Trimester 2 · week 27 of 40

27 weeks pregnant

The end of the second trimester. The baby now takes up a lot more space, responds to stimuli and is getting ready for a phase of major weight gain and brain maturation.

Translated from the original Brazilian Portuguese content with the help of artificial intelligence. Read the original in Portuguese

Read about your current week or get ready for what comes next.

Visual reference: a head of cauliflower. Not an individual clinical measurement.

Quick read

In 1 minute

The brain and nervous system keep maturing quickly.
The lungs keep producing surfactant.
Movements are stronger and easier to recognize.

Fetal development

How your baby is doing this week

The brain is forming new connections and the nervous system keeps refining movement control. The lungs keep maturing, but they are not yet as ready as they will be at term. The baby is storing more fat and the skin starts to look less wrinkled.

3D artistic representation of fetal development at week 27 — Artistic 3D representation. This is not an ultrasound and does not represent your baby's individual development.

Body and routine

What may change in your body

Tiredness may start to increase again. Heartburn, poor sleep, lower back pain, leg cramps and mild swelling may become part of your routine. The larger uterus compresses organs and changes your posture.

Possible steps

Care for this week

Organize test results and questions for your next appointment.
Learn the warning signs of high blood pressure and preterm labor.
Adapt your routine before you reach the point of exhaustion.

Prenatal care focus

In low-risk pregnancies, appointments tend to go from monthly to every two weeks starting at week 28, according to Brazil's Ministry of Health.

Twin pregnancy

If you're expecting twins

Multiple pregnancies often already have a more intensive schedule than standard prenatal care at this stage.

Support network

For those by your side

It's a good time to review the support plan, transportation and who can help if the pregnant woman needs to slow down.

Common questions

Questions for this week

Does the baby have a sleep routine yet?

There are cycles of activity and rest, but they don't have to match your schedule.

Is very strong movement a problem?

Intensity varies. What matters most is knowing the individual pattern and reporting relevant changes.

When to seek care

Once movements have become familiar, a significant decrease in the pattern you notice should be evaluated without waiting until the next day.
After 20 weeks, a severe/persistent headache, vision changes, severe pain in the upper abdomen or sudden swelling deserve evaluation for a possible hypertensive condition.
Before term, regular contractions, increasing pelvic pressure or signs of labor need prompt advice.

In an emergency, go to the urgent care service in your area. This content does not replace a professional assessment.

Next · week 28

The next chapter

In week 28, the third trimester begins, bringing vaccinations, more frequent appointments and closer attention to movements.

See week 28

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Sources and transparency

Nilu editorial content, written from the official sources above. Individual clinical review of each week is in progress — this text is for information and does not replace your prenatal care.