27 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development & What to Expect

How Big Is My Baby at 27 Weeks Pregnant?

At 27 weeks pregnant, your baby measures approximately 37 centimeters (14.5 inches) from head to heel and weighs just under 1 kilogram (about 2 pounds). Your baby is now roughly the size of a head of cauliflower and continues to grow rapidly as they prepare for life outside the womb.

The 27th week of pregnancy represents a significant milestone in fetal development. Your baby has been growing steadily throughout the second trimester and will continue to gain weight and length throughout the remaining weeks of pregnancy. At this point, there is still plenty of room in the uterus for your baby to move around freely, though this space will become more limited as your pregnancy progresses into the later weeks of the third trimester.

Your baby's body proportions are becoming more balanced. Earlier in pregnancy, the head was much larger relative to the body, but now the limbs and torso have caught up, giving your baby a more newborn-like appearance. The skin is still somewhat wrinkled because your baby hasn't yet accumulated enough subcutaneous fat, but this will change significantly over the coming weeks as fat deposits build up beneath the skin.

The lungs continue to mature, though they are not yet fully developed. Surfactant production is increasing, which is crucial for lung function after birth. While babies born at 27 weeks can survive with intensive medical care, the lungs and other organs continue to develop and mature throughout the third trimester, making every additional week in the womb beneficial for your baby's health outcomes.

Hair and Appearance

One of the exciting developments at this stage involves your baby's hair. Some babies will be born with a full head of hair, while others will have little to no hair at all. The amount of hair your baby has at birth is largely determined by genetics and varies considerably from one baby to another. Around week 27, hair follicles are active, and the hair that will be visible at birth is beginning to grow.

Your baby is also covered in lanugo, a fine, downy hair that helps regulate body temperature and protect the delicate skin. Much of this lanugo will shed before birth, though some premature babies may still have visible lanugo when they are born. Additionally, vernix caseosa, a creamy white substance that protects the skin from the amniotic fluid, continues to coat your baby's body.

Brain Development

The brain is developing rapidly at 27 weeks. The surface of the brain is becoming more grooved and folded, increasing the surface area and allowing for more neural connections. Your baby's brain activity is becoming more complex, and sleep cycles are becoming more defined. Research suggests that babies at this gestational age may even experience REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is associated with dreaming in older children and adults.

What Does Fetal Movement Feel Like at 27 Weeks?

At 27 weeks, you should feel regular fetal movements including kicks, rolls, stretches, and hiccups. Many babies are more active in the evening hours. You may even feel a small foot pressing against your belly as your baby tests their growing strength, and can sometimes push back gently when you feel the pressure.

Fetal movement is one of the most reassuring and exciting aspects of pregnancy. By week 27, you've likely been feeling your baby's movements for several weeks, and these movements are becoming stronger and more distinct. The sensation of feeling your baby move is often described as one of the highlights of pregnancy, making the experience feel more real and creating a sense of connection with your unborn child.

There is still ample room in the uterus at 27 weeks for your baby to move freely. You may notice your baby performing various movements throughout the day, including gentle rolls from side to side, strong kicks that may even be visible through your clothing, stretching movements that may create odd shapes on your belly, and rhythmic movements that indicate hiccups.

Many parents find it fascinating to observe their baby's movement patterns. You might notice that your baby seems to be more active at certain times of day, often in the evening when you're resting. This is partly because your movements during the day can rock your baby to sleep, and when you stop moving, they tend to wake up. Additionally, changes in your blood sugar levels after eating can affect your baby's activity levels.

Feeling Your Baby's Feet

At 27 weeks, you may start to feel more defined body parts pressing against your belly. Sometimes you can feel what appears to be a small foot pushing outward as your baby stretches and exercises their developing muscles. This is your baby testing their strength and practicing movements that will be important after birth. Some parents enjoy gently pressing back when they feel these movements, creating an early form of interaction with their baby.

