27 Weeks Pregnant
27 weeks pregnant marks the end of the second trimester and the beginning of the third and final trimester. At this stage of pregnancy, the baby is continuing to grow and develop rapidly, measuring about 14 inches in length and weighing around 2.5 pounds.
Highlights of this Week >>
Pregnancy Symptoms >>
Weekly Checklist >>
Your Pregnant Belly >>
Baby Development >>
Your Baby is the Size of a Coach Mini Satchel Purse
length
14 inches
Head to Toe
weight
2.5 pounds
Highlights of the Week
- The baby is now about 14 inches long and weighs around 2.5 pounds.
- The mother may experience a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, Braxton Hicks contractions, backache, heartburn, constipation, and swelling.
- The mother should continue to attend prenatal appointments, prepare for childbirth classes, pack her hospital bag, consider a birth plan, make any necessary travel arrangements, eat a healthy diet, stay active, get enough rest, and stay informed and ask questions.
- The mother should also do kegels, third trimester shopping and take care of her belly.
- The baby is still considered premature at this stage and needs to grow and mature further before it can survive outside the womb.
Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 27
At 27 weeks pregnant, a woman may experience a variety of symptoms including:
Fatigue:
As the baby continues to grow, a woman may feel more tired than usual.
Shortness of breath:
As the baby grows and takes up more room in the womb, it can become more difficult for a woman to breathe.
Braxton Hicks contractions:
These are “practice” contractions that a woman may feel as the uterus prepares for labor.
Backache:
The added weight of the baby can put strain on a woman’s back, causing discomfort.
Heartburn:
As the baby takes up more space in the abdomen, it can push stomach acid back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Constipation:
Pregnancy hormones can slow down digestion, making it difficult for a woman to have regular bowel movements.
Extra body hair:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause a woman to grow more hair in certain areas of the body, such as the face, arms, and legs.
Restless Legs:
Some women may experience an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, making it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep.
Urinary incontinence:
As the baby puts pressure on the bladder, a woman may experience leakage of urine.
Swelling:
As the pregnancy progresses, fluid retention can cause a woman’s feet, ankles, and fingers to swell. This can be more pronounced in the later stages of pregnancy.
Weight gain:
A woman will continue to gain weight as the baby grows. It is typical to gain about 1-2 pounds per week during the last trimester.
Pelvic pain:
As the baby drops lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth, a woman may experience pain or pressure in the pelvic area. This is called pelvic girdle pain or SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction) it’s caused by the ligaments and joints in the pelvis becoming looser and stretchier to prepare for the birth.
It’s important to note that not all women will experience all of these symptoms and that every pregnancy is unique. Consult with your obstetrician for any concerns or questions regarding your specific pregnancy.
27 Week Pregnancy Checklist
Attend prenatal appointments:
Your obstetrician will likely schedule appointments every 4 weeks during this trimester. At these appointments, your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, measure the size of your uterus, and listen to the baby’s heartbeat. They will also answer any questions you may have and provide guidance for staying healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Prepare for childbirth classes:
Many hospitals and birthing centers offer classes to help prepare expectant parents for the birth process. These classes can cover topics such as breathing techniques, pain management, and breastfeeding.
Pack your hospital bag:
It’s a good idea to have a bag packed and ready to go in case you go into labor earlier than expected. Your bag should include items such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, and any medications you’re currently taking.
Consider a birth plan:
A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery, including pain management options, who you would like to be present during the birth, and whether or not you want to have an epidural.
Make any necessary travel arrangements:
If you’re planning to travel during your pregnancy, now is the time to make any necessary arrangements.
Continue to eat a healthy diet and stay active:
Eating a healthy diet and staying active can help keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on what types of foods to eat and what types of exercises are safe to do during pregnancy.
Get enough rest:
As you near the end of your pregnancy, it can be hard to get comfortable and sleep well. It’s important to get as much rest as possible to help you feel energized and ready for the birth process.
Stay informed and ask questions:
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. They are there to provide guidance and support throughout your pregnancy.
Do Kegels:
Kegel exercises are a simple way to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which can help with urinary incontinence and prepare for labor and delivery. It’s easy to do Kegels, you just need to contract and release the muscles that you use to stop urinating. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure you are performing the exercises correctly.
Third Trimester shopping:
As your baby’s due date approaches, it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials such as diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and other baby items. Some parents also choose to purchase a car seat, stroller, and other baby gear at this time. It’s important to consider the safety guidelines when buying baby gear and equipment.
It’s worth noting that every pregnancy is unique and the checklist may vary, it’s always recommended to consult with the obstetrician for further guidance and monitoring.
Your 27 Week Pregnant Belly
At 27 weeks pregnant, a woman’s belly may be quite noticeable and may have grown quite a bit since the start of the pregnancy. The size of a pregnant belly can vary greatly from woman to woman, and even from pregnancy to pregnancy.
As the baby continues to grow, it can put pressure on the mother’s abdominal muscles and back, causing discomfort. The added weight in the front of the body can also cause a woman to experience backache and can affect her balance and coordination. It’s important for pregnant women to take extra care when moving around, to avoid any falls or injuries.
To take care of the belly during this stage of pregnancy, it’s important for the expectant mother to:
- Keep good posture, avoid slouching, and stand up straight. This can help to alleviate pressure on the back and abdominal muscles.
- Keep active and engage in exercises that are safe for pregnancy. This can help to strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen, which can help to alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Sleep in a comfortable position, it’s important to avoid sleeping on your back as it can cause discomfort and affect the blood flow to the uterus.
- Wear comfortable clothing that is not too tight around the waist.
- Avoid heavy lifting and any strenuous activities that can put strain on the abdominal muscles
- Apply moisturizer to the belly to prevent itching and stretch marks.
Baby Development at 27 Weeks
At 27 weeks pregnant, the baby is continuing to grow and develop rapidly. At this stage of pregnancy, the baby is approximately 14 inches in length and weighs about 2.5 pounds.
The baby’s lungs are continuing to mature, and they are now able to produce surfactant, a substance that helps to keep the air sacs in the lungs open. This is an important step towards the baby’s ability to breathe on its own after birth.
The baby’s nervous system is also continuing to develop, and they are now able to respond to light and sound.
The baby’s eyes are now fully formed and can move in their sockets. They can also distinguish light and dark and can even respond to light shining on the mother’s abdomen.
The baby’s ears are also fully formed and are sensitive to sound. The baby can hear and recognize voices and can even respond to loud noises.
The baby’s skin is becoming less transparent and is starting to develop a protective coating of vernix caseosa, a waxy substance that will help to protect the skin from the amniotic fluid.
The hair and nails are also continuing to grow.
It’s worth noting that the baby is still considered premature at this stage and needs to grow and mature further before it can survive outside the womb. But, with each passing day, the baby is getting closer to being fully developed and ready for life outside the uterus. Your healthcare provider will monitor the baby’s growth and development closely and will let you know if there are any concerns.
How Many Months is 27 Weeks Pregnant?
27 weeks pregnant is equivalent to approximately 6 and 1/2 months pregnant. Each trimester is about 12-14 weeks long, so 27 weeks is just over half-way through the second trimester of pregnancy.
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.
