Pregnancy week twenty-seven is an exciting one! You should feel your baby move more and more as they continue to grow and develop. This means lots of exciting flutters and kicks for you, along with disrupted sleep and possibly false labour contractions.
What else happens this week? That is what we are here to tell you. We have a complete, in-depth guide to week twenty-seven of pregnancy for you. Keep reading to see what happens, including your common symptoms, what an ultrasound will show, and more.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 27 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 27 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 27 Weeks?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 27 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 27 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is the size of a lettuce
- Your baby’s lungs are now able to breathe
- Your baby is gaining weight and looking less prune-like
- You might experience tiredness, stretch marks, or weight gain this week
- You might experience pelvic pain this week; exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles can help
- You might start purchasing baby gear ready for your new arrival
What Does It Mean To Be 27 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-seven weeks pregnant, you are finishing your second trimester and are about to enter your third trimester – the final trimester! Your baby continues to grow this week, and its movements might start to feel stronger. You might notice weight gain as your baby develops more fat, filling out their previously wrinkled skin.
Your baby continues to develop this week, with their lungs able to breathe! This is a huge leap from last week and increases your baby’s chances of survival should you have a preterm labor. Your growing belly might mean you need to size up your maternity clothes or switch to some stretchy dresses and leggings.
This week, your healthcare provider might invite you for some routine tests, or you might choose to pay for a private 4D scan. You might feel the excitement building as you inch closer to your due date, with many women considering their birth plan and what life will look like when they bring their new baby home.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 27 Weeks?
You can detect pregnancy at twenty-seven weeks, but you might get a false negative on any home pregnancy tests. Home pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. Your body increases its hCG production during the first few months of pregnancy, generating a positive pregnancy test result before the levels drop.
At twenty-seven weeks, your levels might not be high enough to generate a positive result, even though you have a visibly pregnant belly and can feel your baby kicking!
An ultrasound scan or blood test performed by your doctor can still confirm pregnancy at this stage.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an ultrasound at twenty-seven weeks if you want. Women having an uncomplicated pregnancy probably won’t be invited for an ultrasound this week, but you can pay for a private one if you wish. Some women choose to pay for a 4D scan this week, which allows you to see your baby’s facial features in incredible detail. What you will see on this scan depends on your baby’s position and if they move a lot during your appointment.
Women invited for an ultrasound at twenty-seven weeks will have their baby’s development monitored, their size measured, and any complications assessed. What happens at the ultrasound will depend on any complications you are experiencing. Your doctor or sonographer will offer more information and guidance about the ultrasound and anything they find.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You will be offered a glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes if you have not already been tested. This test monitors your blood sugar levels to check if you have developed gestational diabetes, a condition that rectifies itself after your baby arrives.
You might also be offered genetic screening tests if you haven’t already. These tests are optional and will check for any hereditary conditions your baby might have. Whether your doctor recommends them to you will depend on your family’s medical history. They check for conditions like cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs syndrome, and more.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at twenty-seven weeks. You can hear your baby’s heartbeat on an ultrasound, through a Doppler machine, or even a stethoscope on your stomach! It can take a few minutes to get the placement right, especially if your baby is moving a lot, so don’t panic if you don’t hear their heartbeat straight away.
Your baby’s heartbeat will sound quite fast, beating at roughly 140 beats per minute!
Is Pregnancy Viable At 27 Weeks?
A pregnancy can be viable at twenty-seven weeks, but your baby will need round-the-clock care. A pregnancy is considered viable when a baby can survive outside the womb. Your baby’s lungs can now breathe, and their organs are maturing, but they still aren’t done growing and developing. Your baby will still be very small and underweight if born at twenty-seven weeks.
But, the chances of them surviving are around 89%, according to Tommy’s. Your baby will likely spend some time in a neonatal intensive care unit after preterm labor. This is because they will need monitoring to ensure they continue to grow and develop outside of the womb.
