27 Weeks Pregnant

27 weeks pregnant: stronger movement and preparing for the final stage

At 27 weeks pregnant, you are close to the end of the second trimester and preparing for a more active stage of follow-up. Fetal movement may feel stronger, and you may notice kicks, stretches, or regular rhythmic movements that may be baby hiccups.

This is a useful time to review previous ultrasound results, prepare for gestational diabetes screening if it has not been done yet, begin childbirth preparation classes, and organize your birth plan and postpartum support.

This content is educational only and does not provide a diagnosis or treatment plan. If you have bleeding, severe pain, dizziness, fainting, severe vomiting, fever, fluid leakage, clearly reduced fetal movement, or concerning symptoms, consult a licensed clinician in Saudi Arabia.

How is week 27 of pregnancy calculated?

Pregnancy age is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period, not from the day of fertilization. This means the fetus is usually about two weeks younger than the calculated pregnancy week.

If the last menstrual period is uncertain, your clinician may use previous ultrasound measurements and fetal biometry to confirm dating. You can use the pregnancy calculator for an initial estimate, then rely on the due date confirmed during third-trimester pregnancy follow-up.

What symptoms may happen at 27 weeks pregnant?

As the uterus grows and pregnancy gradually moves toward the third trimester, symptoms related to pressure on the back, pelvis, bladder, and stomach may become more noticeable. Possible symptoms include:

• Clearer fetal movement, sometimes strong or frequent.
• Light regular rhythmic movements that may be fetal hiccups.
• Lower back, pelvic, hip, or groin discomfort.
• Mild occasional tightening that is not regular and does not increase in intensity.
• Heartburn, bloating, constipation, or gas.
• Mild shortness of breath with exertion because of uterine pressure and pregnancy changes.
• Mild swelling in the feet or ankles, especially near the end of the day.
• Frequent urination or mild urine leakage when coughing or laughing.
• Leg cramps, especially at night for some women.
• Insomnia or difficulty finding a comfortable sleep position.

Common symptoms should not lead you to ignore warning changes. Severe pain, regular contractions, fluid leakage, bleeding, strong headache, visual changes, sudden swelling, or reduced fetal movement should be assessed medically.

Fetal movement at 27 weeks

Fetal movement often becomes more noticeable at this stage. You may feel kicks, pushes, rolls, or stretches. You may also notice that your baby's active times do not always match your rest or sleep schedule, because the baby begins to develop a personal sleep-wake pattern.

Regular rhythmic movements may be fetal hiccups. This is often normal, but it does not replace paying attention to any clear change in the usual movement pattern.

• Pay attention to your own baby's usual pattern rather than comparing with other pregnancies.
• If your baby seems clearly less active than usual, contact your clinician.
• Do not wait until the next day if reduced movement is clear and worrying.
• Do not rely only on food or cold drinks to prove everything is fine.
• Ask your clinician when to begin movement counting or kick counts for your situation.

If you notice a clear reduction or worrying change in movement, request a reduced fetal movement evaluation or fetal movement follow-up as advised by your clinician.

How is the fetus developing at week 27?

The fetus continues gaining weight, while the lungs, brain, and nervous system keep maturing. Around this stage, many babies can open and close their eyes, and sleep-wake cycles become more noticeable.

• The fetus may open and close the eyes around week 27 to 28.
• The lungs continue developing, although full maturity takes longer.
• Fetal hiccups may appear as repeated rhythmic movements felt by the mother.
• Fat continues accumulating gradually under the skin.
• Muscles become stronger, so some kicks may feel more obvious.
• The placenta and umbilical cord continue supporting the fetus with oxygen and nutrients.

Weekly development descriptions do not replace clinical assessment. True growth is evaluated by ultrasound when needed, along with gestational age, measurements, amniotic fluid, placenta, and the mother's health.

How big is the baby at 27 weeks?

The fetus may be around 35 to 37 centimeters from head to heel and may weigh around 900 grams to 1 kilogram, with normal variation depending on true gestational age and measurement method.

If ultrasound shows a slightly different number, this does not automatically mean there is a problem. Estimated fetal weight is approximate and should be interpreted with head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, amniotic fluid, and growth pattern over time.

Ultrasound and tests around week 27

At this stage, your clinician may review mid-pregnancy tests and request additional tests based on symptoms or risk factors. Not every pregnancy needs the same testing plan.

