27 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Fetus ~36.6 cm (head of lettuce), weight ~875 g [1]. Brain very active — REM sleep begins (yes, baby may dream). Lungs maturing rapidly: surfactant production increasing, breathing motions regular. Eyes: open, can blink, sense light, may turn toward light source. Body fat increasing (~3% of body now). Skin: still some wrinkles, less translucent. Taste buds active — swallowing amniotic fluid, tasting what mom ate. Movement: kicks, rolls, somersaults, hiccups. Third trimester begins next week [2].

Pregnancy Symptoms

Energy may wane. Symptoms: backache, heartburn, constipation, leg cramps, swelling (feet/ankles/fingers), headaches, Braxton Hicks. Uterus ~7 cm above navel. Kicks very active, visible from outside. Round ligament pain, sciatica, pelvic pain (SPD). Heartburn worse. Restless legs, hemorrhoids, carpal tunnel. Heart rate 80-100 bpm. Shortness of breath. Snissing. Skin itching (PUPPP possible) [2].

Body Changes

Uterus ~7 cm above navel, between navel and sternum. Weight gain: 19-26 lbs by week 27 typical. Bump clearly visible. Stretch marks, linea nigra, melasma, visible veins, varicose veins. Breasts 2 cup sizes up, colostrum may leak. Possible “pregnancy mask” (melasma). Skin tags possible. Possible PUPPP rash [2].

Tips for Week 27

• Last week of second trimester — savor the energy while it lasts. Third trimester brings more physical demand.
• TDap vaccine — at 27-36 weeks (every pregnancy, even if you’ve had it before). Passes antibodies to baby, protecting in first months.
• Begin thinking about labor/birth preferences — written birth plan, but flexible. Pain management (epidural, nitrous, natural), positions, support people, environment. Discuss with OB.
• Address leg cramps at night — magnesium glycinate (200-400 mg), calcium (1,000 mg/day), stretch calves before bed (wall push-up), stay hydrated.

Things To Do (Checklist)

• Get TDap vaccine (27-36 weeks)
• Begin drafting birth plan/preferences
• Continue 150 min/week exercise
• Treat leg cramps (magnesium, calcium, stretching)
• Continue kick counting (10 in 2 hrs daily)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I need TDap every pregnancy? A: Antibodies wane. Tdap at 27-36 wk passes protection to baby for first months of life (until baby’s own vaccines kick in). Protects against pertussis (whooping cough), which is dangerous for newborns [1].

Q: How do I write a birth plan? A: Think preferences, not requirements. Pain management, positions, support people, environment (lights, music), immediate postpartum (skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping, breastfeeding). Discuss with OB at next visit. Be flexible [2].

Q: My belly is itching badly. Is that PUPPP? A: Could be. Common. Distinguish from cholestasis (liver issue, second/third trimester, severe itching especially palms/soles, no rash) — cholestasis needs medical attention [1].

For Dads

• Discuss birth plan with your partner — pain management, who’s in the room, photos/video, who announces. Be aligned before the day.
• Research pediatricians (round 2) — interview 2-3. Questions: hours, after-hours, hospital affiliation, vaccination policy, breast/formula support, on-call rotation.
• Build the “hospital run” plan — bag in car, route to hospital, parking, entrance (day/night), backup driver, what to grab last-minute.
• Read The Expectant Father Ch. 25 — birth, your role, decisions in the moment.
• Pray for the brain — REM sleep, dreaming, neural complexity, the architecture of personhood forming.

Sources

1. ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
2. Mayo Clinic — 27 Weeks Pregnant
3. What to Expect When You’re Expecting — Heidi Murkoff (Chapters 15-16: Second Trimester → Third)