Pregnancy week by week · trimester 2
🥦 27 weeks pregnant: your baby is about the size of a cauliflower
At 27 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cauliflower, and their brain is building new connections at remarkable speed.
Your baby this week
Your baby is about the size of a cauliflower, roughly 36.6cm long and 875g. Their brain is growing rapidly, forming new connections and becoming more complex. Your baby has regular sleep and wake times, and may even have periods of dreaming sleep. Lungs, liver and the immune system are still maturing. Your baby may respond to familiar voices, and their movements may now feel stronger, like rolls and stretches as well as kicks.
You this week
This is the last week of the second trimester. You might feel breathless, warm, and a little achy. Some mums notice restless legs at night, or vivid dreams. Heartburn and backache are common, and Braxton Hicks may become more noticeable. Your bump is growing well, and you may feel a mix of tiredness and excitement. Gentle stretching and a warm bath (not hot) can help you settle.
Kind things to do this week
- Go to sleep on your side, using pillows to get comfortable.
- Try gentle stretches or pregnancy yoga to ease restless legs.
- Look into how to register your birth plan or preferences with your hospital.
Appointments around now
Your 28 week appointment is coming up, with blood tests for anaemia and, if you are rhesus negative, an anti-D injection.
Questions to ask your midwife
- Do I need anti-D, and when?
- What can I do about restless legs?
When to call your midwife or maternity unit
If your baby's movements slow down, stop or feel different to their usual pattern, contact your maternity unit straight away, day or night. Do not wait until the next day, and do not rely on a home doppler. Also call your midwife or maternity unit if you have bleeding, fluid leaking, a severe headache, changes to your vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet.
OBubba from bump to baby
Follow your pregnancy week by week, free.
OBubba is free through pregnancy, with a weekly update, kick counting and contraction timing. On the day your baby arrives, the same app becomes your baby tracker.
Questions
When does the third trimester start?
The third trimester starts at 28 weeks and lasts until birth.
Is it normal to have vivid dreams in pregnancy?
Yes. Hormones, waking more at night and big feelings about becoming a parent can all make dreams more vivid.
Not sure how far along you are? Use the due date calculator.
Sources
OBubba gives general information. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Your midwife and maternity unit are always the right people to ask, any time of day or night.