• Gestational diabetes screening or an oral glucose tolerance test OGTT may be part of care around 24 to 28 weeks depending on your protocol.
• A complete blood count CBC may be used to review anemia or platelets according to the care plan.
• Blood group and Rh factor is important if not already known, and your clinician may discuss Anti-D injection for eligible cases in the coming weeks.
• A urine test or urine culture may be requested if there is burning, pain, strong urine odor, contractions, or fever.
• A fetal growth ultrasound may be requested if there is a growth concern or the pregnancy is high risk.
• An amniotic fluid ultrasound assessment or pregnancy Doppler ultrasound may be used in selected cases decided by your clinician.

If you have gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple pregnancy, low or high fluid, previous preterm birth, or a growth concern, you may need high-risk pregnancy follow-up.

Gestational diabetes screening

Gestational diabetes screening is used to detect high blood sugar that first appears during pregnancy. Some women have no symptoms, so screening can be important even if you feel well.

• Follow the lab or clinician instructions about fasting and sample timing.
• Do not make extreme dietary changes before testing unless your clinician tells you to.
• A high result does not necessarily mean immediate danger, but it does require a follow-up plan.
• The plan may include nutrition changes, glucose monitoring, appropriate activity, or treatment based on clinical assessment.
• Do not use medicines or supplements to change blood sugar without a prescription.

Childbirth classes and birth planning

If you have not started yet, week 27 is a reasonable time to look for childbirth preparation classes. The goal is not only to learn the stages of labor, but also when to go to the hospital, pain relief options, breastfeeding, newborn care, and what to do in urgent situations.

• Choose a program that fits your language, culture, and planned birth facility when possible.
• Ask whether your partner or another support person can attend if allowed and appropriate.
• Write down questions about vaginal birth, cesarean birth, anesthesia, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
• If you do not have a regular support person, plan a trusted companion or ask about available support options.
• Discuss fears with your clinician instead of relying only on other people's birth stories.

You can also request a birth planning consultation or breastfeeding consultation if you want a clearer plan before the final weeks.

Car seat and newborn preparation

Buying a car seat may seem early, but it is an important item that takes time to choose and install correctly. Choose a seat suitable for a newborn's size and weight, compatible with your car, and learn how to install it before birth.

• Read the car seat and vehicle manuals carefully.
• Avoid used seats if the history or crash exposure is unknown.
• Check the seat expiration date if applicable.
• Practice installation before birth rather than waiting until hospital discharge.
• Ask a trusted specialist or safety resource if you are unsure about installation.

Sleep and rest at 27 weeks

As the belly grows, side sleeping may become more comfortable. A pillow between the knees or behind the back can help reduce pelvic and back pressure. If you feel dizzy or short of breath when lying flat on your back for a longer time, change position to your side.

• Stand up slowly to reduce dizziness.
• Reduce fluids close to bedtime if frequent urination disturbs sleep, while keeping good hydration during the day.
• Avoid sleeping pills or calming herbs unless your clinician approves them.
• Contact your clinician if severe insomnia or anxiety affects daily life.

Nutrition and supplements at week 27

Continue folic acid or prenatal vitamins as directed by your clinician. Iron, vitamin D, or calcium needs can vary depending on test results, diet, and symptoms.

• Choose meals with protein, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, calcium sources, and iron-rich foods.
• If tiredness, dizziness, or palpitations are significant, your clinician may discuss a ferritin test.
• Your clinician may request a vitamin D test if symptoms or risk factors are present.
• Avoid unpasteurized foods, undercooked meat or eggs, and fish known to be high in mercury.
• Ask your clinician before using herbs or non-prescribed supplements.

How can the partner help this week?

As pregnancy progresses, some household tasks may become difficult or unsafe, such as lifting heavy items, reaching high shelves, or cleaning areas that require prolonged bending. Partner support with these tasks may reduce fatigue and lower the risk of falls or strain.

A partner can also help arrange childbirth classes, choose and install the car seat, write down questions for the next visit, and watch for symptoms that require medical contact, especially reduced movement, fluid leakage, bleeding, or regular contractions.

When should you call a doctor or seek urgent care?

Request prompt medical assessment if any of the following occur:

• A clear reduction or worrying change in fetal movement compared with what is usual for you.
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage.
• Regular contractions, clear pelvic pressure, or severe abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Severe headache, visual changes, sudden swelling, or upper abdominal pain.
• Severe dizziness, fainting, strong palpitations, or unusual shortness of breath.
• Fever, chills, severe pain when urinating, or unusual-smelling discharge.
• Repeated vomiting with inability to drink, reduced urination, or dry mouth.

These symptoms may require a pregnancy contractions evaluation or urgent follow-up, especially if you are under high-risk pregnancy follow-up.

What comes next?

Return to the week-by-week pregnancy guide, or continue to 28 weeks pregnant, when the focus moves further into the third trimester, fetal movement, glucose screening results, and closer follow-up based on your condition.