Second trimester · Pregnancy week by week
Week 27 of pregnancy
Baby is the size of a head of cabbage. About 14.40 inches, 875g.
End of second trimester. Black women have 50% higher rates of severe maternal morbidity in the third trimester per CDC. The transition into trimester three is when monitoring intensifies. Source
What's happening with the baby
The fetus is over 14 inches long, weighing nearly 2 pounds. Brain develops rapidly. The fetus has REM sleep. Lungs continue maturing.
What's happening for you
Many women feel third-trimester sensations beginning. Heartburn worsens. Sleep is harder. Bump is heavy. Some women report leg cramps, restless legs, or back ache after standing.
Common (normal) symptoms this week
Heartburn, sleep disturbance, leg cramps, lower back pain, increased Braxton Hicks, mild swelling, more frequent urination.
Call your OB or 911 if
- Severe headache not relieved by acetaminophen.
- Vision changes — blurred vision, light flashes, floating spots.
- Severe right-upper-quadrant or upper-abdominal pain.
- Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet.
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage.
- Decreased fetal movement after 20 weeks.
- Persistent contractions before 37 weeks.
Why this week matters for Black families
Late in the second trimester is when preeclampsia becomes diagnosable (after 20 weeks). Black women have a 60% higher rate of preeclampsia and a 3x higher rate of preeclampsia-related death. The diagnosis combines new-onset blood pressure ≥140/90 with signs of organ stress. Track your own blood pressure between visits if you can — many Black-led OB practices recommend a home cuff at this stage. If your readings trend up, call your OB before the next appointment, not at it.
What to do this week
Schedule weekly OB visits if you have any high-risk factors (will become standard at 36 weeks). Confirm GBS testing plan. Begin pre-registering at the delivery hospital. Buy a car seat — should be installed by week 35.
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References
- CDC Severe Maternal Morbidity.
- ACOG Practice Bulletin 222.
Last medically reviewed: .
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