27 Weeks Pregnant - heading into the third trimester!
Weekly pregnancy updates from a childbirth educator, doula and mum to 2 little girls. Come and join me on my journey as I share how I’m feeling, how baby is developing, what I’m doing to prepare, and some favourite resources!
Well, that went quickly! Here we are heading into third trimester! I am so so grateful for how well I’ve been feeling this pregnancy. My energy levels have been so good, it’s really been amazing!
I’m also really glad I’ve been able to get into routine since 20 weeks with daily birth prep exercises, both mental and physical. Now in third trimester I have some changes to my birth prep routine. Actually, additions rather than changes. Spinning Babies daily exercises recommendations increase some of the repetitions in third trimester, with extra focus on the cat/cow exercise and pelvic tilts, as well as their “Three Balances”. To be honest, the only one of the “Three Balances” I’ve done so far is the forward leaning inversion, since it’s the only one I can do by myself. I’m going to start making a point of asking my husband to help me with the side lying release and jiggle on a regular basis.
The other main change to my routine is adding in red raspberry leaf tea and dates on a daily basis. Not difficult, since I usually drink one or two cups of herbal tea a day so can switch that out for the red raspberry leaf tea. I love dates, they’re healthy and good for energy and I already eat them most days, so that’s easy too.
Why red raspberry leaf tea and dates?
I have used these in all my pregnancies to date. Red raspberry leaf tea is traditionally thought to strengthen and tone the uterus, making for stronger and more effective contractions in labour. It’s also useful postpartum while the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. Western medical studies haven’t been able to demonstrate any benefit (though no risks either), but the anecdotal evidence is quite strong. I figure if it might help, doesn’t do any harm, and is healthy, I may as well go for it!
The cumulative effect of eating dates through the last weeks of pregnancy is thought to work on the cervix, allowing it to open, dilate and then contract after birth more easily and effectively, shortening the pushing stage and reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. There are only a few Western medical studies around dates in pregnancy, but they have shown some benefits.
If you’re interested in exploring this topic further, listen to the Great Birth Rebellion podcast episode 172.
What symptoms am I feeling?
I have had some mid-back pain during the week, which seems to resolve if I’m careful about posture and engaging my core. It did prompt me to inflate the birth ball though, which I find helps me with posture. So I’ve started sitting on the ball regularly and doing some hip circles and figure-8s as well.
How has baby been developing this week?
At 27 weeks, the “average” baby is around 37cm long and weighs 1055g - over a kilogram! Their immune system is developing and they continue to interact more and more with you and the outside world from their own cosy little world.
What am I doing to prepare?
We sorted through all the clothes the girls used from 0-12 months and pulled out all the neutral clothes or anything we’d be happy to put on a boy. Most of their clothes were very pink and floral but we did end up with quite a respectable amount suitable for a boy, such that we don’t need to rush to go shopping or get extra clothes which is good to know! I know we will end up with gifts and hand-me-downs, though I doubt I’ll be able to help myself getting the odd outfit or two as well! 🥰 I’ve set all those clothes aside and will re-wash them closer to the time.
And that’s it for this week! 🌿💛
[Photo: my newly inflated birth ball!]