Your Pregnancy Week 27

Your Body

Congratulations! You have officially started your third trimester. Way to go!

Your body will need an extra 300 to 350 calories each day. During this time you will continue to put on weight and will continue to do so until about your 36th or 37th week. You will notice that the weight you gain will be different in the placement then the weight you have gained to this point. As long as you are eating healthily and maintaining a well-balanced diet, the weight you gain during pregnancy is not considered fat or unhealthy, but instead, necessary for sustaining both you and your baby. Now is not the time to worry about the number on the scale and you should not diet while pregnant. If you are concerned with the amount of weight you are gaining - whether too much or too little - discuss it with your doctor.

You may be experiencing some shortness of breath from the pressure of your uterus on your rib cage. As your uterus grows, it places pressure on the rib cage and prevents your lungs from being able to expand completely. But don't worry. You and your baby are still getting enough oxygen.

In your third trimester it is important to recognize the signs of premature labor. Research shows that premature labor is more common in some women in the summer months then other times of year due to dehydration. Be sure to continue to drink plenty of fluids.

If you have any of the following, be sure to call your doctor right away:

• Bright red blood from your vagina
• Sudden gush of clear, watery fluid from your vagina
• Intense pelvic pain
• Dull backache, usually in the lower back
• Contractions or bad cramps (especially if more then 5 in one hour)
• Pain during urination (could be an infection of the urinary tract, bladder or kidneys)
• Swelling or puffiness of your face and hands (possible sign of preeclampsia)
• Sharp or prolonged pain in your abdomen (possible sign of preeclampsia)

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience

• Breast Changes: tenderness, fullness, darkening of the areola
• Frequent Urination
• Constipation
• Heartburn or Indigestion
• Headaches
• Stretch Marks
• Itching
• Round Ligament Pain
• Hemorrhoids