Before long, you will be out of the 2nd trimester and thus entering the last third of the pregnancy. The baby now looks like "itself," but there is still a lot of work ahead for the little person. The fetus is working hard every single day, and it is clearly affected by how the mother feels.
Take care of yourself as a mother
In addition to sharing your body with your little child and providing space and energy for the fetus to develop, you also share moods and emotions with the person inside your belly.
Several studies show that there is a clear connection between, for example, prolonged stress and some negative effects on the fetus. The little heart may start to beat faster, and its movements can become wilder than normal.
There are several negative effects that can be caused if the mother is stressed. For example, it can increase the risk of preterm birth, among other things. If you are in doubt and need to talk to someone about it, contact your own doctor or midwife. They can help you monitor the little one a bit extra, but even better, perhaps help you to a more relaxed everyday life.
What is happening in the belly?
This week, the fetus will roughly resemble what will also come out at birth. However, the baby is currently in a smaller and thinner version than the one you will meet later on.
Although the appearance is more or less in place, many of the vital organs still need to mature quite a bit before they are fully ready to come out into the real world. This includes the lungs, immune system, liver, and brain.
The brain is actually considered fully developed only when the child is 5-7 years old. Despite the long development, there will be significant brain development here in week 27, and it has grown tremendously in the past few weeks.
Size of the fetus
Here in week 27, it is about 33-34 centimeters long, and it now weighs approximately 900 grams. In terms of weight, the fetus reaches about the same weight this week as a coconut.
Advice for the partner
It is now established how important the mother's well-being is for the little one's development. Here you can also play a significant role because you most likely know your partner extremely well.
Help her in a good way to check how she is feeling. Perhaps she has always been very active and thrived in it, but even though it is difficult, this time is a good moment to slow down a bit.
Maybe you can help keep the weekends freer than usual, or you have the capacity to take on some extra household chores. All small gestures that will lift a burden from the pregnant woman's shoulders. It is wonderfully beneficial for both the expectant mother and also for your upcoming child.
