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Sign InWeek 27 — Welcome to the Third Trimester
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
cauliflower
Your baby is about 37cm and 875 grams — nearly the size of a head of cauliflower. The brain is developing deep folds and grooves rapidly, increasing surface area for more cognitive capacity. Your baby's immune system is maturing, receiving antibodies from you through the placenta. Sleep cycles are now well established, and your baby spends about 90% of their time asleep.
Third trimester — welcome. From here, visits become more frequent and the focus shifts from development to growth, position, and preparing for birth. You'll likely have appointments every two weeks from now until Week 36, then weekly until delivery. Braxton Hicks contractions — practice contractions that tighten the uterus but don't progress to labour — may start becoming more noticeable.
Your baby is now borrowing your antibodies through the placenta — specifically IgG antibodies that protect against infections. This passive immunity is what keeps newborns protected in the first few weeks of life before their own immune system fully kicks in. The more antibodies you have through vaccination and past exposure, the more protection you pass on. This is one of the key reasons vaccines during pregnancy are so important.
Start your hospital bag this week — don't wait until you feel ready. You don't need it packed perfectly, but having a list written and the bag started means you won't be scrambling at 38 weeks. The essentials: your maternity notes, phone charger, snacks, comfortable clothes for labour, outfit for baby, and whatever you want for the first night.
Vitamin C boosts immune function and helps iron absorption — citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and peppers are all excellent sources.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer
Pack your own bag for the hospital too — a change of clothes, snacks, phone charger, and something to read for the waiting periods. Labour can be long.