When you press gently where you feel movement, you may feel your baby respond by pushing back or shifting position. This type of interaction can be a wonderful way for partners and family members to connect with the baby as well. While we can't know exactly what babies perceive in the womb, these moments of connection are meaningful for many expectant parents.

Monitoring Fetal Movement

While you don't need to count kicks obsessively at 27 weeks, it's important to become familiar with your baby's normal patterns of movement. Every baby has their own rhythm of activity and rest. What matters most is that you're feeling consistent movement throughout the day and that you notice if your baby's patterns change significantly.

If you notice a significant decrease in your baby's movements or if you're concerned about your baby's activity patterns, contact your healthcare provider. They may want to perform monitoring to ensure your baby is doing well. Remember that factors like your own activity level, the position of the placenta, and the time of day can all affect how much movement you perceive.

What Symptoms Are Common at 27 Weeks Pregnant?

Common symptoms at 27 weeks include heartburn, nasal congestion, swollen feet and ankles, constipation, shortness of breath, and Braxton Hicks contractions. The growing uterus now sits between your navel and ribcage, which can cause various discomforts as your body adjusts to support your growing baby.

As you enter the third trimester, your body continues to undergo significant changes to support your growing baby. These changes can bring new symptoms or intensify ones you've experienced earlier in pregnancy. Understanding what's normal can help you feel more prepared and know when to seek medical advice.

The uterus has expanded considerably by week 27, with its uppermost part (the fundus) now positioned between your navel and your ribcage. This growth puts pressure on surrounding organs and tissues, contributing to many of the symptoms experienced during this stage of pregnancy. Your body is also producing more blood to support the pregnancy, which can contribute to symptoms like swelling and shortness of breath.

Digestive Symptoms

Heartburn and acid reflux are particularly common at this stage. The growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach, pushing stomach contents upward. Additionally, pregnancy hormones relax the valve between the esophagus and stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to rise. To manage heartburn, try eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, not lying down immediately after eating, and sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated.

Constipation affects many pregnant women and can be especially bothersome in the third trimester. Pregnancy hormones slow down the digestive system, and the growing uterus can put pressure on the intestines. Iron supplements, which are commonly prescribed during pregnancy, can also contribute to constipation. Increasing your fiber intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying physically active can all help alleviate this symptom.

Nasal Congestion

Many pregnant women experience nasal congestion, often called "pregnancy rhinitis." This occurs because increased blood volume and hormonal changes cause the mucous membranes in the nose to swell. You may feel like you have a constant stuffy nose even without a cold. Using a humidifier, saline nasal spray, or taking warm showers can help provide relief. Avoid over-the-counter decongestants unless specifically approved by your healthcare provider.

Swelling

Swollen feet, ankles, and legs are very common in the third trimester. This swelling, called edema, occurs because your body retains more fluid during pregnancy, and the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins returning blood from your lower body. To reduce swelling, elevate your feet when possible, avoid standing for long periods, wear comfortable shoes, and stay hydrated. While mild swelling is normal, sudden or severe swelling, especially in the face or hands, should be reported to your healthcare provider as it can be a sign of preeclampsia.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

You may start experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, often called "practice contractions," around this time. These are irregular contractions of the uterus that feel like a tightening or hardening of the belly. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks are irregular, don't get progressively stronger or closer together, and usually stop when you change position or activity. They're considered a normal part of pregnancy and help prepare the uterus for labor.

How Can I Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy?

To relieve constipation during pregnancy, increase your fluid intake to 8-10 glasses of water daily, eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, stay physically active with regular gentle exercise, and don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. If lifestyle changes don't help, consult your healthcare provider about safe options.

Constipation is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, affecting up to 40% of pregnant women at some point. The causes are multifactorial and include hormonal changes that slow digestive transit, pressure from the growing uterus on the intestines, iron supplements commonly prescribed during pregnancy, reduced physical activity, and changes in diet and fluid intake.

While constipation is uncomfortable, it's usually not harmful to you or your baby. However, chronic constipation can lead to hemorrhoids, which are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that can cause pain and bleeding. Taking steps to prevent and manage constipation can help you avoid these complications.

