Day 194 of 280, second trimester
You are 27 weeks and 5 days
Going it alone is never easy, but with the right support you can look forward happily to your baby's birth.
86 days until your due date
It's reassuring to know that many women have babies on their own and don't find life an endless struggle. Parenting alone isn't as easy as sharing the care, but with extra support it's possible. Even in a relationship, you may sometimes feel you're going it alone. You may have strong reasons for wanting a baby, such as your age, and that determination will give you strength and focus.
Every pregnant woman benefits from someone to confide in, whether your mother, a close friend, or a relative. You're making far-reaching decisions, so you need support, accurate information, and time to think without fear, panic, or pressure. Having someone you trust to support you, especially in labor and the first days and weeks, can ease the pressure and help you think calmly and make plans.
It's worth starting to think now about who you'd like as your birth partner; it's a big decision that shouldn't be rushed.
Explainer
You and your mother
An added bonus of having a baby on your own may be a closer relationship with your own mother, as you talk together more.
Good to know
Building a support network
Emotional and practical support matters for every pregnant woman, and especially if you're single:
- Go to all your prenatal appointments and build a relationship with your doctor, an invaluable source of information.
- Sign up for prenatal classes. Daytime courses may have fewer couples, giving you a chance to build a network of female friends. Try classes such as yoga and water aerobics too.
- Think carefully about your birth partner: a trusted friend, or perhaps your mother, who's likely to be thrilled to be asked.
- Don't be too proud to accept help from friends and family; most genuinely want to be involved now and after the birth.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 27 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.