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Written by

Gina Conley, MS

27 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect for You and Baby

  • Motherhood, Pregnancy

Table of Contents

Welcome to Week 27 of your pregnancy journey! At 27 weeks pregnant, you’re finishing up the final week of the second trimester, and you may be experiencing a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a few discomforts. Here, we’ll cover what to expect for both you and your baby during this week, along with some personal insights from my own experience as I navigate my fourth pregnancy.

Explore Our Prenatal Fitness Programs

What's Happening with Your Baby

At 27 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a head of cabbage/cauliflower. Here’s a glimpse into your baby’s development:

  1. Eyes & Muscles: Your baby is practicing opening and closing their eyes, and their muscles are strengthening with increased movement. Think of it as a mini workout session happening in there!

  2. Brainstem Maturity: The baby’s brainstem, which regulates essential functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, is now fully developed. While the rest of the brain continues to grow, this milestone is crucial for survival.

  3. Hearing Milestones: Baby’s hearing has improved to the point where they can distinguish between different voices. Although sounds are still muffled by layers of tissue and amniotic fluid, they’re starting to recognize the familiar voices of family members.

Changes You Might Experience at 27 Weeks Pregnant

As your baby grows, your body continues to adjust. Here are some common experiences during Week 27:

Blood Pressure Changes

  • Natural Fluctuations: During the first two trimesters, you might have noticed that your blood pressure was lower than usual. As you enter the third trimester, it will gradually return to your pre-pregnancy levels.
  • When to Be Concerned: Monitor your blood pressure closely. If readings exceed 140/90 mm Hg or if you experience symptoms like persistent headaches, right upper quadrant or epigastric pain, sudden swelling (pitting edema), or any unusual signs, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as you may have a condition known as preeclampsia.

 

**For more on preeclampsia, read our Blog!**

Round Ligament Discomfort

  • What It Is: Round ligament pain (or “lightning crotch”) is common as your uterus grows and stretches the ligaments connecting it to your pelvis. You might feel sharp or pulling sensations, especially when moving quickly or changing positions.
  • Managing the Pain:
    • Stretch and Support: Gentle hip flexor and psoas stretches can relieve tension.
    • Belly Bands: Using a supportive belly band, like my favorite from LoveSteady, can also help reduce discomfort (use code MAMASTEFIT for 15% off!).
    • Targeted Care: Some moms find relief with prenatal massage or chiropractic adjustments that focus on the round ligaments.

Pelvic Floor and Incontinence

  • Unexpected Leaks: Increased pressure on the pelvic floor may cause stress urinary incontinence—leaking when you cough, sneeze, or even laugh. While it’s common, it isn’t something you have to simply accept.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Mindful Positioning: Shifting your hips and adjusting your stance (for example, moving from a wide-legged position to a more neutral one) can help reduce leaks.
    • Professional Guidance: If incontinence becomes a frequent issue, consider working with a pelvic floor physical therapist. Virtual classes or sessions, like those offered through pelvicrehab.com, can provide personalized strategies.
Programs that can help
App program · 40 weeksPrenatal Strength TrainingA gym-based program that syncs to your current week of pregnancy — four strength sessions plus one pelvic stability workout a week, with demo videos for every exercise.Learn moreOn-demand video · 128 workoutsPrenatal Workout On-DemandFollow-along workouts from week 5 to week 41, four or five a week with guided warm-ups and cool-downs — over 128 sessions coached in real time alongside the video.Learn moreBundle · lifetime accessMamasteFit BundlesCombine courses and programs for lifetime access and save up to 15% — grouped for birth preparation, the third trimester, or the whole pre and postnatal journey.Learn more

My Personal Experience in Week 27

Navigating the 27th week of pregnancy while already being a mother to three has been a unique journey filled with its own set of challenges and joys. Here are some more personal insights:

