27 Weeks Pregnant: Feel Your Baby's Kicks and Check if You're Snoring

You've come a long way now that you're 27 weeks pregnant! You're at the tail end of your second trimester or Month 6 of your pregnancy.

With your third trimester just around the corner, your baby is growing faster, moving more often, and starting to develop features that prepare them for life outside the womb. It's also when you feel even more physical changes.

Understanding what is happening to your body and your baby is crucial. Here's what to expect during this stage of your pregnancy.

Your Baby's Development at 27 Weeks

Your baby can weigh just under 1 kg (approximately 2 lbs.) and measures up to 37 cm (15 in) in length, similar in size to a head of lettuce or a cauliflower. Yes, they're still small, but they're growing rapidly.

Here are their milestones, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

• Your baby can now open and close their eyes!
• Their lungs begin to make surfactant, a substance needed for breathing after birth.
• Your baby's nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, continues to develop rapidly.
• Your baby has gained more fat, so their skin has become smoother than in previous weeks.

ACOG adds that your baby may now get startled in the womb when they hear loud sounds.

Checking Fetal Movements

At 27 weeks pregnant, the baby's position is still slightly curled, but they still have enough time to move into a head-down position.

You may notice that baby movements have a more regular rhythm now that you're 27 weeks pregnant. This is especially true if this is your first pregnancy, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) points out.

You may notice kicks, stretches, flutters, or rolls, especially in the afternoon and evening, which tend to be periods of peak activity. These movements are a sign that your baby’s brain and nervous system are developing well.

Of course, your baby doesn't move all day nonstop. They have sleep cycles, usually lasting between 20 and 40 minutes, sometimes up to 90 minutes, RCOG adds.

The kicks and flutters may get stronger until you're 32 weeks pregnant and may feel different but not fewer as you get near your due date. You should feel your baby moving until you go into labor.

This week is a good time to get more familiar with what feels typical of your baby. If you ever notice a significant drop in movement or if something feels off, call your ob-gyn right away.

Your Body: 27 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

By this time, you may be experiencing a mix of emotions, including more noticeable physical changes, intensified pregnancy symptoms, and perhaps a slight increase in fatigue. That’s all expected as your baby grows, and your uterus continues to expand.

Some of the most common symptoms of 27 weeks pregnant include:

• Heartburn (find more information on heartburn during pregnancy)
• Mild cramping due to round ligament pain
• Increased back pain or pelvic pressure
• Breathlessness (your expanding uterus crowding your lungs)
• Swollen feet and ankles, especially by the end of the day
• Itchy skin on the abdomen, palms, or soles of the feet

Aside from these symptoms, your baby bump has become more noticeable, including weight gain.

According to global guidelines, women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m² are generally advised to gain around 11.5 to 16 kg (25 to 35 lbs.) throughout pregnancy.

A 2022 study published in the Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which looked at over 500 pregnant women in a private hospital, found that the average BMI was 23.6 kg/m². However, their measurements were taken at the first prenatal visit, 14 weeks before gestation.

Not all women will have the same body composition, so your doctor will tailor their recommendations based on your weight and medical history, plus how your baby is growing.

Pregnancy Symptom Highlight: Snoring

If you wake up with a dry mouth or experienced congestion in the morning, these suggest you snored during your sleep.

According to the Sleep Health Foundation, occasional snoring in pregnancy isn't usually something to worry about. But in some cases, if it becomes frequent, loud, or disrupts your sleep, it can be a sign of breathing issues, such as sleep apnea.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine also suggests a connection between habitual snoring that begins during pregnancy (not before) and the development of hypertension.

Pregnant women who started snoring tended to have higher blood pressure compared to those who didn't snore, and this was noticeable as early as 18 weeks into their pregnancy. The blood pressure levels became higher as they approached their due date.

If your partner has noticed breathing pauses, gasping, or choking sounds during your sleep or if you feel exhausted during the day, mention it during your next checkup.

High blood pressure, especially when you're 27 weeks pregnant, signals you're at risk of preeclampsia, which can affect your liver, kidneys, and brain as well as the placenta.

27 Weeks Pregnant: What to Eat

Being 27 weeks pregnant often means a bigger appetite, but what does it mean when it comes to food portioning?

The Pinggang Pinoy for Pregnant Women guide provides a practical approach to creating a nutritious plate using everyday local ingredients. Here are some examples of the types and amounts of food you should include on your plate for a balanced meal:

GO foods: Energy-giving staples

• GO foods are carbs that fuel your body and your growing baby.
• You can have 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice or 1 1/2 kamote (sweet potato).

GROW foods: Protein-rich choices for baby’s development

• GROW foods are rich in iron, zinc, and protein, which support your baby’s muscle, brain, and immune development.
• You can have 2 medium-sized galunggong or chicken legs.

GLOW foods: Fruits and vegetables for fiber and vitamins

• GlOW foods help with digestion and give you vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like magnesium.
• You can have 1 to 1 1/2 cups of cooked vegetables, such as malunggay, kalabasa, or carrots.
• Add a medium-sized fruit, such as a banana or dalanghita, or a big slice of papaya.

Pinggang Pinoy guidelines also recommend drinking at least nine more glasses of water throughout the day and one glass of milk daily.

Your body craves a range of nutrients, so mix it up! You can also check out these pregnancy meal plan ideas and the essential vitamins for expectant moms.
  
Remember that what you eat now supports your baby’s growth and helps prevent complications like low birth weight, iron deficiency, or gestational diabetes.

Third Trimester Is Almost Here!

Now that you're 27 weeks pregnant, you’re entering the final stretch. Your baby is becoming more active, your body is changing more noticeably, and it's time to start preparing not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Now is the perfect time to go on a babymoon if you haven't yet. Even just a restful weekend somewhere quiet can give you space to recharge and reconnect with your partner before things get more hectic.

You can also start preparing for delivery day using this list of newborn essentials. You still have plenty of time to spread out the cost and avoid last-minute stress.

If you haven't already, join a parenting community like the ParenTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group. The members often share their experiences and gamely answer questions about what to expect during labor and delivery.

Whether you feel ready or are still figuring things out, know that every small step you take is part of preparing for the baby. Being 27 weeks pregnant is not only a great time to plan but also to celebrate. Because in three months, you'll see your little one!