27 Weeks Pregnant

27 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

You’ve made it to the last week of your second trimester!

Your baby is working on her kicks and stretches, and she’s starting to make grasping motions. She’s also starting to smile, especially when she’s sleeping. And there's more: After being fused shut for more than four months, your baby's eyelids can open again. Your little one can see the lights and shadows around her.

Your baby may be starting to recognize familiar voices around about now, most notably yours. At the sound of your voice, her heart rate may slow down, meaning she’s calm and relaxed.

Your baby’s tiny lungs and liver and her immune system still have a way to go before they’re completely developed, but she’s steadily gaining weight and fat. At this point, your baby looks like the fully formed infant you’ll see at birth, only smaller.

Know that at 27 weeks pregnant, your baby’s position in your uterus can change, and she may continue to change positions up until the end of your pregnancy.

The end is in sight now!

The Size of the Fetus at 27 Weeks Pregnant

At 27 weeks, the average fetus is about the size of a cauliflower. Although this is just an illustration, it does give you a sense of how your little one is growing and developing. What a cutie!

Mom’s Body at 27 Weeks Pregnant

You’re probably still adjusting to your changing size and pregnancy weight gain, and you may notice a few new aches and pains as your belly grows.

If you’re wondering how many months along you are at 27 weeks pregnant, you’re in either your sixth or seventh month, as the weeks don't fit evenly into months.

By now, your fundal height — the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus — likely measures about 27 centimeters. This number usually corresponds to the number of weeks you are pregnant, but your healthcare provider will probably measure you at each visit to check on the size of your uterus and the growth progress of your baby.

It may be helpful to read up on some topics like how to manage pain during labor and Braxton Hicks contractions versus true labor contractions. Learning more about what to expect can boost your confidence as your due date nears.

You may have a bit of anxiety now that you’re in the home stretch of your pregnancy. You can try to ease your fears by reading up on all things related to labor, delivery, and the early days of parenthood.

Don’t forget to have a little fun along the way — it might help take your mind off any worries you have. Practicing yoga and making sure to get enough sleep at night are some other great strategies for combating stress.

27 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

At 27 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

• Pelvic bone pain. During pregnancy, hormones cause certain joints and ligaments to loosen — this is your body preparing itself for labor. The joint connecting the two halves of your pelvis becomes more flexible around this time, and this can sometimes cause pelvic pain. Try to avoid standing for long periods of time, and don't do any heavy lifting.

• Constipation. Difficult or infrequent bowel movements can also crop up at this point in your pregnancy. The hormone progesterone can slow your digestion, and your growing uterus can also put pressure on your rectum. To try and prevent or alleviate this symptom, make sure to stay hydrated and include high-fiber foods in your diet. Fruits and veggies, whole-grain breads, and cereals are all good high-fiber options. You can also ask your healthcare provider for safe over-the-counter remedies that may help.

• Vaginal discharge. A clear or whitish vaginal discharge is normal, and may even increase during your pregnancy. However, if you notice changes in its color, consistency, or odor, it may indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any such changes. Your provider will assess your symptoms and, if necessary, recommend treatment.

• Skin pigmentation changes. Throughout your pregnancy, your body ramps up its production of melanin, which is the pigment that can make skin appear darker. You may notice your nipples are darker, and you may have developed a dark vertical line called the linea nigra running from your belly button downward. Some moms-to-be also get brownish patches on the cheeks, nose, and forehead called chloasma. These changes in skin tone are usually temporary and should fade after you give birth. Be sure to stay out of the sun, or, if you must go out, protect yourself as much as possible. UV exposure can exacerbate these dark patches.

• Vivid dreams. It’s not uncommon to have some strange dreams during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. These can be entertaining but may sometimes interfere with getting a good night's sleep. To help you snooze more soundly, have a high-protein snack before bed to keep your blood sugar levels up. Some good high-protein options include a little peanut butter or cheese.

• Cramping. If you experience abdominal cramping (with or without diarrhea) at 27 weeks pregnant or going forward, this could be a sign of preterm labor. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any abdominal cramps.

27 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

• How is your exercise routine going? If you're searching for another way to get moving, consider making swimming a part of your regular fitness activities, especially at 27 weeks pregnant when your belly is continuing to grow. Swimming offers a great cardio workout, is easier on your joints than other forms of exercise, and may help alleviate any aches and pains you may be feeling. If you’re pregnant during the hot summer months, swimming could be a great way to keep cool when you’re feeling less than comfortable.

• Now is the time to let your healthcare provider know if you would like to collect and store your baby’s cord blood. Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after birth and contains stem cells that may be used to treat certain diseases. You may be eligible to donate to a public cord blood bank, in which case, your baby’s cord blood would be available to be used by anyone who is considered a match, similar to a blood bank. Or you may wish to store your baby’s cord blood in a private bank, which charges fees for collection and storage. Note that there is a very low likelihood that your baby’s cord blood would be effective in treating any diseases or conditions she or other immediate family members might face. Your provider will be able to give you more information about cord blood banking and the options that may be available to you.

• If preliminary blood tests showed that you are Rh negative, your provider may give you a shot of Rh immune globulin sometime in weeks 24 to 28 in case your baby is positive. This will keep your body from producing antibodies to any of your baby's blood cells that may have crept into your circulation. Your baby will be tested right after birth; if she is positive, you'll be given another shot of Rh immune globulin to protect future pregnancies.

• Use this time to think of some of the finer details of your birth plan, if you’re having one. For example, if you would like your birth partner to have the magical experience of cutting the umbilical cord, ask your healthcare provider about this in advance, as there probably won’t be time to discuss it at the moment of delivery. Check with your birth partner as well, to make sure they feel comfortable with it. Keep in mind that no birth is entirely predictable, but your midwife and provider will do what they can to ensure your preferences are followed, whenever it’s safe to do so.

• If your nesting instincts are kicking in, you might like to use this time to do some things around the home, whether it’s organizing wardrobes, writing a list of any little things that need fixing around the home, or getting started with baby proofing. Don’t overdo it though – always make time for some rest, and ask for help for anything that might be dangerous for you to do right now – like scaling a ladder, for example.

27 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Doctor

• Are you at risk of gestational diabetes?

• Do you need a glucose test?

• Where can you get more information about infant CPR training?

• Are there any resources to help you find a pediatrician or other healthcare provider for your baby?

• How is your weight for 27 weeks pregnant? If you’re not on track, how can you achieve healthy pregnancy weight gain?

• Are you at a high risk of preterm labor? You can read up on the signs of preterm labor here.

• Do you recommend a 3D or 4D ultrasound?

• Should you be counting fetal movements?

• Will you need the Tdap vaccine?

27 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

• If you haven’t already, you may want to put together a baby registry to make sure you have everything you need before your baby arrives. If you’ll be having a baby shower thrown in your honor, your host or hostess may want to share your registry with guests, either with the shower invitations or separately.

• Make sure any baby gear and furniture you plan to use, like the crib, changing table, and car seat, meet the latest safety standards. You might want to check for any recent product recalls, and do plenty of research before buying new or used baby products. Consumer Reports is a reputable place to start.

• If you’re interested in hiring a trained labor coach, also known as a doula, to assist with your labor, ask your healthcare provider for recommendations and start interviewing candidates. A doula can provide valuable emotional support and advice during and after labor.