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Pregnancy illustration for week 27 — baby Third trimester prep

Third Trimester · Week 27

27 Weeks Pregnant: Third trimester prep

Baby development

Your baby at 27 weeks

Your baby's brain and lungs are still maturing in a big way as the third trimester begins. This is a growth-and-prep stage where the body is getting more coordinated for the weeks ahead.

Your body this week

What you might be feeling at 27 weeks

Welcome to the third trimester. Your belly is big, bending over is getting hard, and you might waddle. Back pain, sciatica, and leg cramps can intensify. Provider visits start getting more frequent. Slow down and let people help you.

Shelbi Kohler, certified birth doula

From Shelbi

Shelbi Kohler · mother of seven · certified birth doula

Welcome to the third trimester. With my first, this was the week where pregnancy stopped feeling like a waiting game and started feeling like preparation. Your belly is undeniably real now, and you might be noticing that simple things — bending over, sleeping comfortably, walking without waddling — are getting harder. I remember with my fifth, I tried to pick up a dropped pen at 27 weeks and genuinely wondered if I'd ever stand back up. That's normal. Your center of gravity is shifting, your body is carrying more weight, and everything is adjusting. This is the trimester to slow down and let people help you.

For you

This week is about getting through it

Scroll up to revisit your baby's development and Shelbi's encouragement for week 27. When you're ready, share this week with your partner.

Share this week

Save and share your week 27 card

Download a beautifully designed card with this week's illustration to share with family, friends, or on social media.

Shareable week card preview

Card is 1080×1080 — save the image to share via iMessage, Instagram, or Facebook.

Common questions

27 weeks pregnant: your questions answered

What should I expect at 27 weeks pregnant? +

Welcome to the third trimester. Your belly is big, bending over is getting hard, and you might waddle. Back pain, sciatica, and leg cramps can intensi...

Is my baby moving normally at 27 weeks? +

Movement patterns vary. If you notice a significant decrease in movement, contact your provider. When in doubt, always call.

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