  • Prenatal Appointments: I had my final second trimester prenatal visit with my home birth midwife. It was a fun and interactive session where even my older children got involved—listening to baby’s heartbeat, measuring my belly, and even helping to wipe off ultrasound gel.
  • Travel Tips: Recently, I took a cross-country flight for work. Here are some travel tips for comfort during pregnancy:
    • Hydration and Snacks: Bring a refillable water bottle and healthy snacks.
    • Frequent Movement: Stand up and walk around at least once an hour to promote circulation.
    • Supportive Gear: Use a deflated Coregeous ball as back support and wear a supportive belly band throughout the flight.
    • Compression Socks: Consider wearing them to reduce the risk of blood clots, especially if you’re on a long-haul journey.
  • Preparing for the Third Trimester: As I gear up for my third trimester, I plan to focus even more on birth preparation and prenatal fitness. 12 more weeks might feel long, but it’s ample time to care for your body!

Conclusion

Week 27 marks a significant milestone as you wrap up the second trimester and prepare to enter the final stretch of your pregnancy. With your baby’s exciting development and a range of physical changes in your body, it’s important to stay informed, proactive, and connected with your support network.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique. If you’re experiencing discomforts like round ligament pain or urinary incontinence, there are plenty of resources available—from simple self-care tips to professional guidance. Your journey is personal, and taking care of yourself now sets the stage for a healthier, more empowered transition into the third trimester and beyond.

If you’re looking for more support during your pregnancy, consider exploring our online prenatal fitness programs and childbirth education courses. You can bundle these for additional savings!

Programs that can help
On-demand video · 30 workoutsCore, Pelvic Floor & Pelvic StabilityThirty follow-along workouts across beginner, novice, and advanced levels, ten per level — core and pelvic floor strength for pain relief in pregnancy or postpartum.Learn moreVideo course · 9+ hoursChildbirth EducationOver nine hours of video on contractions, comfort measures, pushing, and recovery — so you walk into labor knowing what's happening and what your options are at each stage.Learn moreVideo course · 7 modulesPrepare Your Pelvic Floor For BirthSeven modules on releasing the pelvic floor rather than only strengthening it — breathing drills, thoracic and pelvic mobility, and how to relax it during labor.Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you 7 months pregnant at 27 weeks?
Not quite yet! At 27 weeks pregnant, you're finishing up the final week of the second trimester — right around the six-month mark. Month seven begins as you move into the third trimester at week 28. Week-to-month counting can vary a little depending on the guide you follow, so don't be surprised if you see it mapped slightly differently.
What are signs of a healthy pregnancy at 27 weeks?
Plenty of baby movement is a great sign at 27 weeks — baby is strengthening their muscles with what feels like mini workout sessions in there. It's also normal for your blood pressure to gradually return to pre-pregnancy levels as you head into the third trimester, and common discomforts like round ligament pain usually just mean your body is making space for your growing baby. That said, if your blood pressure readings exceed 140/90 mm Hg or you experience persistent headaches, sudden swelling, or upper abdominal pain, contact your provider — these can be signs of preeclampsia.
Does the 3rd trimester start at 27 or 28 weeks?
Week 27 is the final week of your second trimester, so the third trimester begins at week 28. Some week-by-week guides group week 27 into the third trimester, which is why you may see both — either way, you're right at the transition into the final stretch of your pregnancy.
Is your baby fully developed at 27 weeks?
Not fully — but some big milestones are behind you! By 27 weeks, baby's brainstem, which regulates essential functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, is fully developed — a crucial milestone for survival. The rest of the brain continues to grow, and baby is busy practicing opening and closing their eyes, strengthening their muscles with increased movement, and even learning to recognize familiar voices.
Which is the toughest month in pregnancy?
Every pregnancy is unique, but many mamas find the last month of pregnancy the hardest mentally — that "any day now… but probably not" phase can feel long. In Roxanne's third trimester reflections, she shares what those final weeks really feel like and how she navigated them. Wherever you find your toughest stretch, support and preparation can make a real difference.