you're 27 weeks pregnant.
last revised · baby is about 36.6 cm (14.4") · 870 g (30.7 oz)
At 27 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 36.6 cm and 870 g — Welcome to the third trimester.
about the size of a…
Welcome to the third trimester. The brain is more active than ever, and the baby is sleeping and waking in cycles.
this week's highlights
- Third trimester begins
- Sleep-wake cycles regular
- Brain is highly active
- Hiccups feel frequent
how your baby looks
Skin is still wrinkly because more fat is needed, but the face and limbs are fully formed and proportional.
body in focus
- head
- Brain activity ramps up, including REM-like phases during sleep.
- body
- Sleep-wake cycles are established.
- hands
- Hands explore the body, mouth, and umbilical cord.
- feet
- Strong kicks; movements may briefly distort the belly.
what's happening in your body
Your uterus reaches about 4–5 inches above the belly button. Fatigue may return as the body works harder. Heartburn and shortness of breath are common.
symptoms at 27 weeks
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- The uterus now crowds the diaphragm, so stairs and hills leave you puffing sooner. Pace yourself and stand tall to give your lungs room; breathlessness at rest or with chest pain needs urgent medical advice.
- Fatigue returning
- The second-trimester energy boost often fades as the third trimester approaches. Short naps, earlier nights, and lowering the bar on non-essential tasks are the honest fixes.
- Leg and foot swelling
- Standing all day makes fluid pool in the lower legs. Compression socks put on first thing in the morning work better than any remedy applied after swelling appears.
- Vivid or anxious dreams about birth
- Dreams about labour and the baby intensify for many people now. They reflect normal mental processing, not premonitions — talking them through often defuses them.
- Skin tags and darkening patches
- Small skin tags and patches of darker pigment (melasma) can appear with hormonal changes. Both are harmless; sunscreen limits melasma from deepening.
- When to call
- From now on, treat severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, pain under the ribs, bleeding, fluid leaking, or regular painful tightenings as same-day calls to your midwife or doctor.
gentle tips
- Track baby's kick patterns daily — 10 kicks in 2 hours is typical.
- Sleep propped slightly upright for heartburn.
- Limit caffeine to one small cup if needed.
- Pack snacks — small frequent meals beat heartburn.
- Take birth and breastfeeding classes if not done.
your week 27 checklist
- Note that appointments typically move to fortnightly from week 28 — check your schedule is booked ahead.
- Buy compression socks if evening leg swelling is bothering you.
- Decide who you want present at the birth and talk it through with them.
- Set up a simple system for tracking your baby's daily movement pattern, ready for week 28.
what to expect next
From now until birth, prenatal visits become more frequent — every two weeks until week 36, then weekly.
common questions at week 27
How big is the baby at 27 weeks?
At 27 weeks, the baby measures about 36.6 cm and weighs approximately 870 g (36.6 cm (14.4") · 870 g (30.7 oz)).
What is developing at 27 weeks?
Skin is still wrinkly because more fat is needed, but the face and limbs are fully formed and proportional. Brain activity ramps up, including REM-like phases during sleep. Key milestones this week include: Third trimester begins; Sleep-wake cycles regular; Brain is highly active; Hiccups feel frequent.
What symptoms are common at 27 weeks pregnant?
Your uterus reaches about 4–5 inches above the belly button. Fatigue may return as the body works harder. Heartburn and shortness of breath are common.
What should I do at 27 weeks pregnant?
From now until birth, prenatal visits become more frequent — every two weeks until week 36, then weekly. Track baby's kick patterns daily — 10 kicks in 2 hours is typical. Sleep propped slightly upright for heartburn. Limit caffeine to one small cup if needed.
When does the third trimester officially start?
The third trimester is usually counted from week 28, though some sources place it at week 27 — either way, you are at the doorstep now. Practically, it means more frequent antenatal appointments, daily attention to your baby's movements, and a gradual shift toward birth preparation. The finish line is closer than the start.
How can I ease restless legs at night in pregnancy?
Restless legs syndrome peaks in the third trimester and is linked to iron levels, hormones, and tiredness. Practical steps include stretching and gentle walking in the evening, warm baths, reducing caffeine, and keeping a consistent bedtime; ask your midwife to check your iron, as supplementing a genuine deficiency often helps. Avoid any medication for it without speaking to your doctor first.
Does it matter if I wake up on my right side or my back?
What matters is the position you fall asleep in, because that is where you spend the most unbroken time — going to sleep on your side is the advice from 28 weeks. Waking up on your back happens to almost everyone and is not something to feel guilty about; just roll back onto your side. A pillow wedged behind your back can make rolling fully over less likely.
helpful tools
- Belly Timeline
Document your bump week by week with photos.
- Kick Counter
Track fetal movement — kicks usually begin around week 18–22.
- Milestones
Week-by-week milestones tied to your due date.
Medically aligned with guidance from WHO, NHS and ACOG. How we write.