As your pregnancy progresses, your chances of your baby surviving outside of the womb increase, while the chance of them developing any disabilities or condition decreases. While your baby would still be at risk when born at twenty-seven weeks, the risks are lower, and the chances of them surviving are higher, providing you access all the support your hospital can provide.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-seven weeks pregnant, common symptoms include tiredness or trouble sleeping, snoring, stretch marks, or pains on the side of your stomach. These pains are known as round ligament pains caused by your expanding uterus.
Snoring, or snoring more than usual during pregnancy, is common as your nasal passages swell and block. This does rectify itself after pregnancy.
Symptoms vary from woman to woman and can change daily, so don’t panic if you don’t experience these symptoms – it is normal to have some, none, or all at twenty-seven weeks pregnant!
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will drop this week, averaging between 1,400 and 53,000 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at twenty-seven weeks pregnant. You might notice pains on the side of your stomach as your uterus grows. Leg cramps are also common this week.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness typically happens during the first trimester of pregnancy, but some women still experience it at twenty-seven weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel tender or sore at twenty-seven weeks pregnant. They might also ache, feel full, or leak. You should wear breast pads to stop any leaking breast milk staining your bras.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout your pregnancy, including at twenty-seven weeks. You might crave unusual combinations or foods that you usually do not like.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at twenty-seven weeks pregnant, but this tends to happen later in pregnancy, when your baby drops in your body, putting pressure on your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common at twenty-seven weeks pregnant. Some women find adding a pregnancy pillow or sleeping with a pillow between their knees helps. Meditation can also help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
Napping throughout the day can also help you get the rest you need.
Will I Feel Bloated At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Bloating is a common symptom at twenty-seven weeks pregnant. Eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding eating late at night can help with bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are a common symptom at twenty-seven weeks pregnant. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy usually experience more headaches while pregnant than other women.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth can happen at twenty-seven weeks pregnant, but it is more common in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is common in the earlier months of pregnancy, but it can also happen at twenty-seven weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience shortness of breath or breathlessness at twenty-seven weeks pregnant. As your baby grows, it can restrict the space for your organs, including your lungs, making breathing harder. Avoiding lying on your back can help with this.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can happen at twenty-seven weeks pregnant and is completely normal. It is likely to be caused by food poisoning, an allergy, or a stomach bug rather than pregnancy.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen throughout your pregnancy, including at twenty-seven weeks. It should be white or milky with a little odour. Any changes to your discharge should be reported to your healthcare provider.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain is common at twenty-seven weeks pregnant, as your growing baby starts to add pressure to your body.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings are more common during the first trimester of pregnancy but can happen during your second trimester, too. Fluctuating hormone levels are the usual cause of mood swings.
Is Spotting Normal At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal at twenty-seven weeks pregnant. Light spotting or bleeding can occur at twenty-seven weeks and is not a cause for concern, but keep an eye on any changes. Report it to your doctor or midwife, especially if the bleeding becomes heavier or is accompanied by abdominal pain.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Other common pregnancy symptoms at twenty-seven weeks pregnant include the following:
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Spotty and oily skin
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Urine infections
- Vaginal infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Leg cramps
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Nosebleeds
- Backache
- Piles
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums
How Big Is A Baby At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-seven weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cauliflower, measuring 36.6cm from head to heel. Your baby’s development is progressing nicely, with your baby’s lungs now able to breathe! Your baby is also gaining weight, getting plumper every day!
Previously, your baby looked like a wrinkled prune, but that is all changing. As the folds of skin fill out with fat, they look more and more like a baby ready to be born.
Their organs continue to mature this week, gearing up for a life outside of your womb.
Can You Feel The Baby At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You can feel your baby move at twenty-seven weeks pregnant. As your pregnancy progresses, your baby’s movements will become stronger. Rather than flutters or bubbles, you might start to feel stronger movements, identifying when your baby turns or kicks you.
Your partner, family, and friends might also feel your baby move. You can usually feel your baby move through your stomach at the end of your second trimester and the start of your third, but some women feel the movements earlier. Stay still and have your partner or family place their hands on your stomach to see if they can detect any movements.
