depending on your requirements, buying a stroller can be as big of a challenge as buying a car – and some manufacturers' delivery times are also very long.
Which stroller is best?
As with many other things, the "perfect" choice depends on many individual circumstances and preferences.
Questions you can ask yourself to help you find the best model for your family include:
- Do you need a folding stroller, e.g., so you can put it in the car?
- Will you need to be lifting it a lot when you get in and out of the car, etc.? If so, a smaller, lightweight model is a good idea.
- Does it need to be able to accommodate a growing child, from the time your baby is lying down to when they sit upright?
- Where do you tend to go when you're out and about? Around town on tarmac within a relatively small area, or walking in the countryside on uneven ground?
- Will you often take it out when you go for a jog?
- Do you use public transport frequently and therefore require a small, agile stroller?
- Which accessories will you need? Rain protection, sun protection, a large basket – or will a small stroller bag be enough?
Regardless of your preferences, there is one thing you always need to pay attention to: Make sure the stroller is safe for your baby and made from non-toxic materials. There are various independent testing institutes who put different stroller models through their paces. It is best to ask a retailer about suitable models they would recommend or do some research on the Internet to find your favorite.
Pregnancy Week 26
What Are a Preemie’s Chances of Survival?
Pregnancy Week 28
Preparing to Breastfeed
The second trimester: into a rhythm – living with your pregnancy
with MAM-expert Dr. Tony (Tao) Duan