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| 27 Weeks Pregnant |
In this article
- Pregnancy Week 27: All About You
- Pregnancy Week 27: All About Baby
- How Big Is Baby?
- Most Common Pregnancy Questions
- Multiple Madness
- For Your Partner
- Fun Fact
Now that you're 27 weeks pregnant, are fears about labor and becoming a mother creeping up on you? Trust us, at some point during pregnancy, most pregnant woman are feeling those fears too.
Your fears—of delivery, failure as a parent, changing lives and relationships, finances, pain, and more—are all common. Talking about them can help. Writing them in a journal can help, too. And sharing them with your partner (who is undoubtedly feeling some of the same fears) can aid you both as you work through these challenging times.
Pregnancy Week 27: All About You
As your baby bump expands, you may experience a few growing pains: Your skin may itch as it stretches. Meals may be smaller, but you may want to eat more often as your stomach has less room. Heartburn and indigestion can be frequent as your stomach is pushed up closer to your esophagus. And the added baby weight puts pressure on your bladder, meaning you're still visiting the bathroom often.
Fear of Labor
If you're terrified by the idea of labor, you're not alone. Maybe you worry you won't know you're going into labor, that the pain will be too intense, or that you'll have an emergency C-section. Theses concerns are normal, but by learning more about what scares you, you'll feel better about delivery day.
If you're terrified by the idea of labor, you're not alone. Maybe you worry you won't know you're going into labor, that the pain will be too intense, or that you'll have an emergency C-section. Theses concerns are normal, but by learning more about what scares you, you'll feel better about delivery day.
Worried about knowing you're in labor: In the weeks leading up to your baby's birth you may feel Braxton Hicks contractions regularly. These false contractions, which feel like a tightening in the abdomen, give your uterus a slight workout. Once you slow down, put your feet up, and have a glass of water these contractions usually subside.
There's a helpful method to figure out whether your contractions are false or labor-inducing, explains Dr. William Camann, MD, director of obstetric anesthesia at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and coauthor of Easy Labor: Every Woman's Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy During Childbirth. Touch your finger to your nose—feel the resistance? Now put your finger on your forehead. It feels tighter, harder. The difference in touch between the two is like the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions. Your forehead is like real contractions, tight and hard, explains Dr. Camann, whereas your nose is still hard but slightly squishy, as with false contractions.
Braxton Hicks contractions may make you nervous, but they're normal. Let your healthcare provider know the frequency of any false labor pains. Keep in mind that as you get closer to your due date, your healthcare provider will be able to evaluate whether you may go into labor sooner than expected. Your appointments, once monthly, will now be biweekly—and later, weekly.
There are plenty of women who have gone to the hospital thinking they're in labor, only to have the contractions stop. If you have any concerns or doubts, call your healthcare provider.
Worried about the pain of labor: Concerned labor will be painful? Many women are. You have several options when it comes to pain management on delivery day. Now is the time to talk to your healthcare provider about your birth plan. A birth plan is simply what you have in mind for your delivery. You can type up a document to give to your healthcare provider or go over your preferences in the doctor's office. Before you prepare this plan, discuss with your healthcare provider what pain medications may interest you.
By preparing a birth plan and understanding your options, you should feel better about pain you may experience during childbirth. Remember that you may change your mind once in labor: maybe you'll decide to go without medications; maybe you'll choose stronger pain medications than you planned on.
Taking childbirth classes may also ease your labor fears. Once you have a good understanding of what will happen on delivery day you won't have to be anxious about any surprises—you'll know what to expect.
Worried your baby will have problems: Your fear of labor might be tied into worries your baby may have problems, or your delivery will be fraught with complications. While there are no guarantees everything with your delivery will go smoothly, complications are the exception, not the rule, reminds Dr. Camann.
Pregnancy Week 27: All About Baby
Your baby's lungs and brain are beginning to mature. Although he'd have a good chance of survival if he were born now, he could use a few more weeks of growing. Added layers of fat are continuing to form. These layers will help your baby regulate his temperature once outside the womb and help keep him warm.
Remember to count your fetal movements. Every fetus has its most active times (and often it's late at night when you are trying to catch a few zzzzs!). During his active periods, your baby should move 10 times an hour. Choose an hour, and mark each movement on a piece of paper. If your baby hasn't moved 10 times, drink some juice and count again for another hour. You should call your doctor if the baby hasn't moved at least ten times during any two-hour stretch.
How Big Is Baby?
Your little one weighs just under 2 pounds now and stretches out to a little over 14 inches (crown to heel). She's about the size of an eggplant.
