Week 26
Baby’s growth and size
Baby should be right around a solid 2 pounds at 27 weeks. Since last week, baby has added about half an inch to their length and is about 14.5 inches now.
What’s new developmentally?
Baby is continuing to pack on the fat but is adding muscle too – probably from all that moving around they are doing in there!
Baby basically looks like a skinnier, smaller version of who you will meet in about 13 weeks. If you were to have an ultrasound around this time, you might see baby sucking his or her thumb. This is how baby is practicing the suck reflex.
If they didn’t open last week, there’s a good chance that baby’s eyes open this week. In addition to their eyes opening, baby might move in response to light! If you want to test this theory, try shining a flashlight at your belly and seeing if baby moves.
Fun facts about your week 27 baby
- Baby is starting to smile
- Baby is practicing their suck reflex – you might even be able to see them sucking their thumb during an ultrasound!
- Taste buds are developed and baby might even respond to certain foods (spicy) with hiccups
27 week pregnancy diet
Curious about things you should be incorporating in your diet at 27 weeks pregnant? Your diet at 27 weeks should be similar to what it’s been since finding out you were pregnant!
Depending on your weight prior to pregnancy, you have probably gained somewhere around 15 – 30 pounds by this point. If you don’t fall in this range, please don’t stress, pregnancy looks different on everyone.
Just like when you’re not pregnant, you should gravitate towards fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins during pregnancy. It’s okay to eat foods higher in fat and sugar in moderation, but try and focus on the fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, protein, and low-fat dairy.
If you’re in a bit of a meal-time rut, or want some tasty recipes you know are packed with the nutrients you need – The MLN Pregnancy and Postpartum Cookbook Collection is here for you!
27 weeks is how many months?
At 27 weeks you are in your 6th month of pregnancy. It does get a little tricky when you start referring to pregnancy in months because it’s not an equal comparison.
If this helps, you will be in your 6th month of pregnancy for weeks 23-27, so this is the last week before you hit the 7th month!
27 weeks pregnant ultrasound
By 27 weeks, you should have already had your anatomy scan. It typically happens between 18 and 22 weeks. Some babies are less cooperative during the anatomy scan than others and like to play hide and seek, typically scoring themselves an additional ultrasound.
If the ultrasound tech was not able to visualize all of baby’s organs and body parts during the initial anatomy scan, then you probably have already had a follow-up ultrasound or should be having one any day now.
There are some other conditions that might warrant additional ultrasounds during pregnancy. Having a history of preterm birth, carrying multiples, concerns over baby’s growth, and certain medical conditions might lead to additional ultrasounds past the 20-week anatomy scan.
I’ve also heard that a lot of practices are doing a third trimester ultrasound for any mamas that was COVID positive or “COVID recovered” during pregnancy. So this is another reason that you may have an ultrasound in the coming weeks.
27 weeks pregnant movement slowed down
This is important information for you to hear! Your baby should not move less the bigger they get.
Up until this point your baby’s movements might have been sort of sporadic and inconsistent, especially if you have an anterior placenta. You will probably hear your provider mention kick counts to you this week.
Kick counting is a free and effective way for mama’s to track the wellbeing of baby while in the womb, pick up on potential problems, and prevent stillbirth. I have included resources on kick counting below so be sure you check them
If at any point during pregnancy your baby’s movements feel different, off, or decreased, call your provider, or get evaluated immediately!
If you aren’t being heard or taken seriously, put your foot down, advocate, don’t take no for an answer. You should never feel bad, ashamed, or as if you are wasting anyone’s time if you are concerned about your baby’s movements. If your provider ever makes you feel this way, I recommend you find a new one ASAP.