At this stage in your pregnancy, any decrease in movements from your baby or if your baby does not move throughout the day should be reported to your midwife or doctor immediately.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-seven weeks pregnant, a miscarriage is closed as a stillbirth. The common symptoms are a decrease in your baby’s movements, bleeding, abdominal pain, and any pregnancy symptoms disappearing. The abdominal pain might feel like period cramps or will be like contractions. This varies from woman to woman.
A stillbirth can come on suddenly, with your waters breaking, and you will go into labour. Some women do not realise they have miscarried until their ultrasound, where a heartbeat cannot be found. At this stage in your pregnancy, you will deliver your baby. Medication can be administered to trigger labour, or you might be able to wait for this to happen naturally.
Your doctor can support you through this and provide you with access to long-term support, too.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
The chance of a stillbirth at twenty-seven weeks is very low. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 1% of babies born in 2020 were stillborn, giving you a low chance of your baby being stillborn.
Of course, some factors increase your risk of a stillbirth. These include your weight, pregnancy complications, and any defects your baby might have. Your doctor can talk you through these and how they might impact your chance of a stillbirth.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions can be taken to maintain your health during week twenty-seven of pregnancy.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins this week. These will give your body the nutrients it needs to develop your baby and keep you healthy. You can purchase pregnancy multivitamins in most stores or online; speak to your doctor to see which ones they recommend.
You should look for a multivitamin with high Vitamin D levels if you are pregnant throughout the winter.
Enjoy A Healthy Diet
You should also eat a healthy and balanced diet this week. Weight gain is a part of pregnancy, but you still don’t need to consume any extra calories. Instead, focus on a healthy and balanced diet to give your body the fuel it needs.
A diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables should be consumed. Opt for wholewheat options, too, if you are struggling with constipation to increase your fibre intake.
Stay Hydrated
You should also stay hydrated and drink plenty of water during pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that drinking water during pregnancy aided digestion, formed the amniotic fluid around your baby, and circulated nutrients. They recommend drinking eight to twelve cups of water a day.
Stop Smoking
Smoking during pregnancy can be harmful to your baby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking while pregnant doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding, birth defects, and increases your baby’s chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop smoking during pregnancy.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-seven weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks as they can cause pregnancy complications. Research by the CDC found that drinking alcohol while pregnant can increase your chance of miscarriage, stillbirth, and a variety of intellectual, physical, and behavioural disabilities. Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking during pregnancy.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake during pregnancy to 200mg. Research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that consuming more than 300mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy can increase the risk of low birth weight and miscarriage or stillbirth. You should monitor your caffeine intake throughout pregnancy to ensure you do not exceed 200mg.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all supplements that your doctor has not recommended you take. Most supplement labels will state they are unsuitable for pregnant women to consume. You can check with your doctor to see if you should take any supplements, but it’s best to avoid any that you haven’t been told to take.
Can I Exercise While 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at twenty-seven weeks pregnant, but you might need to change your usual workout routine. At this stage in your pregnancy, swap out high-impact exercises and contact sports for low-impact ones. Walking, swimming, and yoga are considered safe at twenty-seven weeks pregnant.
When practising yoga, avoid certain positions where you could fall and hurt yourself. You can speak to your instructor if you attend classes to have the positions modified for you.
Is It Safe To Travel When 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You can travel at twenty-seven weeks pregnant, but you must take care. Speak to your doctor before travelling if you have any pregnancy complications, deep vein thrombosis, or high blood pressure. For long-haul or international flights, you should wear compression socks to prevent any swelling pain.
When travelling to another country, check if there are any vaccinations you need or advisories for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twenty-seven weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 27 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at twenty-seven weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to sleep or find that snoring wakes you up throughout the night. A pregnancy pillow can help you find a comfortable sleeping position, while snoring strips might help with your snoring. Sleeping on your side can also help with snoring during pregnancy.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 27 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep on your side at twenty-seven weeks pregnant, which is considered the safest sleeping position. It does not add any pressure to your stomach. You can bend your knees and legs and add additional pillows to your bump and in between your legs to make this position more comfortable, too.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 27 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date at twenty-seven weeks pregnant is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to calculate a due date. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days. This will give you an estimated due date based on the average forty-week pregnancy.
