21-27 weeks

This module includes quite a few articles and videos – maybe more than you expected. That’s no coincidence. We want to help you feel as prepared as possible for this stage of your pregnancy. At the same time, we understand that not everyone wants the same amount of detail or information.

Our advice: take what you need. Some articles are marked with a dot next to the title – these are the ones we strongly recommend reading. They offer essential knowledge to help you make informed choices and understand what’s happening in your body. The rest is there for you if and when you feel like reading more. Go at your own pace. It’s okay to skip things if it feels like too much right now. You’re doing enough.

In this module:

• How you and your baby are changing
• Partner: your role during this time
• What we will do for you
• Checklist: your to-do’s

How You and Your Baby Are Changing

What’s happening with your baby?

Your baby is becoming more active—kicking, turning, even hiccupping. You’re likely feeling these movements every day by now. Around week 24, your baby’s lungs are developed enough that, in theory, they could survive outside the womb—but it’s still very early and extremely fragile. The nervous system is developing quickly, allowing your baby to respond more to outside stimuli like loud sounds or bright lights. Their sleep-wake rhythm is starting to form—though it probably doesn’t match yours just yet!

By week 27, your baby is about 35 centimetres long and weighs around 1 kilo. Their skin is still wrinkled, but that will change soon as fat starts to build up. Your baby continues to practise breathing, drinking, and moving—all important prep for life after birth.

What’s changing in your body?

Your belly is growing fast, and you can probably feel your baby move clearly—especially when you're sitting or lying down. You might experience a tight, hard belly sometimes—these are likely Braxton Hicks contractions or “practice contractions.” They’re usually harmless, but if you’re unsure, in pain, or they happen often, please reach out to us.

Your body is adapting rapidly. Your back, pelvis, and legs are under more pressure, which may lead to aches, pelvic discomfort, or restless legs. Try to stay active, change positions regularly, and rest when you can. A hot water bottle or massage can help. And don’t underestimate the power of good footwear!

You may also notice shortness of breath, heartburn, or swelling in your hands or feet. Not pleasant—but often normal. Keep an eye on symptoms, especially if they worsen—when in doubt, get in touch. Better one check too many than one too few.

Emotionally, this period can bring a lot as well. Your second trimester is nearly over, and the idea of giving birth is starting to feel more real. Maybe you already have a birth plan in mind—or maybe not at all. Both are totally fine. This is a good time to start preparing for what’s ahead, whether that’s by taking a course or having a conversation with your partner or with us.

Partner: your role during this time

At this stage, your partner’s belly is growing, and so is the reality of becoming a parent. Maybe you've started to feel the baby kick, or you've seen how your partner is starting to prepare – mentally and practically. You might still be catching up, and that's okay. Everyone processes things at their own pace.

This is a good time to talk openly about your expectations: How do you imagine the birth? What kind of parent  do you want to be? Are there things you’re worried about? Your feelings are just as important as your partner’s – and sharing them creates space for connection.

You're likely starting to get more questions from people around you – at work, from friends, from family. Some of it might feel overwhelming or too soon. It’s perfectly fine to take your time. But do stay curious and engaged – your involvement really makes a difference.

What We Will Do

• We’ll go over the results of your 20-week scan. If anything unusual was seen, the sonographer likely discussed this with you immediately. During this check-up, we’ll talk more about things like your baby’s growth, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the position of the placenta. (You can already learn a lot yourself in the article: What those ultrasound abbreviations mean.)
• Around 24–26 weeks, we may recommend extra blood tests to screen for gestational diabetes. You’ll find more details in the article Screening for gestational diabetes.
• If your blood type is Rhesus D-negative or Rhesus c-negative, we’ll take another blood sample around week 27 to check for antibodies. More on this in Rhesus antibody screening.
• In this module, we’ll also start sharing information about giving birth—how to prepare, what happens in your body, and the emotional side of labour.

Checklist – Your To-Do’s

• Read the articles in Module 4
• Make sure you know when to call us. We’ll repeat it here because it’s really important:
  • Call us if you have:
    • Anxiety or uncertainty – even if you’re not sure it’s serious
    • Abdominal pain or contractions before 37 weeks
    • Vaginal bleeding
  • Possible signs of cholestasis:
    • Sudden nausea
    • Intense itching on your palms or soles
    • Severe generalised itching
  • Possible signs of high blood pressure:
    • Sudden nausea after 20 weeks
    • Tight or band-like feeling across your upper belly
    • Pain in your upper right abdomen
    • Blurred vision or seeing flashes of light
    • Significant swelling (especially in face or hands)
  • After 28 weeks, contact us if you feel your baby moving less or differently. You can read more in our article on baby movements—what’s normal and what to do if something feels off. Please take the time to read this carefully.
  • Start looking into maternity and parental leave options, and legal matters. The Dutch government offers a helpful tool: Checklist for having a baby. By answering a few questions, you’ll get a personalised list of what you (and your partner) need to arrange and when.

Want to see what else is coming up? Check out the full Pregnancy Checklist.