Week 27 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a head of cauliflower
14.4 inches · 1.9 lbs
Baby this week
- •Eyes can open and close, and can detect light
- •Brain is developing rapidly with increased neural connections
- •Lungs are producing surfactant, a substance needed for breathing after birth
- •Hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes are becoming more defined
- •Can hiccup and respond to sounds and movement
You this week
- •Increased braxton hicks contractions as your body practices for labor
- •Growing belly making it harder to find comfortable sleeping positions
- •Shortness of breath as the baby pushes up on your diaphragm
- •Swelling in feet and ankles, especially in warm weather or by day's end
- •Back pain from shifting center of gravity and increased weight
- •Vivid dreams (partly due to sleep disruptions)
This week's tips
- •Practice different sleeping positions—try a pregnancy pillow between your knees and under your belly for support
- •Stay hydrated and elevate your feet when sitting to help reduce swelling
- •Take walks to ease back pain and keep your energy up, but listen to your body
- •Start thinking about your birth preferences and consider a childbirth class if you haven't already
- •Monitor baby's movement patterns and report any significant changes to your provider
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You're entering the final trimester soon, which means regular check-ups become more frequent and conversations about birth plans move into focus. Your baby's survival rate outside the womb has improved significantly, though they still need these final weeks to grow strong.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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