Week 27

You’re in your final week of the second trimester!¹

Around a third of pregnant women and birthing people are affected by a condition called restless leg syndrome (RLS) in the second and third trimester.² RLS is characterised by the need to move the legs. Symptoms typically occur at rest and later in the day, therefore, RLS can negatively impact sleep quality. Risk factors for RLS include family history of RLS, high levels of oestrogen, and iron deficiency.³

If you think you are experiencing RLS, speak with your healthcare provider for treatment and support as RLS has been associated with hypertension, pre-term birth and pre-eclampsia.²

• Bloating and gas
• Pelvic, back and round ligament pain
• Oedema (swelling, particularly hands and ankles)
• Tingling hands or carpal tunnel syndrome
• Leg cramps and restless leg syndrome
• Blurred vision
• Skin changes (such as itchy tummy, and heat rash - prickly, pimply, red patches)
• Bleeding gums
• Migraines
• Nasal congestion
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Foetal movement

Can you believe your baby that was once a tiny embryo, has now grown to the size of a cabbage! Specifically, they should measure around 37 cm from head-to-toe, and weigh approximately 910 g.¹

You may start to notice rhythmic movement, this could be because, at this stage in development, hiccups are common, especially if you have consumed spicy food.¹

• Consistently taking folic acid is recommended,⁴ or if you haven’t already, consider taking a prenatal supplement that has the recommended amounts of vitamin A and D, iron and calcium⁵ which will also help support your oral health⁶
• Book your routine dental check up to help support your oral health during pregnancy⁶
• Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health⁷
• Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking – both are known as risk factors for miscarriage^8,9
• Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods. Try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any type of herbal tea¹⁰
• Ensure any meat, fish or poultry is fully cooked through¹¹    
  As a guide:¹¹    
  Chicken or turkey (whole, ground, or breast): 74 °C/165 °F    
  Beef, veal, lamb, and pork roasts, chops, and steaks: 63 °C/145 °F    
  Ground beef, veal, lamb, and pork: 71 °C/160 °F    
  Fish: 63 °C/145 °F    
  Precooked ham: 60 °C/140 °F
• Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day¹²    
  As a guide:    
  1 mug of coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine    
  1 mug of tea contains 75 mg of caffeine    
  1 can of cola contains up to 40 mg of caffeine    
  1 bar of chocolate contains up to 50 mg of caffeine