Pregnancy is an incredible process, and by the 27th week, you’re well on your way through this remarkable transformation. At our practice, we’ve been guiding expecting mothers for over 20 years, and many often ask us about the changes they should expect as they transition from the second to the third trimester.

If you’re entering this phase, you may be curious about the changes happening in your body, the development of your baby, the care you should focus on, and advice for your partner.

In this blog, we’ll cover all these aspects in detail to give you a clear understanding of what’s happening in your 27th week of pregnancy. Let’s dive right in!

What Changes Are Happening in Your Body?

By now, you’ve likely become familiar with many of the physical changes of pregnancy, but this week can bring some noticeable developments. One of the most exciting things is how much more aware you’ll become of your baby’s movements. These movements, which include kicks and stretches, are stronger now because your baby’s weight has increased, and they’ve gained strength.

Many moms-to-be will feel their baby’s movements more frequently, and some might even find them startling at times. However, don’t worry, these movements are a normal sign that your baby is growing well.

Some women even describe these movements as soothing or comforting, forming a special bond with their unborn child. There’s no need to track your baby’s movements strictly at this stage, but you’ll begin to notice patterns, like when they are more active or when they tend to sleep.

It’s also common to feel slight discomfort this week, especially a feeling of tiredness. As your baby grows, they put pressure on your lungs, making it a little harder to breathe deeply. This reduced lung capacity means you might feel out of breath at times.

Your baby is also absorbing a lot of your body’s energy and oxygen, which can leave you feeling more exhausted. Along with this, you might see an increase in swelling, particularly in your hands and feet. Swelling can be related to pregnancy-induced hypertension, so it’s something to watch closely.

What Changes Are Happening with Your Baby?

By this stage, your baby is growing rapidly, both in size and development. Their length is now between 14 and 14.5 inches, and they weigh around 950 grams. A significant development this week is that your baby’s eyelids, which were fused shut earlier, are starting to open. Your baby’s lungs are also expanding, and they may experience hiccups, which is completely normal and even a good sign of lung development.

Another exciting change is that your baby can now hear sounds from outside the womb. The auditory nerves have developed enough that your baby can hear your voice, music, or even background noise. This is a great time to start talking or singing to your baby, as it can be a soothing sound for them.

Your baby is also going through a phase of rapid weight gain, which will continue through the next several weeks. This increase in fat helps regulate their body temperature after birth. While these changes are happening inside your womb, you may feel more pronounced movements, and sometimes it can even feel like your baby is doing aerobics inside!

If you haven’t already completed your second trimester blood tests, now is the time to do so. Blood tests can help identify any potential complications, such as gestational diabetes or issues related to your blood group. If your blood type is Rh-negative, your maternity specialist may recommend a test for Rh incompatibility.

Additionally, a glucose screening test is essential to check for gestational diabetes. These tests will help you and your doctor manage any conditions early on to ensure a smooth pregnancy.

At this point, it’s also a good time to start thinking about childbirth classes. If you haven’t enrolled yet, it’s highly recommended that you do so. These classes provide vital information about the labor process, pain management options like anesthesia, and post-delivery care, both for you and your baby.

You’ll also learn about how to care for your breasts as your body prepares to produce milk for your newborn.

Many mothers also ask whether prenatal education classes like “Garbha Sanskar” are necessary. While these classes claim to provide cognitive benefits to the baby, scientific evidence suggests that a baby’s brain development begins in the womb but continues until the child is around three years old.

The process of myelination—where the brain’s nerves are coated with a protective fatty layer—starts around the 16th week of pregnancy and takes nearly two years to complete. Until this process is complete, your baby is not fully capable of processing complex information.

That being said, prenatal activities like chanting, reading, or playing calming music can be beneficial for the mother’s peace of mind. If these activities help you feel more relaxed and less stressed, they can contribute positively to your pregnancy experience.

As you continue through this phase, you might wonder if you should track every single movement your baby makes. While it’s great to be aware of your baby’s activity, there’s no need to stress about counting every kick or turn. You’ll begin to notice your baby’s unique movement patterns, and that’s usually enough to assure you that everything is on track.

Your baby will also begin to establish a sleep and wake pattern, but don’t expect it to align with your own! Babies can often be more active during the night, which may interrupt your sleep. This is perfectly normal and just part of the process.

In the upcoming weeks, your body will continue to undergo changes as your baby prepares for birth. These changes may include increased swelling, fatigue, and even more noticeable baby movements. It’s important to rest as much as possible and to continue monitoring your health closely.

As your body adapts to the exciting changes of pregnancy, ensure you have the best support. Connect with Dr. Supriya Puranik, a trusted pregnancy specialist in Pune, for personalized care and guidance. Schedule your appointment today to prioritize your health and your baby’s well-being!

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• About Author

  Dr. Supriya Puranik

  Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Dr. Supriya Puranik, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility expert, leads the IVF & Gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. She is committed to helping couples overcome infertility challenges.