Key Milestone Weeks in Pregnancy Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27)

Yes, by 26–27 weeks pregnant, your baby can hear sounds from outside the womb. The foetal auditory system begins developing early in pregnancy, but it’s around 24–25 weeks that hearing becomes functional. Although sound is muffled and reduced by about half as it passes through the uterus, your baby can still detect voices, especially yours. In the third trimester, many newborns show signs of recognition and comfort when they hear familiar voices after birth. Midwives often encourage parents to talk or sing to their baby during this stage to help foster bonding and early sensory development.

At 26–27 weeks pregnant, swelling in your ankles is common and usually a normal part of pregnancy. This happens because your body is carrying extra fluid, your hormones soften vein walls, and your growing uterus presses on veins, especially those that return blood from your legs to your heart. These changes cause blood to pool in your lower limbs, and some of it leaks into surrounding tissues, leading to visible swelling.

Swelling often worsens later in the day and improves overnight. While mild swelling is expected, sudden or severe swelling - especially in your face, hands, or one leg - can be a sign of serious conditions like pre-eclampsia or venous thromboembolism and should be checked by a healthcare provider.

Tip: To help reduce swelling in your ankles, try elevating your legs when resting, avoid standing for long periods, and sleep on your left side to improve circulation.

At 26–27 weeks pregnant, constipation and heartburn are common due to hormonal changes and the physical pressure of your growing uterus.

Constipation affects up to 2 in 5 pregnant people and is caused by:

• Hormonal shifts (especially progesterone) slowing digestion
• Iron or calcium supplements
• Reduced physical activity
• Low fibre intake

Relief tips:

• Drink 7–8 glasses of water daily
• Eat high-fibre foods like wholegrains, fruits, and vegetables
• Practice good toilet habits: don’t delay going, use a footstool, and relax your abdominal muscles
• If needed, ask your doctor about safe fibre supplements or laxatives

Heartburn is caused by:

• Relaxed stomach valve due to progesterone
• Uterus pressing on the stomach, pushing acid into the oesophagus

Relief tips:

• Eat small meals slowly
• Avoid lying down after eating
• Limit trigger foods: spicy, fatty, citrus, chocolate, caffeine
• Sleep with your head elevated or on your left side
• If symptoms persist, antacids or other medications may be recommended by your doctor

At 26–27 weeks pregnant, leg cramps and haemorrhoids are common and often uncomfortable symptoms caused by the physical and hormonal changes your body is undergoing.

Leg cramps, especially in the calves, affect up to 3 in 10 pregnant people and are more frequent at night during the second and third trimesters. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, contributing factors include:

• Weight gain
• Pressure on nerves and blood vessels
• Poor circulation
• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies (e.g., magnesium or calcium)

To relieve cramps, try stretching your legs before bed, staying hydrated, walking, or using a heat pack. If cramps persist or are severe, consult your doctor.

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus, often triggered by:

• Increased pressure from your growing uterus
• Higher blood volume
• Constipation and straining during bowel movements

They can cause pain, itching, or bleeding. To manage them, eat a high-fibre diet, drink plenty of water, avoid straining, and use warm baths or ice packs. In some cases, safe creams or laxatives may be recommended. Haemorrhoids usually improve after birth and don’t affect your baby.

At 26–27 weeks pregnant, flying is generally considered safe for most people, especially if you’re having a healthy pregnancy. In fact, the second trimester is often the most comfortable and safest time to travel. However, as you approach the third trimester, airlines may begin to restrict travel. Some require a doctor’s letter confirming your due date and that it’s safe for you to fly.

You should check with your airline as rules vary between domestic and international flights. International airlines may have earlier travel cutoffs than domestic ones - so always check their policy before booking. Also, speak with your doctor or midwife before booking, especially if you have any complications or risk factors. Flying increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), so staying hydrated, wearing compression stockings, and walking or stretching during the flight are recommended.