Week 27: Second Trimester Finale
Last week of the golden trimester — third trimester starts tomorrow
This is the last week of the second trimester. The golden period is ending, and the third trimester — with its increased discomfort, more frequent appointments, and delivery preparation — begins next week. Use this week to finish any second-trimester to-dos you've been putting off.
What's happening this week
The baby is practicing breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. Sleep cycles are becoming more regular — you might notice the baby is active at certain times and quiet at others. The baby can hiccup, which feels like rhythmic, repetitive jolts. Her RDI may come back showing anemia — iron supplementation may be recommended.
Your checklist
0 of 4 completeNursery ordered? Registry complete? Pediatrician selected? Hospital pre-registered? Childcare waitlist confirmed? If any of these are undone, this is your last call before the third-trimester push begins.
Natural vs. epidural. Who's in the delivery room. Music or no music. Delayed cord clamping. Skin-to-skin. Circumcision if applicable. These conversations are easier to have now than during contractions.
If she is Rh-negative, she'll receive a RhoGAM shot around week 28 to prevent Rh sensitization. This is routine. Your OB will handle it, but it's good to understand why.
Starting week 28, OB visits increase to every 2 weeks (instead of monthly). Starting week 36, they become weekly. Block these on both your calendars now — you'll want to attend as many as possible.
Recommended products
Birthing Ball / Exercise Ball — 65cm
A stability ball used for labor prep exercises, hip opening, and pain relief during contractions. Sitting on the ball in the third trimester helps with posture and can encourage optimal baby positioning. Also useful postpartum for gentle bouncing to soothe the baby.
The transition from second to third trimester at week 27-28 brings significant changes to the pregnancy experience. OB visits double in frequency from monthly to biweekly. Physical discomforts increase — back pain, heartburn, difficulty sleeping, and swelling become more common. The baby's kicks get stronger and more frequent, and kick counting becomes a daily practice.
For dads, the third trimester is when your support role intensifies. Physical help (cooking, cleaning, errands), emotional support (she's uncomfortable and anxious about delivery), and logistical execution (finishing the nursery, installing the car seat, packing the hospital bag) all ramp up. Being proactive in the third trimester is the single best thing a dad can do.
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