27 Weeks pregnant: Symptoms, baby development & tips

Your body at week 27

Changes to your hair

Increased levels of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and growth factors during pregnancy have been linked to increases in hair growth and hair diameter [1]. The growth and shedding cycle of hair occurs in roughly four stages: growth (anagen), regression (catagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (exogen) [2]. Studies have shown that during pregnancy, the rest phase, telogen, gets delayed, which results in less shedding. This can promote both new hair growth as well as thicker hair (since shedding is delayed) for some women. But remember, these changes are not limited to the hair on your head! It’s common to experience new hair growth on the abdomen, lower back, thighs, and face as well.

Hair loss connected to pregnancy is usually experienced 1-5 months after delivery. This type of postpartum hair loss is called telogen effluvium and refers to the delay of the telogen phase that happens during pregnancy [3]. During telogen effluvium, excessive shedding and thinning of the hair can occur and it is estimated that between 40-50% of women can experience this type of hair loss after giving birth [3]. Like many changes during pregnancy and postpartum, telogen effluvium is temporary.

Restless leg syndrome

Have you noticed a tingling, crawling, or creeping sensation in your feet, calves, or thighs that prompts you to want to move your legs suddenly? It’s possible you are experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS) brought on by your pregnancy. Studies have shown that up to 34% of pregnant women experience RLS, and it is particularly common during the third trimester [4]. For most, the condition resolves after delivery. Different hormonal, dietary, and genetic factors have all been linked to pregnancy-related RLS [4]. 

RLS can be particularly disruptive to your sleep, coinciding with increases in leg cramps in the night as well as daytime fatigue. If you are experiencing RLS, talk to your nurse or doctor about what treatments might be right for you. The most common recommendations include stretching, iron supplements, and compression socks, but in some cases, medication can also be prescribed [4,5]. 

Heat rash

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is commonly experienced by pregnant women particularly in the warm weather months. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your skin can make you feel warmer than usual, increasing perspiration or sweat [6]. When sweat glands on the skin get blocked and sweat is not able to evaporate, a heat rash can develop. It usually appears as small pink or red bumps that can itch or feel sensitive. 

During pregnancy, heat rash can commonly appear anywhere where sweat can accumulate and the skin might not be able to ventilate, like in the skin between and beneath the breasts, between your pregnant belly and upper pubic area, the inner thighs, and the armpits.

To prevent heat rash, try to stay in cooler and ventilated environments and avoid spending too long outside, particularly when the weather gets warm. Wearing light, breathable, loose-fitting clothes, fans, and air conditioning can also help. To treat inflammation, you can apply a cold, damp cloth or a covered ice pack to the area. Speak with your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist about other topical treatments like creams, lotions, or antihistamine medications.   

Your baby’s development at 27 weeks

At 27 weeks, you are likely feeling your baby move throughout the day. These movements are important for strengthening their little muscles. Your nurse, midwife, or doctor can recommend different tools you can use for counting or monitoring your baby’s movements [7]. Remember that your baby has sleeping and waking cycles just like you do, and will likely be more active when they are awake than while they are asleep. 

At week 27, your baby is now as big as a head of lettuce, weighing around 1.9 to 2.2 pounds (880g to 1 kilogram) and measuring 13.8 to 14.6 inches (35 to 37 centimeters) [8]. 

What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a prepared outline, list, or record of your wishes for your and your baby’s care through labor, delivery, and just after birth. It is not required, but it can be a useful tool for helping you learn about and understand the different parts of labor and delivery, and for communicating your wishes to those who will be caring for you and your baby before, during, and after the birth. 

Building your birth plan with input from your medical team is important as your medical history, circumstances of your pregnancy, and what is available where you plan to give birth all affect your birth plan. Discussing your birth plan with your healthcare team also helps establish good lines of communication. While there are many resources available for creating a birth plan, it is recommended to start with outlines or templates available from your midwife, doctor, hospital, or national healthcare service [9,10]. Making sure your birthing partner(s) (those who will be in the delivery room with you) are familiar with your birth plan also helps them advocate on your behalf throughout labor and delivery.

Finally, birth plans can be as broad or as specific as you wish. Whatever type of birth plan you choose to create, if you decide to make one, being flexible is crucial. While you might have strong wishes regarding your labor and delivery, birth can proceed in unexpected ways. Being prepared ahead of time to do things differently from your birth plan is also an important way to plan for welcoming your new baby into the world. 

Tips in week 27

• Prepare for more frequent prenatal appointments: For many women, the frequency of visits to your nurse, midwife, or doctor can increase in the third trimester. These visits are important to continue to monitor your and your baby’s health and provide support, resources, and education to you and your partner as you get closer to giving birth and welcoming your baby into the world.
• Plan your hospital bag: If you know you will be giving birth in a hospital or maternity center, it’s not too early to start thinking about what you want to pack. While there are plenty of resources online, it’s recommended to start with guidelines provided by the facility where you will give birth. Keep in mind that even if you plan to give birth at home, birth can be unpredictable, and having a bag packed just in case can be helpful if the need arises. 
• Keep an eye on your heart rate: Throughout the duration of your pregnancy, it’s considered normal and expected for your heart rate to increase by around 10 to 20 beats per minute [11]. The extra work of your cardiovascular system, your body’s natural weight gain, and the pressure of your growing uterus on your internal organs can all contribute to increased shortness of breath and fatigue. Whether you are exercising or going about your day-to-day activities, maintaining a safe pulse can help prevent undue stress on your heart and help ensure good blood flow to your baby. A talk test – if you can converse comfortably during activity – is a practical way to monitor your intensity and ensure that you are not overexerting yourself [12].
• Flying during pregnancy: If you’re considering a last minute vacation before your baby’s arrival, it’s advised to check with your health team and your airline before booking tickets. While most travel is considered safe into the third trimester for low-risk pregnancies, many airlines will require a note from your doctor before allowing you to fly. It’s also a good idea to check what healthcare facilities are available where you are thinking of going, bring relevant maternity medical records, and check that your insurance covers your care abroad [13].

Prenatal guidance with Natural Cycles 

If you enjoyed reading this article, did you know that you can access guides just like this weekly, alongside symptom and baby movement trackers, all in an easy-to-use app? NC° Follow Pregnancy from Natural Cycles offers prenatal guidance designed to you to support you on your pregnancy journey. Why not see if Natural Cycles is right for you today?