What's happening in my body?

You're probably putting on a few pounds now, and your waist is a distant memory. You could be feeling bloated and constipated, and having problems keeping down food. This is partly because your stomach is being squeezed by your growing baby, and also due to the pregnancy hormone, progesterone. It might help if you drink lots of water, choose high fibre options (such as brown bread, rather than white) and eat lots of fresh fruit and veg.

Read more tips to deal with bloating.

Bit on the side: the best sleeping positions

Should you sleep on your back or side? The American Pregnancy Association recommends sleeping on your left side, as this will "increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta". The NHS guidance is that sleeping on either side is better than sleeping on your back.

That's because after week 28, research suggests that sleeping on your back can double the risk of stillbirth. It's also more likely to give you backache, constipation and piles.

Here are some tips for a safe and sound night's sleep:

• Support your baby bump with a pillow.
• Keep your knees and legs bent.
• Put another pillow between your legs.
• If you roll onto your back, don't worry, just roll back onto your side again.

Are you fit to fly?

This is probably the last week you can fly anywhere without a 'fitness to fly note' from your midwife or GP. If you have a note, which confirms that your pregnancy is uncomplicated, then you can usually travel by plane up until the end of week 36 if you're having a single baby, or the end of week 32 if you're having a multiple birth. Double check the cut-offs with your airline. NB: You may be charged for your note. Find out more about travel during pregnancy.

Second trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 27 weeks)

You could be feeling tired now, so nap when you can in the day. Your partner might mention that you're snoring more. Snoring is very common in pregnancy as your nasal passages are more likely to become swollen and blocked. Keep the peace and buy your partner earplugs!

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb ('round ligament pains')
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• nosebleeds
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches - this is known as chloasma or the 'mask of pregnancy'
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding).

Tommy's the baby charity has produced a pregnancy guide with a further list of symptoms.

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 36.6cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 875g. That's approximately the size of a big leek, and the weight of a head of cauliflower.

Your baby's lungs are now capable of breathing – and that's a big deal. Your baby is also getting plumper by the day. A few weeks ago, your baby looked a bit like a wrinkled prune. Now the folds of skin are being filled out by fat, and all their organs are maturing, as your baby prepares for life outside the womb.

This week's treat

Do something that stretches your brain. Maybe you could cook a new recipe, rediscover an old hobby, or sign up for a course at your local night school. Keeping your mind active has all kinds of benefits, including reducing stress and helping you to get the most from life. Find out other ways you can keep your mind healthy.

Go back to week 26

Go to week 28