27 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Update & Tips

Hi mama! You’ve officially stepped into the 27th week of pregnancy, reaching quite close to your 3rd trimester. Your baby (and your excitement) is rapidly growing! This is a time for some major milestones both in your body and that of your baby. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what’s happening inside your body around this time and what developmental milestones you can expect your baby to achieve. We’ll also share tips on staying comfortable throughout this period.

So keep reading!

Baby At Week 27

Around week 27, your baby is growing faster than ever. They’re gaining more fat tissue and gradually changing their appearance from wrinkly to smoother and contoured. They have also developed a regular sleep pattern and can easily open and close their eyes. As their lungs fully mature, you may feel them having frequent hiccups, which is completely normal.

How Big Is Your Baby At 27 Weeks?

At 27 weeks, your baby measures 13 ¾ inches (35 cm) long, which is roughly the size of a cauliflower. And they weigh about 1 kilogram. All of their organs are fully developed and are quite prepared for life outside the womb.

Pregnancy Symptoms At Week 27

You might notice the following signs and symptoms around the 27th week of your pregnancy:

Swelling And Oedema

The increased blood volume, pressure of the growing uterus and hormonal changes can cause swelling and water retention in your body. This is quite evident in the legs, ankles and feet around the 27th week of pregnancy. While fluid retention around this time is quite normal, you must watch out for sudden or severe swelling, especially in your face, as this might be indicative of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication. 

Brackston Hicks Contractions

Also known as false labour, these are practice contractions that usually occur in the third trimester but might be experienced by some women as early as their second trimester. These contractions aren’t painful per se, but can cause discomfort. They are infrequent, unpredictable and non-rhythmic and do not increase in intensity as compared to actual contractions.

Bleeding Gums

Due to the hormonal changes, the blood flow to your gums increases, which makes them tender and prone to bleeding. In order to take care of your gums, it’s important that you practice good oral hygiene, avoid sugary drinks, and quit smoking. Additionally, you should switch to a soft toothbrush and brush in gentle, round strokes. If you get sick, it’s crucial that you rinse your mouth with water to prevent damage from the stomach acid.

Restless Legs

The uncomfortable sensation in your legs, which urges you to constantly keep moving them, is another common concern close to the third trimester of your pregnancy. This may happen due to hormonal changes or iron deficiency, and usually subsides on its own after the delivery of your baby.

Itchy Belly

As you approach your 27th week of pregnancy, your pregnant belly grows. And this leads to stretching, which eventually causes itching around your belly region. This is usually harmless and can be taken care of by moisturisers (also helps with stretch marks!). But if the itching is severe and happens on your hands and feet, it’s better to get it checked. This could be suggestive of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a liver condition that requires medical attention. 

Round Ligament Pain

As your belly expands during pregnancy, it causes stretching of your ligaments, which support the growing uterus. And this gives a feeling of sharp pain in the lower abdomen or groin area. The pain gets exacerbated when you cough, sneeze or make sudden movements. 

Stuffy Nose

The feeling of a stuffy or blocked nose may occur around your 27th week of pregnancy. This is usually triggered by the hormonal changes and increased blood flow in your nasal passages, which cause swelling and congestion in the airways. 

Thicker Hair

By the 27th week, your hair grows thicker, shinier and appears fuller, thanks to the increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy. The increased estrogen levels not just make your hair appear healthier but also cause more hair to grow on your scalp and other parts of the body. 

Urinary Incontinence

The hormonal changes affect your pelvic floor, and the growing uterus puts pressure on the urinary bladder. Both these factors cause you to experience urinary incontinence during the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy.  

Difficulty Sleeping

Your increasing belly size and the anxiousness of approaching the end of your pregnancy can make it harder for you to fall asleep. But a lack of sleep can be bad for your pregnancy and may even lead to pregnancy complications. So you must establish a good sleep routine. 

Piles

Piles or haemorrhoids are a common complaint towards the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. These are swollen rectal veins that occur due to increased blood volume, pressure from the growing uterus and frequent constipation. 

Your Pregnant Belly At 27 Weeks Of Pregnancy

Fundal height is a measure of the distance (in cm) between the pubic bone to the top of your uterus. It’s a reliable predictor of the size of your growing baby. At week 27, the expected fundal height is about 27 centimetres.

Tips For Your 27th Week Of Pregnancy

Here are some tips that will help you navigate the 27th week of pregnancy with ease:

Go For Regular Prenatal Visits

Regular doctor visits are essential during your 27th week of pregnancy. These can help your doctor keep track of both your and your baby’s health. It helps them monitor your baby’s growth, check your blood pressure, screen for gestational diabetes, and assess any signs of preterm labour.

Take Your Medicines Promptly

Taking necessary medications (like vitamins and iron) at this time can help fulfil any deficiency and prevent unwanted pregnancy complications. So you must follow the timetable religiously and set a reminder if you have to, so that you don’t miss out on any dose.

Do Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the uterus, bladder, and bowels. All this can not only ease labour but also support postpartum recovery and prevent complications (like prolapse).

Sleep In The Right Position

As sleeping becomes more difficult by week 27, you can try the following positions, which experts recommend:

• Sleep on your left side
• Keep your knees slightly bent
• Use a pillow between your knees or under your belly for support

Choose High Fibre Foods

A high fibre diet including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds is essential in the 27th week of your pregnancy. It helps promote smoother digestion and regular bowel movement, and can also help to regulate your blood sugar levels (in case you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes).

FAQs

What Trimester Is 27 Weeks?

At 27 weeks pregnant, you are entering the third trimester of pregnancy. This week marks the transition point between the second and third trimesters. From here on, your baby will experience rapid growth, and your body will continue to prepare for labor and delivery.

How safe is it to have a baby at 27 weeks?

While a birth at 27 weeks comes with risks, advancements in neonatal care have made it much safer, and many babies born at this stage grow up healthy with the right care and follow-up.

When am I officially 7 months pregnant?

You are officially 7 months pregnant when you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Month 6: Weeks 23 to 27
• Month 7: Weeks 28 to 31

So, once you complete 27 weeks and enter week 28, you are considered 7 months pregnant.

What Is My Baby's Weight In Kilograms At 27 Weeks Of Pregnancy?

At 27 weeks of pregnancy, your baby typically weighs around 875 to 1,000 grams, which is approximately 0.87 to 1 kilogram.

Keep in mind that every baby develops at their own pace, so this is just an average estimate.