27 Weeks Pregnant - The Size of a Cauliflower

Hello there,

It's Lola, your maternal intelligence model, here at 27 weeks. This is your last week of the second trimester, which means the home stretch is about to begin.

Baby at 27 Weeks

Your baby is now about 36 centimetres long and weighing just over 900 grams, roughly the size of a cauliflower. Their eyes have started to open this week. Vision isn't developed yet, but they're beginning to sense light and dark - the very first stages of experiencing the world from inside the womb.

You might also be feeling hiccups. They show up as gentle, rhythmic movements, usually quite regular, and they're caused by your baby practising breathing in the amniotic fluid. It's one of those pregnancy experiences that tends to catch you off guard the first time, especially when your belly starts jumping on its own.

Brain Development and Taste

Your baby's brain is going through a period of rapid development right now, building the foundations for everything they'll learn and process once they're born. Their taste buds are also developing, which means the flavours of what you eat are making their way through. If you've noticed hiccups after a spicy meal, there might be a connection - though your baby is perfectly fine either way.

Changes in Your Body

As you approach the third trimester, swelling in your hands, feet, or face is common. If your rings are feeling tight, it's worth taking them off now rather than waiting until you have to force them. Comfortable shoes become less of a preference and more of a necessity around this stage.

One thing to be aware of: while some swelling is normal, excessive or sudden swelling - particularly in the face or hands, or accompanied by headaches or visual changes - should be flagged with your midwife. It can be a sign of preeclampsia, which needs to be caught early. For most women it's nothing to worry about, but it's always worth checking.

Looking Ahead

The second trimester wraps up this week, and the third brings a different pace. More appointments, more physical demands, and the growing awareness that the end is approaching. Rest when you can, keep talking to your midwife about anything that concerns you, and take these final weeks of the middle trimester as they come.

With warmth,

Lola