Second Trimester
Week 27: Welcome to the third trimester — the final stretch.
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is the size of a
Head of cauliflower
Length
14.4 in
Weight
875 g
Week
27 / 40
💡 Expert tip
Kick counts: starting now, track fetal movement daily. After 28 weeks, 10 movements in 2 hours is typical. Call your doctor if you notice decreased movement.
🌱 Baby's development this week
- Third trimester begins
- Brain developing billions of neurons
- Hiccupping frequently as diaphragm practices
- Tasting amniotic fluid — studies show flavor preferences formed now
Science fact
The third trimester is when the baby
🤰 Your symptoms this week
Shortness of breath
uterus pressing on diaphragm; sleeping propped up with pillows helps
Normal as uterus grows. Sleep propped up, avoid lying flat. Sudden severe breathlessness: seek care.
Leg cramps
especially at night; stretch calves before bed and stay hydrated
Frequent nighttime urination
the norm from here; a portable light for safe navigation helps
💛 Changes in your body
- Shortness of breath as uterus presses on diaphragm
- Frequent urination intensifies
- Leg cramps and restless legs common at night
- Sleep becoming difficult — try different positions and pillows
💙 Mental health this week
Third trimester anxiety is universal. Sleep deprivation, physical discomfort, and approaching labor create a perfect storm of anxiety. Midwife or therapist support is appropriate and encouraged.
🥗 Nutrition focus
- Protein needs are highest in the third trimester — aim for 100g/day
- Calcium 1200mg/day — baby is calcifying bones rapidly and will take from yours if you
- ,
📅 Appointment / test
Appointments now every 2–4 weeks. Discuss third trimester schedule and any questions about labor and delivery.
✅ This week's checklist
Begin kick counting from 28 weeks — establish your baby
,
,
Track your pregnancy week by week
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