Baby is the size of a cauliflower
👶 Baby's development
Last week of the second trimester. The brain grows rapidly. Sleep-wake rhythm is set.
💛 How mom feels
Total weight gain of 8–10 kg is normal. Heartburn and varicose veins possible. Rest more.
📖 Tip of the week
The third trimester is approaching — the baby already looks like a newborn, just smaller and thinner. Brain waves show sleep cycles including REM — the baby may be dreaming! Start preparing your hospital bag list.
🔬 Detailed baby development
- The fetus's lungs continue to mature but are not yet ready to function independently
- The brain develops more surface area with characteristic folds and grooves (sulci and gyri)
- The fetus has regular cycles of sleeping and waking, which may not match yours
- The retinas develop layers necessary for receiving light and forming images
- The fetus practices more complex movements including turning head from side to side
- The fetus is about 36.6 cm long and weighs approximately 875 grams, roughly the size of a head of cauliflower
🤱 What mom may feel
- Leg cramps intensify, particularly at night
- Shortness of breath becomes more common as the uterus pushes on the diaphragm
- Increased swelling in hands, feet, and ankles
- Pelvic girdle pain may develop as ligaments continue to soften
- Possible development of pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome
🏥 Tests and check-ups
The glucose tolerance test should be completed by this week if not yet done (window 24-28 weeks). Regular prenatal visit with standard monitoring. This is the last week of the second trimester — beginning next week, visits may increase to every 2 weeks.
💡 Tips for this week
- Prepare for the third trimester by organizing the baby's essentials (crib, car seat, clothing)
- Begin creating a birth plan outlining your preferences for labor and delivery
- Consider a prenatal massage to relieve tension and reduce swelling
- Start practicing labor breathing techniques learned in childbirth classes
❓ Frequently asked questions
Why do leg cramps get worse at night?
Leg cramps at night may be caused by fatigue, pressure on leg nerves, and circulatory changes. Stretching calves before bed, staying hydrated, and ensuring adequate magnesium and potassium intake can help.
When do prenatal visits become more frequent?
Most providers switch from every 4 weeks to every 2 weeks starting at 28-32 weeks, then to weekly visits from 36 weeks until delivery. High-risk pregnancies may require more frequent monitoring.
Should I start preparing a hospital bag?
It is not too early to begin thinking about what you will need. Start a list and gradually gather items. Most experts recommend having your hospital bag packed by 35-36 weeks in case of early delivery.
📝 Week 27 of pregnancy: what's happening
At week 27, the final week of the second trimester, your baby is approximately 36.6 cm long and weighs around 875 g — nearly a kilogram, roughly the size of a large head of cauliflower. The brain is growing more complex, and your baby is now able to experience REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep) as sleep cycles develop. The lungs are continuing to mature and produce surfactant. Your baby can recognise your voice distinctly from other voices and may respond to music, loud sounds, or your touch on the bump.
As you approach the third trimester, physical discomforts may intensify. Heartburn and indigestion are particularly common as the uterus continues to push upward; avoiding large meals, staying upright after eating, and using antacids approved for pregnancy (such as those containing calcium carbonate, following your midwife’s advice) can all help. Breathlessness may increase as your diaphragm is pushed upward — this is normal, but any sudden or severe shortness of breath should be assessed urgently. The increased demands on your cardiovascular system mean that rest is especially important.
Your routine 28-week appointment (which may fall at week 27 or 28 depending on your schedule) will include a blood test to check your haemoglobin levels (screening for anaemia) and a repeat blood group and antibody check. If you are Rhesus negative, you will be offered an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin at around 28 weeks to prevent sensitisation, which could affect future pregnancies. This is a very important appointment — ensure you attend and bring your maternity notes. Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination is also recommended between weeks 16 and 32 of every pregnancy to protect your newborn.
You are nearly at the start of the third trimester — this is a good time to finalise your antenatal class attendance, complete your birth plan, and begin packing your hospital bag in earnest. If you have not already done so, notify your employer in writing of your intended maternity leave start date and ensure all HR paperwork is in order. Discuss your plans with your partner or birth companion so they feel prepared and informed. Take time to rest, connect with your baby through talking or music, and celebrate reaching this important milestone in your pregnancy journey.
⚠️ When to see a doctor
- Vaginal bleeding of any amount
- Severe headache or vision changes
- Severe abdominal or lower back pain
- Swelling of face and hands (possible preeclampsia)
- Decreased or absent fetal movement after 20 weeks
- Blood pressure above 140/90
Sources
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care (2016)
- ACOG Practice Bulletins
- Williams Obstetrics, 26th Edition
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