At 27 weeks pregnant, you’re in the final week of the second trimester—two-thirds of the way through your pregnancy journey and edging closer to the third trimester. Many expectant parents describe this phase as a mix of physical intensity and emotional anticipation: you’ve felt your baby move for weeks, and now those movements might feel even more familiar and pronounced.
This week is an important transition point. Your baby continues to refine vital systems — especially lungs and brain pathways — and your body keeps adjusting to the realities of carrying more weight and navigating new sensations. In this guide, we’ll walk through what’s new with your baby, how you might be feeling, and practical to-dos for week 27.
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What’s New With Baby
Your baby has entered a phase of increasingly rapid growth and functional development. At 27 weeks:
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Brain and lung maturation continue to advance, with active brain waves forming sleep-wake cycles and lung tissue practicing breathing movements (of amniotic fluid, not air).
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Lung development is especially significant now: muscles used for breathing are strengthening, and the lungs are getting better at moving fluid in and out.
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Movement patterns may feel more powerful and even rhythmic as your baby’s muscles and nervous system refine control. Hiccups are common and may feel like tiny, repeated jumps or jolts.
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Senses are developing: hearing is more acute, and your baby may start to distinguish familiar voices, including yours and your partner’s.
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Size and proportions: Your baby now measures around 14–15 inches (head to heel) and weighs approximately 2 to 2.3 pounds, though these numbers vary. They continue gaining fat beneath the skin, which will help with temperature regulation after birth.
This combination of sensory growth, neurological complexity, and lung practice sets the stage for the next phase of development in your third trimester.
How You’re Feeling at 27 Weeks
As your baby grows, your body is working harder to support them, often resulting in a combination of physical symptoms and emotional experiences. This week, you may notice:
Physical Sensations
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Stronger baby movements: Those kicks, rolls, and stretches may feel more distinct and sometimes even predictable. Many people find kicks more noticeable when they are resting or after meals.
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Belly pressure and stretch sensations: Your uterus is larger and higher, which can produce stretching, tugging, or even dull aches around the abdomen and hips.
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Increased bathroom trips: The uterus pressing on your bladder and digestive organs can make frequent urination or urgency more noticeable.
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Sleep disruption: Finding a comfortable sleep position can be tough, and many people report more nighttime waking or difficulty falling asleep.
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Heartburn, indigestion, and constipation: Digestive changes are common as the uterus shifts upward and hormones slow gut motility.
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Swelling or fluid retention: Mild swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands is common at this stage, though sudden or severe swelling should be evaluated by your clinician.
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Braxton Hicks contractions: You may feel irregular tightening of the uterus. These “practice” contractions are generally painless and sporadic.
Emotional and Mental Experiences
Emotionally, week 27 can feel like a milestone: the finish line of the second trimester is approaching, and thoughts about the third trimester, labor, and postpartum begin to surface more often. It’s common to experience a mix of excitement, nerves, and even occasional overwhelm as you think about the months ahead.
Hormonal shifts can also influence mood and cognitive focus (“pregnancy brain”) — this isn’t just anecdotal; many pregnant people report increased forgetfulness, distraction, or emotional reactivity at this stage.
Your To-Do List at 27 Weeks
This week is a meaningful opportunity to refocus on self-care, preparation, and intentional rest as you transition toward the third trimester. Here’s what you might consider prioritizing:
1. Sleep and Rest
Sleep can feel elusive at this stage, but prioritizing restful patterns can support your energy, mood, and physical comfort. Experiment with supportive pillows, side-sleeping positions, and consistent bedtime routines whenever possible—even short naps can help reset your rhythm.
2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutrient-Dense Meals
With your baby’s growth still accelerating, nutrition remains central to your wellbeing. Aim for balanced meals that include:
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Lean proteins (for tissue growth and repair)
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Fiber-rich carbohydrates (to support digestion and bowel regularity)
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Healthy fats, including DHA-rich sources such as salmon or fortified foods
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Iron and calcium, which support blood volume and bone health
Also continue to take your prenatal vitamin consistently—it provides a foundation of micronutrient support that can help fill dietary gaps and keep your nutritional status stable.
3. Track Movement
Feelings of regular movement are reassuring. Some care providers recommend periodic “kick counts”—noting the time it takes to feel a set number of movements at the same time each day—to help track your baby’s activity patterns.
4. Self-Care for Discomfort
From heartburn to swelling, mild discomforts can feel cumulative by this stage:
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Small, frequent meals may reduce indigestion.
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Gentle stretching or prenatal yoga can ease tension.
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Elevating your feet during rest periods may ease swelling.
Listen to your body and adjust activity levels as needed; there’s no one-size-fits-all pace for pregnancy.
5. Discuss Third Trimester Planning
You’re close to 28 weeks aka the official start of the third trimester—which means more frequent prenatal visits are coming. Consider talking to your clinician about:
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Birth preferences or planning classes
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Signs of preterm labor
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Vaccinations recommended later in pregnancy
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Any lingering symptoms like restful leg discomfort or heartburn
When to Contact Your Care Provider
Some symptoms are typical at 27 weeks, but it’s important to connect with your healthcare provider if you experience:
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Severe abdominal pain or bleeding
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Significant decrease in baby movement
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Sudden or extreme swelling of face or hands
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Headaches or visual disturbances
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Signs of contractions that are regular and painful
These could be signs of complications that deserve prompt evaluation.
The Takeaway
At 27 weeks pregnant, you’ve reached a meaningful milestone: the end of your second trimester and the threshold of the home stretch. Your baby’s brain, lungs, and nervous system are refining rapidly, and your body continues to adapt to the reality of supporting this growth.
Although symptoms can feel more intense and sleep less reliable, this week is also an opportunity to tune into your body, prioritize nourishment (both nutritional and emotional), and prepare for the transition into the third trimester.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. 2nd trimester pregnancy: what to expect.
2. What to Expect. 27 Weeks Pregnant.
3. Babylist. 27 Weeks.
4. The Bump. 27 Weeks.