Your doctor or midwife will also give you a due date during your first ultrasound. This is based on your baby’s measurements and development, which determine how far into your pregnancy you are.
Remember, these due dates are just estimates rather than guaranteed delivery dates. Many women give birth after their due dates, so don’t panic if your due date passes without your baby’s arrival.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 27 Weeks Pregnant?
The main change you will notice this week is weight gain. Remember, it is normal to gain weight during pregnancy; you are growing another person. You might also feel bloated and constipated this week.
High-fibre foods like wholewheat pasta and brown bread can aid with this, alongside drinking plenty of water and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
You might also notice pelvic pain this week. The joint connecting the two halves of your pelvis starts to become more flexible at this point in your pregnancy as it prepares for labour. This can cause pain in your pelvic area. Avoiding standing for too long and doing any heavy lifting can also help. Some women also find exercises to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles helpful.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is continuing to produce pregnancy hormones like progesterone. These can make you feel constipated and bloated this week. Your stomach is also being squeezed by your baby, which can also make you feel bloated.
Your body is starting to prepare for labour now, and your pelvic joints might become more flexible. This does not happen for every woman at twenty-seven weeks, but it will happen over the coming weeks. Pelvic pain can come with this and is normal.
Your body is continuing to pump more blood around your body, too. The increased blood flow means it takes longer than normal for blood to circulate, leaving some women feeling dizzy and lightheaded, especially if they stand up too quickly.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips can help you prepare for the rest of your pregnancy or an upcoming one.
Create A Birth Plan
You should start thinking about your birth plan if you have not already. A birth plan is simply a plan for how you would like your labour and delivery to happen. Your midwife will ask you to consider your birth soon and fill in a birth plan form that will be used when you go into labour. It is worth mentioning that a birth plan is just that, a plan. Things can change, so it is essential to be flexible.
This week, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want a home birth?
- Do I want a hospital birth? What options are available to me at the hospital (water birth, etc.)?
- Do I want pain relief? What pain relief?
- Do I want a birthing partner? Who do I want?
- Do I want medical intervention?
- Do I want visitors immediately after birth?
- Do I want my birthing partner to cut the umbilical cord?
These are good questions to consider; you can discuss them with your partner, family, friends, or your midwife too.
Start Gathering Baby Items
As your due date approaches, you can consider purchasing items for your baby. Some women like to wait a little longer, but you can purchase items for your baby whenever you are ready. Some moms to be will get excited and already have an entire wardrobe filled!
You might consider purchasing your baby’s crib this week, a stroller, or some clothes for them. You can find bargains second-hand, but ensure that any cribs or prams you purchase second-hand meet the necessary safety standards.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Throughout your pregnancy, you should maintain a healthy weight to ensure your pregnancy progresses as normally as possible. Every woman’s healthy weight will be different, so speak to your doctor about this if you are unsure.
You can maintain your healthy weight by eating a healthy and balanced diet and regularly exercising. You should try to consume a varied diet of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Your doctor can help you create a meal plan if you need further help.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might also need to make lifestyle changes to prepare for your pregnancy. These include stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. All of these have a detrimental impact on both you and your baby’s health.
Your doctor can help you to make these changes if you need additional support.
Attend Pregnancy And Birthing Classes
This is optional, but you can join pregnancy or birthing classes in your local area. These will provide you with guidance and support through your pregnancy and an opportunity to have any questions answered.
They are also a great way to meet expecting mothers in your local area. Here, you could make friends with women going through the same experiences as you, offering one another support. Pregnancy can be lonely for some women, so these social connections can make a difference as you enter your third trimester.
Final Thoughts
Week twenty-seven is the final week of your second trimester! Soon, you are heading into your final trimester and are one step closer to meeting your baby. As your baby’s brain and lungs continue to develop, you can expect to feel tired and have some pains in your stomach. But don’t worry, these won’t last much longer as you enter your third trimester!