Dietary Changes

Increasing your fiber intake is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat constipation. Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily from foods such as whole grains (oatmeal, whole wheat bread, brown rice), fruits (especially prunes, apples, pears with skin), vegetables (broccoli, carrots, leafy greens), legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), and nuts and seeds.

When increasing fiber intake, do so gradually to avoid bloating and gas. It's also important to increase your fluid intake alongside fiber, as fiber works by absorbing water to add bulk to stool. Without adequate fluids, increasing fiber can actually worsen constipation.

Hydration

Drinking enough fluids is essential for preventing constipation. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water or other fluids daily. Water is the best choice, but you can also count herbal teas, soups, and water-rich fruits and vegetables toward your fluid intake. Limit caffeinated beverages as they can have a diuretic effect.

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements by encouraging the natural contractions of the intestines. Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are all excellent options for pregnant women. Even a short daily walk can make a significant difference in bowel regularity. Always discuss any exercise program with your healthcare provider to ensure it's appropriate for your individual situation.

Other Helpful Strategies

Respond promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement. Delaying can cause the stool to become harder and more difficult to pass. Establishing a regular bathroom routine, such as trying to have a bowel movement at the same time each day, can also be helpful. Some women find it helpful to prop their feet on a small stool while on the toilet, which can help align the body for easier elimination.

What If I'm Anxious About Giving Birth?

Feeling anxious about childbirth is completely normal and very common. If your fear is severe and affecting your daily life, this is called tokophobia (fear of childbirth) and professional support is available. Prenatal classes, talking with your healthcare provider, and mental health support can all help you prepare for and cope with delivery.

It's entirely normal to have thoughts and concerns about your upcoming labor and delivery. Pregnancy involves preparing for one of life's most significant experiences, and some anxiety is a natural part of this process. Many expectant parents wonder what labor will feel like, whether they'll be able to cope with the pain, whether their baby will be healthy, and how the delivery will unfold.

For most people, these concerns are manageable and don't significantly interfere with daily life or their ability to enjoy the pregnancy. However, for some, the fear of childbirth can become overwhelming. When fear of childbirth is severe and persistent, significantly affecting a person's wellbeing and daily functioning, it's known as tokophobia.

Understanding Tokophobia

Tokophobia is more than just normal nervousness about labor. People with tokophobia may experience intense anxiety or panic when thinking about childbirth, avoidance behaviors (such as avoiding prenatal appointments or discussions about delivery), difficulty sleeping due to worries about labor, inability to enjoy the pregnancy, and physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or nausea when thinking about delivery.

Tokophobia can occur in people who have never given birth (primary tokophobia) or in those who have had a previous traumatic birth experience (secondary tokophobia). It's more common than many people realize, and effective treatments are available.

Getting Support

If you're experiencing significant anxiety about childbirth, it's important to reach out for support. Your healthcare provider can discuss your concerns and may refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in perinatal mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be particularly effective for fear of childbirth.

Prenatal education classes can also be helpful. Learning about what to expect during labor and delivery, understanding your pain relief options, and practicing coping techniques can all help reduce anxiety. Many people find that knowledge and preparation help them feel more in control.

Discussing your birth preferences with your healthcare team can also be reassuring. Understanding your options and knowing that your preferences will be respected can help reduce anxiety. Some people with severe fear of childbirth may choose to have a planned cesarean section, though this decision should be made in consultation with healthcare providers after thorough discussion of the risks and benefits.

Coping Strategies

There are several strategies that can help manage anxiety about childbirth. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, can help calm the nervous system. Talking about your fears with a supportive partner, friend, or professional can help you process your emotions. Focusing on the aspects of labor you can control, such as choosing your support team and preparing a birth plan, can provide a sense of empowerment.

Remember that you're not alone in your fears, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With appropriate support, many people are able to significantly reduce their fear and have a positive birth experience.

Why Is Physical Activity Important During Pregnancy?

