27 Weeks Pregnant: End of the Second Trimester & What's Ahead

27 Weeks Pregnant: End of the Second Trimester & What's Ahead

At 27 weeks pregnant, you've reached the last week of the second trimester. Your baby is about the size of a cauliflower and can now open their eyes. With around 13 weeks to go, it's a good time to look at what's ahead and start preparing for the third trimester.

Baby's size
About the size of a cauliflower (around 37cm head to heel, 900g)
Milestone
The last week of the second trimester
Common symptoms
Restless legs, leaking urine, swelling and pelvic pain
This week
Plan ahead for your third trimester

What's happening this week

Your baby is laying down fat and getting plumper, and looks like a smaller, thinner version of a newborn. Their lungs, liver and immune system still have lots of maturing to do, and every extra week in the uterus helps.

Eyes open

A big milestone

Your baby's eyelids have unfused, so they can open and close their eyes. They can tell light from dark, though their vision will be blurry until after birth.

Lungs

Maturing

Your baby's lungs are making more surfactant, which helps keep the tiny air sacs open, ready for breathing after birth.

Senses

Tuning in

Your baby can hear your voice, though sounds are muffled. Flavours from what you eat reach the amniotic fluid, so they're getting a taste of your diet.

What's ahead in your third trimester

Next week, you'll start the final stretch. Here are the key milestones coming up.

  1. Third trimester beginsWeek 28

    From now, go to sleep on your side and get to know your baby's movement pattern. If you're Rh negative, you'll usually be offered anti-D. Appointments become more frequent.

  2. RSV vaccineWeeks 28 to 36

    A free vaccine that helps protect your newborn from a common respiratory virus.

  3. Growth and placenta checksAround 32 weeks

    Some people have a scan to check their baby's growth or the position of a low-lying placenta.

  4. Get ready for the birthBy 36 weeks

    Pack your hospital bag, install your baby's car seat and talk to your care team about your birth preferences.

  5. Full termFrom 37 weeks

    Your baby could arrive any day. Most babies are born between 37 and 42 weeks.

Symptoms at 27 weeks pregnant

  • Trouble sleeping. Your bump makes it harder to get comfy, and your baby may be most active at night. Daytime naps and a pregnancy pillow can help.
  • Restless legs. An urge to move your legs, usually at night. Stretching, gentle exercise and cutting back on caffeine help. Ask your doctor about checking your iron.
  • Leaking urine. Coughing, sneezing or laughing can cause small leaks. Daily pelvic floor exercises help, and a women's health physio can give you a personalised plan.
  • Swelling. Your feet and ankles may swell by the end of the day. Rest with your feet up, drink plenty of water and try compression stockings.
  • Pelvic pain. Aches in your hips and groin as your joints loosen. Here are some tips for managing pelvic girdle pain.

Call your doctor, midwife or hospital straight away if you have regular or period-like cramps, rhythmic backache, pelvic pressure, fluid leaking from your vagina or bleeding, as these can be signs of preterm labour. Also call if you have sudden swelling, a severe headache, blurred vision or pain under your ribs. Here's how to tell Braxton Hicks from labour.

If you're Rh negative

Your blood group was checked at your first antenatal visit. If you're RhD negative and your baby is RhD positive, your body could make antibodies that might affect a future pregnancy. To prevent this, you'll usually be offered anti-D injections at around 28 and 34 weeks, and after any bleeding or knock to your tummy. We'll cover this in more detail next week.

Preparing for the third trimester

You don't need to do it all at once, but here are some things to start thinking about over the coming weeks:

  • Book antenatal classes or a hospital tour, if you haven't already. They often fill up quickly.
  • Choose a car seat that meets the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1754), and plan to have it fitted before 36 weeks.
  • Start your hospital bag for you, your baby and your support person.
  • Plan for after the birth. Our postpartum recovery list covers what you'll need, and our pregnancy checklist helps with the rest.

Your to-do list for week 27

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need for the third trimesterSee the list Hospital bagsGet organised for the big dayShop hospital bags Pregnancy pillowsSupport for side sleepingShop pillows

Week 27 FAQs

Is 27 weeks the end of the second trimester?

In Australia, the second trimester is usually counted up to the end of week 27, so this is the last week. The third trimester begins at 28 weeks and lasts until your baby is born.

What does it mean if I'm Rh negative?

It means your blood type doesn't carry the RhD protein. If your baby's blood is RhD positive, your body could make antibodies that affect a future pregnancy. You'll usually be offered anti-D injections at around 28 and 34 weeks, and after any bleeding or bump to your tummy, to prevent this.

Is it normal to leak urine when I sneeze?

Yes, it's very common in pregnancy, as your growing uterus presses on your bladder and your pelvic floor muscles are under extra strain. Daily pelvic floor exercises can help, and a women's health physiotherapist can give you a personalised plan.

How often are antenatal appointments in the third trimester?

It varies, but appointments usually become more frequent, often every two to three weeks from 28 weeks, then weekly from around 36 weeks until your baby is born.

When should I pack my hospital bag?

Aim to have it packed by around 36 weeks, so you're ready if your baby comes early. Many people start gathering things in the third trimester.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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