27 Weeks pregnant: Baby’s growth, symptoms, and tips for the third trimester
- Updated
- Published
Created with Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG, Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USA
At 27 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing quickly, about the size of a head of cauliflower, and refining movements, practicing breathing, and growing rapidly. Your body is adapting with a larger bump, more pronounced movements, and possible new symptoms like leg cramps or heartburn.
You’ve made it to 27 weeks pregnant—congratulations! This week marks the start of your third trimester, a significant milestone in your pregnancy journey. For moms-to-be, this week may bring noticeable changes, from a larger belly to new symptoms like leg cramps or Braxton Hicks contractions. Here’s everything you need to know about week 27, including baby development, symptoms, and essential self-care tips.
Get personalized insights every step of the way with the Femia mobile app
27 Weeks pregnant symptoms
Here are the common symptoms you may experience during week 27:
- Frequent urination: The growing uterus puts more pressure on your bladder, causing more bathroom trips.
- Back pain: The added weight and shift in your center of gravity can strain your lower back.
- Leg cramps: Increased circulation demands and pressure on your veins may cause cramping, especially at night.
- Heartburn: Hormonal changes and pressure from the baby can lead to acid reflux.
- Braxton Hicks contractions: Irregular, mild contractions may occur as your body prepares for labor.
Braxton Hicks contractions vs true labor
| Aspect | Braxton Hicks contractions | True labor |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Irregular, not progressively closer together | Regular intervals, getting closer together |
| Intensity | Weak, often described as mild discomfort | Increases in strength over time |
| Duration | Short, usually lasting less than 30 seconds | Longer, lasting 30-70 seconds per contraction |
| Location of pain | Felt mainly in the front of the abdomen | Starts in the back and radiates to the front |
| Effect of movement | Stops or decreases with activity or a change in position | Continues regardless of movement or position changes |
| Cervical changes | Does not cause dilation or thinning of the cervix | Causes the cervix to dilate and thin out (effacement) |
This concise comparison can help distinguish between the two types of contractions.
👉Find out more: Navigating week 26: Baby’s Growth, symptoms, and expert tips
Your body at 27 weeks pregnant
By week 27, your uterus is roughly the size of a basketball, making your belly more prominent and rounder. This growth can cause mild discomfort, including back pain or occasional shortness of breath. Weight gain by this stage typically falls between 17-24 pounds, though individual rates vary. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and resting when needed can help you stay comfortable.
27-Week pregnant belly
Your baby bump at 27 weeks is likely firm and well-defined. Many women feel more pronounced baby movements, and their belly’s shape may change as the baby adjusts positions. Maternity clothes remain essential for comfort.
Baby development at 27 weeks of pregnancy
At 27 weeks, your baby is practicing essential skills like breathing, swallowing, and sucking. Their brain and nervous system are maturing rapidly, and their lungs are continuing to develop in both structure and function. Your baby’s eyes are still developing, and they may begin to open and respond to changes in light.
27-Week baby size
The 27-week-old baby size is approximately 14.5 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds, about the size of a head of cauliflower. This growth supports their developing muscles and organs.
27-Week ultrasound
A 27-week ultrasound can show your baby’s active movements, such as kicking or stretching, and provide insights into their growth and position. You might see detailed facial features and even catch them sucking their thumb.
27-Week preemie
Babies born at 27 weeks, known as micro-preemies, have up to 64.2% survival rate with advanced NICU care. They require breathing support, feeding tubes, and incubators to regulate body temperature. At this stage, their lungs, brain, and digestive systems are still maturing. While developmental delays are possible, early interventions help most grow into healthy children.
What should I be doing at 27 weeks pregnant?
- Track baby movements: Monitoring your baby’s movements helps ensure they’re healthy and active.
- Prepare for birth classes: Consider signing up for prenatal classes to learn about labor and newborn care.
- Focus on nutrition: Incorporate iron-rich foods into your diet to support increased blood volume.
- Stay active: Gentle exercises like walking or swimming can reduce discomfort and improve circulation.
👉Find out more:
28 Weeks pregnant: Entering the third trimester with key insights
29 Weeks pregnant: Baby’s growth, symptoms, and preparation for labor
Tests and vaccines to expect at 27 weeks pregnant
At 27 weeks pregnant, as you enter the third trimester, your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your health and your baby’s progress through the following tests:
- Blood pressure monitoring: Your blood pressure will be checked at every visit to screen for preeclampsia or other pregnancy-related hypertension conditions.