Most Common Pregnancy Questions
What kind of classes should I take to prepare for the labor and birth of my baby?
There are a variety of childbirth classes available, spanning a multitude of styles. Do your homework to find out what will best fit your personality and needs. Sit down and make a list of all the things you are interested in learning. Talk to friends. Gather information. Check with the hospital you plan to deliver at for information on the educational offerings they provide. Your obstetrician and pediatrician's offices can also be great sources of information.
Most parents assume that they must take a childbirth class with little regard to their own wishes relating to the birth. Are you planning on having an epidural? Has it been determined that you need a C-section? Do you wish to have an unmedicated delivery? When making the decision about where and with whom to take a childbirth class, talk to the instructor to find out what about their philosophy or approach to childbirth is. Make sure the instructor is a certified childbirth instructor. Good sources of information include Lamaze International and The International Childbirth Education Association.
You should also consider what kind of learner you are. Do you do well in groups or do you prefer one-on-one instruction? There are many educators who will provide private classes. Do you want a lot of detailed information or more generalized information? Many classes are formatted over a six-week period, but there has been a trend to hold shorter classes, some three weeks in length, and some facilities offer weekend or one-day or courses. One-day courses are packed with information, but some couples prefer this condensed version to accommodate their busy schedules. So think carefully about which pace you might prefer.
It might be a good idea to have a list of questions ready for the instructor to see if you feel comfortable with their approach, philosophy. and certifications.
A comprehensive class should include the following topics:
There are a variety of childbirth classes available, spanning a multitude of styles. Do your homework to find out what will best fit your personality and needs. Sit down and make a list of all the things you are interested in learning. Talk to friends. Gather information. Check with the hospital you plan to deliver at for information on the educational offerings they provide. Your obstetrician and pediatrician's offices can also be great sources of information.
Most parents assume that they must take a childbirth class with little regard to their own wishes relating to the birth. Are you planning on having an epidural? Has it been determined that you need a C-section? Do you wish to have an unmedicated delivery? When making the decision about where and with whom to take a childbirth class, talk to the instructor to find out what about their philosophy or approach to childbirth is. Make sure the instructor is a certified childbirth instructor. Good sources of information include Lamaze International and The International Childbirth Education Association.
You should also consider what kind of learner you are. Do you do well in groups or do you prefer one-on-one instruction? There are many educators who will provide private classes. Do you want a lot of detailed information or more generalized information? Many classes are formatted over a six-week period, but there has been a trend to hold shorter classes, some three weeks in length, and some facilities offer weekend or one-day or courses. One-day courses are packed with information, but some couples prefer this condensed version to accommodate their busy schedules. So think carefully about which pace you might prefer.
It might be a good idea to have a list of questions ready for the instructor to see if you feel comfortable with their approach, philosophy. and certifications.
A comprehensive class should include the following topics:
- Prenatal development
- Physical changes in pregnancy
- Warning signals of pregnancy
- Signs and stages of labor
- Comfort measures during labor
- Support options during labor (midwives, doulas, etc.)
- Postpartum recovery
- Breastfeeding
- Medication options (many hospitals will have an anesthesiologist give a presentation or make them available for a prenatal consultation)
- Possible medical interventions during labor
- Tour of the facilities
Some of the other types of classes parents may be interested in include: a breastfeeding class, infant and child CPR, childproofing your home, or how to install a car seat. Many facilities offer prenatal breastfeeding classes that may offer more detailed information on topics such as benefits of breastfeeding, feeding patterns, breast pumps, engorgement, and nutrition. These classes tend to be more detailed than what can be covered in the childbirth class.
While taking classes, don't be afraid to ask questions! Also, if material that is being covered is confusing, ask for clarification. A good educator will welcome questions. Keep in mind that you want to be comfortable and enjoy these classes, too. Wear loose comfortable clothing. Bring water to drink and perhaps a snack. Most importantly, have fun!
While providing valuable information, these classes are also a wonderful way to meet and connect with other expectant parents. Sharing an experience and talking with other couples about their fears and questions can go a long way in reassuring nervous parents-to-be. In addition to the social aspect, this is a good opportunity to do some networking. Today more than ever, expectant parents are savvy, avid researchers and can be wonderful sources of information on topics such as choosing a pediatrician, other classes, finding clothing and supplies, and other services.
Keep a folder with all the information you gather. Start a list of important phone numbers to have handy, including the name of the educator, the facility where you are taking the class, your obstetrician, your pediatrician and perhaps even the names of couples you have connected with. You might want to include a calendar in this folder to help you keep track of important appointments and classes you have registered for.
