Week 27 of Your Pregnancy

Can’t wait to name your future child? You don’t have to rush into this though! In Singapore, births can be registered up to 14 days from the date of birth. This week, you will be concluding your second trimester, otherwise known as the ‘honeymoon period’. Here’s how you can prepare for your third. 

Your Baby

Your baby brain has grown to resemble an adult brain. The lungs have matured and can already exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The formation of blood in your baby’s bone marrow will now take place. Your darling’s senses are also developing, with the retinas in their eyes becoming more sensitive to light, and its taste buds becoming more well-developed. In fact, your baby will be able to taste subtle differences in your amniotic fluid. Some mothers shared that their babies become more active after they eat certain foods, such as spicy curries!

Your body

In the near future you will gain up to 500 grams per week. This is the phase of the largest weight gain and will occur up to the 35th week. Your uterus now reaches beyond the navel.

Heartburn in Pregnancy

Have you heard of progesterone? Well, you’ll want to thank this hormone for giving you that sweet, attractive blush! (Mt Alvernia) Besides providing you with a beautiful pregnancy glow, increased progesterone levels relax your muscles in preparation for birth. However, progesterone also causes the entrance of your stomach to let in small amounts of stomach acid into your oesophagus. This could be why you sometimes feel the burning tinge of a heartburn⁵!

Since some foods can also trigger the burning sensation of heartburn, you may want to pay extra attention to your diet. Identify these problem foods, and eat them in moderation. It’s also important not to exclude any food groups or important nutrient – talk to your healthcare professional if you can’t tolerate a certain food!

You can also reduce these symptoms by sitting upright after meals! This gives your body more time to start digesting food. Some mums also stand by eating little and often, and not too close to bedtime. When sleeping, consider elevating your head and shoulders with extra pillows. If you wish to take any heartburn remedies, be sure to check in with your doctor, as some may be unsuitable for pregnant women.

Other tips on easing the burning sensation of heartburn include^5,6:

• Avoid foods and drinks containing caffeine (e.g. tea, coffee, cola, chocolate)
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks
• Avoid spicy and fatty foods
• Try milk-based foods when you feel the symptoms coming on