Week 27: The Final Week of the Second Trimester
You're in the final week of the second trimester. Your baby is becoming more responsive to light, sound, and touch, and brain activity is increasing significantly.
Baby's Development
Your baby's brain is showing increasing activity, with measurable patterns similar to sleep cycles. Responses to light, sound, and touch are becoming more noticeable and coordinated.
Your baby continues to practice breathing motions using the diaphragm, even though there's no air to breathe yet — this is valuable practice for the moment of birth. Body fat continues accumulating, helping with temperature regulation after birth.
Changes in Your Body
You've reached the end of the second trimester. Many women describe this as a milestone moment, with the third trimester bringing its own set of changes and preparations as the due date gets closer.
Common Symptoms
As you close out the second trimester:
- Continued strong movement
- Backaches and pelvic discomfort
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Swelling
- Difficulty sleeping
- Heartburn
Nutrition This Week
As you head into the third trimester, your baby's growth rate increases significantly, requiring continued attention to balanced, nutrient-dense meals. This is not the time to restrict calories, even if weight gain feels like a lot.
Safe Exercises
Continue with comfortable, low-impact movement. Many women find prenatal yoga particularly helpful in the later stages for managing both physical discomfort and the emotional adjustments of approaching labor.
Medical Checklist
End-of-second-trimester checklist:
- Finalize your choice of childbirth class if you're taking one
- Review your hospital bag checklist and start gathering items
- Discuss your birth plan preferences in detail with your provider
- Continue all routine prenatal care
Doctor Visit Guide
As you move into the third trimester next week, your prenatal visits will become more frequent — typically every 2-3 weeks until around 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery.