At 27 weeks, your baby is about 14 to 15 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds, about the size of a cauliflower. The brain is forming folds and a more complex outer layer (cortex), and nerve connections keep growing.
27 weeks pregnant is about 6 months. You are in month 7 of pregnancy and the second trimester.
Your baby at 27 weeks
Your Baby's Brain Is Forming Folds and Cortex
At 27 weeks, an important stage of brain development is underway: the brain is forming folds and a more complex cortex.
What is happening this week
Your baby is typically about 14 to 15 inches (36 to 37 cm) long and weighs around 2 pounds (about 900 g). The brain is becoming more complex. As the folds develop, the surface of the cortex increases, and nerve connections continue to mature.
- The folds of the brain are forming and deepening.
- The cerebral cortex is becoming more organized.
- Hearing, vision, memory and movement coordination continue to develop.
How this week may feel
By 27 weeks, your belly is usually noticeably larger, and movements are often easier to feel. Heartburn, low back pain, swelling in the evenings and occasional shortness of breath are common.
Your body at 27 weeks
Why Your Belly May Itch and How to Soothe It
By week 27, your belly is growing, and the skin stretches to make room. Itching is a common side effect of this change and is usually harmless. Still, itching can sometimes signal a problem, so it's worth knowing what to watch for.
Why does it happen?
- Skin stretching: As your belly grows, the skin stretches and can become dry.
- Hormonal changes: Rising estrogen levels can affect how much oil your skin produces.
- Sensitive skin: Your skin may react more easily to soaps, detergents, and fabrics than it did before.
How to soothe the skin
- Try fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers or oils, applied after showering while your skin is still damp.
- Take cool or lukewarm showers instead of hot ones, which can dry out your skin.
- Wear loose clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton.
- Ask your provider before using any new creams or medicated lotions, especially ones with steroids or other active ingredients.
Common symptoms at 27 weeks
As your belly stretches, the skin can feel dry and itchy, and hormones can add to it. Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer used after a lukewarm shower often helps.
Your growing uterus pushes up on your stomach, and hormones can relax the valve between your stomach and throat. Smaller meals and staying upright after eating can ease it.
Your lungs have less room as your belly grows, so you may feel winded with activity. Slowing down and taking breaks is normal, but tell your provider if you feel breathless while resting.
Your posture shifts as your center of gravity changes, which can strain your lower back and hips. Supportive shoes, a pillow between your knees when lying on your side, and gentle stretching may help.
Night leg cramps are common this time of pregnancy. Stretching your calves before bed and staying hydrated may help, and your provider can check whether your calcium or other levels need attention.
Extra fluid and pressure on your veins can cause mild swelling, especially later in the day. Elevating your feet and resting on your left side can make you more comfortable.
Your week 27 checklist
Tests and appointments
- Glucose screening. Many people are offered a blood sugar test between about 24 and 28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes. It usually involves drinking a sweet liquid and having blood drawn an hour later.
- Blood count (anemia check). A routine blood test may be done around this time to check your iron levels and red blood cell count.
- Tdap vaccine. The whooping cough (Tdap) vaccine is recommended in each pregnancy, usually between 27 and 36 weeks, to help protect your baby after birth.
Questions about week 27
How many months is 27 weeks pregnant?
27 weeks pregnant is about 6 months. You are in month 7 of pregnancy and the second trimester.
What trimester is 27 weeks?
Week 27 is in the second trimester. The first trimester runs through week 13, the second from week 14 to 27 and the third from week 28 until birth.
What is happening with the baby at 27 weeks?
At 27 weeks, your baby is about 14 to 15 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds, about the size of a cauliflower. The brain is forming folds and a more complex outer layer (cortex), and nerve connections keep growing.
Is it normal to feel my baby hiccup?
Yes, many people feel rhythmic bumps or small jolts that come from baby hiccupping. It often feels like a regular tapping. It is usually harmless, but tell your provider if you notice a big drop in movement.
Can I sleep on my back now?
Lying flat on your back can press on a large vein and reduce blood flow for some people. Many providers suggest sleeping on your left side with pillows for support. If you wake up on your back, that is common and usually not a cause for concern.
Why do I feel tired even after a full night's sleep?
Pregnancy hormones, a growing body, and interrupted sleep can all cause tiredness. Short naps, a regular bedtime, and resting when you can may help. Tell your provider if fatigue feels extreme or comes with other symptoms.
Safe or not?
Guides for this stage
Learn more
- NIH: Pregnancy (NICHD)
- CDC: Pregnancy
Follow your pregnancy in Nova
Week-by-week growth, a symptom log and a report for your doctor.
Get it on the App StoreGeneral information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.