These classes are meant to inform and educate, so that the road down this exciting, yet often nerve-wracking, journey can be a smooth one!
While taking classes, don't be afraid to ask questions! Also, if material that is being covered is confusing, ask for clarification. A good educator will welcome questions. Keep in mind that you want to be comfortable and enjoy these classes, too. Wear loose comfortable clothing. Bring water to drink and perhaps a snack. Most importantly, have fun!
While providing valuable information, these classes are also a wonderful way to meet and connect with other expectant parents. Sharing an experience and talking with other couples about their fears and questions can go a long way in reassuring nervous parents-to-be. In addition to the social aspect, this is a good opportunity to do some networking. Today more than ever, expectant parents are savvy, avid researchers and can be wonderful sources of information on topics such as choosing a pediatrician, other classes, finding clothing and supplies, and other services.
Keep a folder with all the information you gather. Start a list of important phone numbers to have handy, including the name of the educator, the facility where you are taking the class, your obstetrician, your pediatrician and perhaps even the names of couples you have connected with. You might want to include a calendar in this folder to help you keep track of important appointments and classes you have registered for.
These classes are meant to inform and educate, so that the road down this exciting, yet often nerve-wracking, journey can be a smooth one!
Multiple Madness
Fear of Labor and Other Delivery Unknowns
The fear of labor is nothing more than fear of the unknown. You simply don't know how your labor will play out until you're experiencing it. For many women, this is a hard fact to swallow. We want to know exactly what's going to happen so that we can plan for the exact play-by-play that will occur from the moment we enter the hospital until the moment we exit. Unfortunately, that's not possible. However, by educating yourself as best you can beforehand in terms of what to expect with a vaginal delivery, a C-section, and/or a NICU stay for the babies, you'll feel more in control no matter the outcome.
The fear of labor is nothing more than fear of the unknown. You simply don't know how your labor will play out until you're experiencing it. For many women, this is a hard fact to swallow. We want to know exactly what's going to happen so that we can plan for the exact play-by-play that will occur from the moment we enter the hospital until the moment we exit. Unfortunately, that's not possible. However, by educating yourself as best you can beforehand in terms of what to expect with a vaginal delivery, a C-section, and/or a NICU stay for the babies, you'll feel more in control no matter the outcome.
But labor and delivery is an area in which no one knows exactly what will transpire. You must let go of your need for control and order and simply go with it. It's a fitting initiation into the world of parenting multiples!
One thing most women expecting multiples know for sure is that they will deliver in an operating room. Many already know they will deliver via C-section for one reason or another. Be sure to ask whatever questions arise at any point in the process. Talk to your spouse or delivery partner in advance to ensure that he or she is prepared to be an advocate for you as well. There is no such thing as a 'dumb' question no matter how many times a nurse or doctor has been involved with a delivery. This is your experience, and it's important for you to feel confident each step of the way.
For Your Partner
The Importance of Childbirth Classes
Attending birthing classes and taking a hospital tour are two important things you can do to get ready for the birth of your baby. Knowledge is power, and the more you know the better.
Attending birthing classes and taking a hospital tour are two important things you can do to get ready for the birth of your baby. Knowledge is power, and the more you know the better.
Classes will help you understand the process of labor and delivery (and how you can best help your partner during childbirth), familiarize yourself with the facility where your little one will be born, and get an idea of what Baby will be like the first few hours of life and beyond.
Are you nervous about the actual birth? Many men are. Classes can help you prepare for seeing your partner in pain and give you tips on how to personally manage the stress of watching a medical procedure. While some men may joke that pregnant life is always about women and babies, when it comes to giving birth it really is. You'll need to work through your anxieties or fears now so that you can help fulfill the needs of your partner and child during birth.
You hope the labor and delivery will go smoothly, but just in case it doesn't, you'll need to act as an advocate for your partner and baby. For some men, this can be surprisingly stressful. For the first time, you may feel torn by the needs of your partner and the needs of a new baby. Balancing out these emotions takes time. Being aware of and prepared for this possibility can help you manage these feelings more comfortably.
Take the time now to discuss with your partner how you feel about labor and delivery, your partner, your baby-to-be, and your new role as a father. Doing so while you're both calm and clear-headed can make a big difference when the time comes for Baby to arrive.
Fun Fact
According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), birth rates in the United States appear to be going up. In 2007, the most recent year data is available, there were 4,317,119 live births. That's more than 51,000 more births than the previous year. What's interesting about the increasing birth rate is that, in previous years, birth rates had been going down. Compare 2006 with 1996 when the NCHS reported pregnancies were "at their lowest rate since 1976."
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