Week 27
Your baby is the size of a rutabaga
What's happening this week
Your baby is about 14.5 inches from head to toe and weighs around 2 pounds. And this week brings a milestone that makes many parents emotional: your baby can now open their eyes and blink.
After weeks of developing behind fused eyelids, your baby's eyes are now functional enough to open. They can detect light and dark — if you shone a flashlight on your belly, your baby might turn toward or away from it. The retinas have developed the layers needed for receiving light and transmitting visual information to the brain, though full visual acuity won't develop until months after birth.
Your baby now has eyelashes — another small detail that adds to an increasingly complete and recognizable face. The hair on their head may be visible, though its color and amount vary enormously from baby to baby.
The nervous system continues to mature rapidly. Your baby has a regular sleep-wake cycle, and during sleep, they experience active sleep phases similar to REM sleep in adults — the stage associated with dreaming. Whether your baby is actually dreaming is unknown, but the brain activity patterns are remarkably similar.
Fat continues to accumulate under the skin, filling out your baby's form and improving the body's ability to regulate temperature. The lungs are still maturing, with surfactant production continuing to increase. If born now, your baby would have a strong chance of survival with NICU support, though several more weeks of development are ideal.
This week marks the end of the second trimester according to ACOG (the second trimester runs through 27 weeks and 6 days). Next week, you officially enter the third trimester — the final stretch.
Your body this week
Welcome to the last week of the second trimester. If the golden trimester has been good to you, savor this final week — the third trimester brings new challenges, though also the building excitement of approaching your due date.
Your baby is now large enough that their movements are unmistakable. You may see your belly ripple or jump when your baby kicks, and your partner can likely feel the movements from the outside. Some babies develop predictable active periods — often in the evening or when you lie down — and you may start to recognize your baby's patterns.
Physically, you may be dealing with a growing list of third-trimester previews: back pain that's becoming more persistent, leg cramps at night, heartburn after meals, and the constant need to urinate as your baby presses on your bladder. Sleep may be becoming more challenging — between the belly, the back pain, and the bathroom trips, a full night of uninterrupted sleep is increasingly rare.
This is around the time many providers recommend starting kick counts (tracking 10 movements within 2 hours during a time your baby is typically active). Your provider will give you specific instructions, but the general principle is to know your baby's normal patterns and contact your provider if you notice a significant decrease.
Emotionally, the impending transition from pregnant person to parent may feel more real than ever. Third-trimester anxiety is common and normal — you're about to undergo one of the biggest life changes possible. Talk about your feelings with your partner, friends, or a professional if they feel overwhelming.
For dads
You can now see the baby move from the outside — a kick or roll that sends a visible ripple across your partner's belly. Put your hand there during an active time and wait. When you feel that unmistakable thump, it's a connection that goes beyond words. Some dads tear up; some laugh. Whatever your reaction, let yourself feel it fully. The second trimester is ending, and the final stretch begins next week. This is a good moment to check in on your birth preparation checklist: Is the car seat purchased and ready to install? Is the hospital bag started? Have you toured the birth center or hospital? Do you both know the signs of labor? If any of these are still on the to-do list, the clock is ticking.
The third trimester brings physical discomfort that can affect your partner's mood, energy, and patience. Sleep disruption is one of the biggest challenges — she may be up multiple times a night between bathroom trips, leg cramps, and the inability to find a comfortable position. You can't fix this, but you can be understanding about it. If she's exhausted and short-tempered, it's not about you — it's about a 2-pound human pressing on her bladder at 3 AM. Adjust your expectations and offer grace. Small kindnesses — a glass of water by the bed, taking over the morning routine so she can sleep in, a spontaneous foot rub — go further than you think.
Common concerns
Is it normal for sleep to get worse in the third trimester?+
Very normal — and it often starts around now. Between the growing belly making comfortable positions hard to find, increased urination as the baby presses on your bladder, leg cramps, heartburn, and general anxiety about the approaching birth, sleep disruption is one of the most common third-trimester complaints. A pregnancy pillow, keeping the bedroom cool, avoiding fluids right before bed, and gentle stretching can all help. Some disrupted sleep is unavoidable — your body may actually be preparing you for the newborn stage.
How do I do kick counts?+
Pick a time when your baby is typically active (often after a meal or in the evening). Get comfortable and count distinct movements — kicks, rolls, punches, and hiccups all count. The goal is to feel 10 movements within 2 hours. Most babies reach 10 movements well within that window. Do this daily, ideally around the same time. If you don't reach 10 in 2 hours, eat or drink something cold, move around, then try again. If movement is still significantly decreased, call your provider. Knowing your baby's normal pattern is the most important thing.
Can my baby survive if born at 27 weeks?+
Survival rates at 27 weeks are approximately 90% or higher with NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) support, though a stay of several weeks to months would be expected. Babies born at this gestational age are considered very preterm and would need help with breathing, temperature regulation, and feeding. While the goal is always to continue the pregnancy as long as safely possible, advances in neonatal medicine mean that outcomes for babies born at 27 weeks are increasingly positive.
When should I worry about swelling versus normal pregnancy swelling?+
Mild, gradual swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands is a normal part of late pregnancy. However, seek immediate medical attention if swelling is sudden or severe, appears in your face (especially around the eyes), is accompanied by severe headache or vision changes, or appears in just one leg (which could indicate a blood clot). These symptoms can be signs of preeclampsia or deep vein thrombosis — both of which require urgent evaluation.
Product picks for week 27
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Hospital bag essentials for birth
The third trimester starts next week — begin packing your hospital bag with basics: toiletries, a going-home outfit, chargers, and snacks.
Perineal massage oil
Research suggests perineal massage starting around 34 weeks may reduce the risk of tearing during delivery — start stocking up now.
Third trimester journal
Document the final stretch — your feelings, your bump photos, your baby's kick patterns, and your hopes for the birth and beyond.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.