The 27th week of pregnancy is a fairly calm period in the development of the fetus. No growth spikes and new discoveries – the baby just continues to grow in accordance with the genetic program laid down. The condition of a woman with a safe course of pregnancy also remains stable.
Fetal development
At 25 weeks of pregnancy, the baby continues to actively gain weight and height. The length of his body at this period is 30-31 cm, and his body weight approaches the mark of 700 g. The body’s own growth hormone begins to be synthesized in the body of the fetus, which explains the rapid pace of physical development during this period.
The placenta is gradually increasing in size. Its thickness at the beginning of the third trimester is 27 mm. When the location is low, the placenta begins to migrate to the bottom of the uterus in order to take the most favorable position after a few weeks.
The development of subcutaneous fat continues. The body of the baby acquires the roundness characteristic of every healthy child. Under the buttocks and on the limbs, characteristic folds of skin appear.
At the end of the third trimester, the formation of the bone marrow is completed. Now this organ completely assumes the function of blood formation in the fetus. In the lungs of the baby continues the accumulation of an important substance – surfactant. Thanks to the surfactant, the alveoli of the newborn do not stick together during the first breath, and the baby can safely exist outside the womb.
Condition of a mom
By the 25th week of pregnancy, the total weight gain is up to 6 kg. The rapid growth of the fetus leads to a rapid increase in the size of the abdomen and noticeable changes in the shape. The uterus is 1 cm above the navel. The center of gravity of the body shifts, which inevitably leads to an increase in the load on the spine and the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the lower back and pelvic bones.
The beginning of the third trimester means the transition of the nervous system to the phase of inhibition. This process will last a long time, but already on week 25 there is a certain decline in strength. General weakness, daytime sleepiness and even apathy await a pregnant woman. There is no need to fear it. This condition is completely normal and once again underlines the prosperous course of the third trimester.
The movements of the fetus at week 25 feel very good. During this period, the baby actively moves in the mother’s womb, turns over and kicks with its small legs. On average, a pregnant woman can sense up to 4 fetal movements within an hour. The absence of active movements for 4-6 hours should not frighten the future mother. At this time, the baby may sleep or simply not feel the desire to communicate with the outside world. It is necessary to consult a doctor if the child does not make itself known more than 6 hours in a row.
Vaginal discharge must still remain light, transparent or milky, of a uniform consistency, without unpleasant smell. A change in the color of the discharge may indicate development of a genital tract infection. In this case, you should get an appointment with a doctor and pass the necessary examination. Bloodstained at any stage of pregnancy should not be.
At the 27th week of gestation, the average fetal weight is 800-900 g, body length – 33-34 cm. It is possible to determine the size of the fetus during an ultrasound. The correspondence of the weight and height of the baby to the existing standards indicates its safe existence in the mother’s womb. Lagging the size of the fetus from the norm indicates a delay in its development.
At the beginning of the third trimester, all parts of the body of the fetus are developed in proportion. Facial features are fully formed. The kid begins to open his eyes, tries to look at the surrounding space, listens to external sounds. From time to time the baby swallows the amniotic fluid. This process is often accompanied by hiccups. Hiccup is felt by a woman as frequent rhythmic pushes in the lower abdomen or near the navel.
The development of the nervous system of the fetus continues at an accelerated pace. The baby has its own rhythms of sleep and wakefulness. Some children sleep well in the morning and afternoon, developing a stormy activity by night, others behave exactly the opposite. By motor activity, a woman can assess the nature of her baby and understand which day regimen the child will adhere to after birth.
On the 27th obstetric week, the formation of metabolic processes of the fetus. The production of hormones and the function of the endocrine glands is now subject to individual rhythm. Features of metabolism determine the rate of assimilation and processing of nutrients, the response to various stress factors and other important processes occurring in the body.
Condition of a mom
The total weight gain at the beginning of the third trimester is very variable and can be from 5 to 7 kg. The rate of weight gain is influenced by metabolic rate, lifestyle and diet. On average, an increase of 300 to 500 g per week is expected. Fast weight gain is noted in such situations:
- poor nutrition;
- hypodynamia;
- metabolic disorders;
- endocrine diseases;
- swelling;
- polyhydramnios
A slight increase in weight may indicate a lack of water or a delay in fetal development. The doctor will be able to understand the reasons for this condition after additional examination of the patient.
The uterus is 3 cm above the navel. The tummy noticeably protrudes, the navel gradually smoothes out. The center of gravity of the body shifts, which leads to the appearance of a typical gait slightly in the waddling position. Excessive load on the spine causes pain in the lower back and perineum.
The movements of the fetus are becoming more palpable. The baby actively moves, turns over, touches the uterine walls with its legs. Fetal movements are best perceived when lying down. On average, a baby can make itself felt up to 4 times per hour or up to 12 times in 12 hours of wakefulness. Lack of movement of the fetus for 4 consecutive hours is considered the norm.
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