Regular physical activity during pregnancy provides numerous benefits including improved mood, better sleep, reduced pregnancy discomforts, preparation for labor, and faster postpartum recovery. Choose activities you enjoy that are safe for pregnancy, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, and aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

Staying physically active during pregnancy is beneficial for both you and your baby, assuming you have a healthy pregnancy and your healthcare provider has approved exercise. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women without complications get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Regular exercise during pregnancy offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. Physically active pregnant women often experience reduced back pain and other discomforts, improved posture and body mechanics, better weight management, reduced risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, improved cardiovascular fitness, and potentially shorter labor and fewer delivery complications.

The mental health benefits are equally significant. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Many pregnant women also report better sleep quality and increased energy levels when they maintain a regular exercise routine.

Safe Activities During Pregnancy

Many activities are safe to continue or start during pregnancy. Choose activities that don't involve a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma. Some excellent options include walking (one of the easiest ways to get aerobic exercise), swimming and water aerobics (the buoyancy of water supports your weight and reduces strain on joints), stationary cycling (lower risk of falling compared to outdoor cycling), prenatal yoga and pilates (modified for pregnancy), and low-impact aerobics.

If you were active before pregnancy, you can likely continue many of your usual activities with modifications as needed. If you weren't regularly active before pregnancy, start slowly and gradually increase your activity level. Always listen to your body and stop if you experience warning signs such as vaginal bleeding, regular painful contractions, amniotic fluid leakage, dizziness or feeling faint, shortness of breath before starting exercise, chest pain, or headache.

Activities to Avoid

Certain activities should be avoided during pregnancy due to increased risk of injury. These include contact sports (basketball, soccer, hockey), activities with high fall risk (skiing, horseback riding, gymnastics), hot yoga or exercising in hot, humid environments, scuba diving, and exercises that involve lying flat on your back for extended periods after the first trimester.

As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to modify your activities to accommodate your changing body. This is normal and doesn't mean you need to stop exercising. Many women find that they naturally adjust their activity level and intensity as their pregnancy advances.

When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, regular contractions before 37 weeks, significantly reduced fetal movement, fluid leaking from the vagina, severe headache with vision changes, or fever. These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation to ensure your and your baby's safety.

While most pregnancies progress without serious complications, it's important to know which symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Being informed helps you respond appropriately and ensures you get timely care when needed.

Emergency Warning Signs

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms. Vaginal bleeding, especially if it's heavy or accompanied by pain, requires prompt evaluation. While some light spotting can be normal, any significant bleeding should be assessed by a healthcare provider.

Severe abdominal pain that doesn't subside or is accompanied by other symptoms may indicate a serious condition and should be evaluated immediately. Regular, painful contractions occurring before 37 weeks could indicate preterm labor. Preterm labor can sometimes be stopped if caught early, so prompt evaluation is important.

Significant decrease in fetal movement should always be reported to your healthcare provider. While babies have quiet periods, a noticeable reduction in movement can sometimes indicate a problem. Fluid leaking from the vagina may indicate that your membranes have ruptured (your water has broken). This requires evaluation regardless of how far along you are in pregnancy.

Signs of preeclampsia include severe headache that doesn't respond to normal pain relief, visual disturbances (blurred vision, seeing spots, or sensitivity to light), sudden severe swelling in the face, hands, or feet, and upper abdominal pain, especially on the right side. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can progress rapidly and requires immediate medical attention.

Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) can indicate infection and should be evaluated. Some infections during pregnancy can affect the baby if left untreated.

Non-Emergency Concerns

While the symptoms above require immediate attention, there are other concerns that should be discussed with your healthcare provider at your next appointment or via phone. These include persistent or severe headaches, swelling that seems to be getting worse, increased vaginal discharge (especially if it has an unusual color or odor), pain or burning during urination, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or liquids down, and any new symptoms that concern you.

Remember, your healthcare provider would always rather hear from you with a concern that turns out to be nothing serious than not hear from you about something that needs attention. Trust your instincts. You know your body best, and if something doesn't feel right, it's always appropriate to seek guidance.