How Your Baby Grows During the Twenty-Seventh Week
Your baby's skin had been wrinkled, almost as though it were too large for him, but now he is beginning to fill out more. The wrinkles are beginning to disappear and will soon be gone as he continues to gain weight. These fat stores are vital for health after birth.
His eyelids, which have been fused closed up until this point, now open slowly for the first time. We know that babies can see and respond to light cues. In fact, if a bright light or sunlight shines on your belly, the baby can see that as a red light from the sun shining through the blood vessels and tissues of your stomach.
Your son can now see, hear, smell and taste. Some studies even suggest that the baby responds to certain foods that you eat. Perhaps he enjoys that chocolate bar you've been craving too!
What the Mother Feels During the Twenty-Seventh Week
Your weight gain will continue to be very steady through the next trimester. Your size will only increase from here on out as well. Having the experience of going through three pregnancies of my own, I recommend double checking your baby needs list now while you still feel able to get around, just in case you want to go into hibernation later.
Your uterus is more than two and a half inches above your belly button now and beginning to put pressure on internal organs. The movements of your baby are strong and regular so encourage your partner to feel the baby moving. Don't be surprised if you begin to notice regular patterns of waking and sleep displayed by your son.
Also do not be surprised if you notice pain in your ribs as the baby kicks and moves aggressively. Your rib cage expands through the course of your pregnancy to make room for your growing uterus. This rib cage expansion also help with ensuring you get enough oxygen.
Resources:
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month by Dr. Sears
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
