27 weeks pregnant

Now that I’m approaching the final stage of pregnancy - my 3rd trimester - the baby is really starting to grow and fill the available space in the uterus. He can now open and close his eyes, sleeps and wakes at regular intervals, and may suck a finger or thumb. Although they're still immature, the baby's lungs will function with some medical help, if she's born prematurely. My baby now weighs nearly 2 pounds / 875 grams and measures 14.5 inches / 36.6 centimetres from head to toe.

Sweet dreams, little baby! Some experts believe that babies begin to dream by the 28th week. What do they dream about? No-one knows for certain but the brain is active this week as well. The characteristic grooves on the brain's surface start to appear and more brain tissue develops.

Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of the hiccups, which are common this week and throughout the pregnancy. The baby has them but is breathing in amniotic fluid rather than air. A paper bag can't cure his hiccups, obviously, but an episode usually lasts only momentarily. The sensation may be strange but not unpleasant.

Since the uterus is now up near the rib cage, you may now find yourself short of breath if you haven't already. Starting now and continuing through the last three months of pregnancy, you may be plagued by leg cramps, haemorrhoids, varicose veins and an itchy abdomen. Are pregnancy discomforts getting you down? Try some natural remedies to perk you up. Labour really isn't far away so if you haven't already signed up for a childbirth class, then found out if there is a space available on a course now.

If you were found to be Rh-negative earlier in pregnancy, you'll probably be tested for Rh antibodies this week or next and have an anti-D injection to combat the incompatibility. You may be offered a repeat injection at 36 weeks.

Now that you're approaching the final stage of pregnancy - your third trimester - your baby is really starting to grow and fill the available space in your uterus. She can now open and close her eyes, sleeps and wakes at regular intervals, and may suck a finger or thumb. Although they're still immature, your baby's lungs will function with some medical help, if she's born prematurely. Read more information on your baby's development this week.

How your life's changing

You're likely to have another antenatal appointment this week and you may have a blood test to check for pregnancy anaemia, a deficiency of red blood cells. Many pregnant women develop a mild case of the illness because of normal changes in the body. If your blood group is Rhesus-negative and you tested negative for Rh antibodies at an earlier appointment, you'll have a further test around now.

Believe it or not, studies have shown that a mum's breastfeeding success has a lot to do with her husband's attitude. If you're a new dad, it's time to bone up on breastfeeding basics so you can provide support after the baby's born. Your wife will need looking after in the first few weeks after the birth so are prepared to help out more around the house and at mealtimes, particularly if she has had a caesarean.

If you have household help, there is also a lot that your maid can do to help when you're breastfeeding. Find out how to make her your breastfeeding ally.