- Fetal heartbeat and movements: Your provider will listen to your baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler and discuss movement patterns to ensure your baby is active and developing as expected.
- Urine test: A urine sample will be tested for protein (a sign of preeclampsia).
- The Tdap vaccine: College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant individuals receive the Tdap vaccine between the 27th and 36th weeks of each pregnancy, preferably during the earlier part of this time frame. This vaccine helps protect your baby against whooping cough (pertussis) after birth. Be sure to discuss this important vaccine with your healthcare provider during your next visit.
- Glucose tolerance test (if not already done): If you haven’t already had your GTT, it will likely be performed this week to screen for gestational diabetes. If results indicate high glucose levels, further testing or dietary recommendations may follow.
- Fundal height measurement: Your provider will measure the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus to ensure your baby’s growth aligns with gestational expectations.
- Ultrasound (if needed): While not routine, an ultrasound may be suggested to monitor your baby’s growth, check amniotic fluid levels, or assess any specific concerns.
These tests at 27 weeks help ensure you and your baby are on track for a healthy pregnancy. Be sure to mention any changes, such as reduced movements or new symptoms, during your visit.
Health tips and self-care at 27 weeks pregnant
- Combat leg cramps: Stretch before bed and include magnesium-rich foods like bananas and nuts in your diet.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps with circulation and reduces swelling.
- Use pillows for support: A pregnancy pillow can make sleeping more comfortable and support your growing belly.
- Manage heartburn: Avoid spicy or fatty foods and eat smaller, frequent meals to reduce reflux.
Get personalized insights every step of the way with the Femia mobile app
Questions from the Femia community
How to track baby movements?
Tracking your baby’s movements is important starting around week 27. Choose a quiet time, lie down, and pay attention to how your baby typically moves. Every baby is different, so it’s important to recognize your baby’s unique movement patterns. According to recent updates (2021) from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), routine kick counting is no longer recommended as a primary method for fetal monitoring due to limited evidence of its effectiveness and potential to increase anxiety. However, if you notice any significant decrease in your baby’s usual activity, it’s essential to call your physician or clinic immediately.
What’s the dark vertical line on my tummy? Will it go away?
The dark line on your belly called the linea nigra, is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. It usually fades a few months after delivery, although it may not disappear completely for some women.
Why do I feel short of breath?
Your growing uterus is pressing against your diaphragm, making it harder to take deep breaths. Practice slow, deep breathing and maintain good posture to help open up your lungs.
The bottom line
At 27 weeks pregnant, your baby is practicing movements, growing rapidly, and preparing for life outside the womb. Your body is adjusting to a larger bump, increased symptoms, and the need for self-care. Focus on tracking your baby’s movements, staying active, and preparing for the exciting weeks ahead.
References
- “27 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development & Tips.” BabyCenter, www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/27-weeks-pregnant.
- “Week 27 of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Baby Development & More.” What to Expect, www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-27.aspx.
- “27 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Tips.” NHS, www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/1-to-12/27-weeks/.
- “Pregnancy Week 27: What to Expect.” American Pregnancy Association, www.americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/27-weeks-pregnant/.
- “Survival and Impairment of Extremely Premature Infants: A Systematic Review.” Pediatrics, vol. 143, no. 2, 2019, pp. e20180933. American Academy of Pediatrics, https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/143/2/e20180933/37351/Survival-and-Impairment-of-Extremely-Premature?redirectedFrom=fulltext.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “The Tdap Vaccine and Pregnancy.” ACOG, December 2020, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-tdap-vaccine-and-pregnancy.
- Smith, Jane, et al. “Updated Guidelines on Fetal Movement Monitoring and Its Implications for Practice.” MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, vol. 49, no. 6, 2024, pp. 321–326. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, https://journals.lww.com/mcnjournal/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2024&issue=11000&article=00002&type=Fulltext. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Is period sex bad for you? No, not at all. Does having sex on your period help with cramps? Yes, it might even come with some benefits like pain relief and mood boost.
Learn about the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and how it affects your body and mood. Explore helpful recommendations for well-being during this phase.
Discover what’s happening at 17 weeks pregnant, from baby’s position and size to symptoms, ultrasound details, and helpful self-care tips.
