Two trimesters down 💛

This is the last week of the second trimester. It's a good moment to look back at how far you've come, and to catch your breath before the final chapter begins.

📌 Week 27 at a glance

• Trimester: Second (last week)
• Baby's size: about the size of a head of cauliflower (around 36.6 cm head to heel)
• Still to come: roughly 13 weeks (a typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks)

🌱 Your little one this week

At 27 weeks, your baby weighs around 875 g and measures about 36.6 cm from head to heel, roughly the size of a head of cauliflower. The lungs are now capable of breathing, and your baby is getting plumper by the day. A few weeks ago, your baby looked a bit like a wrinkled prune. Now the folds of skin are being filled out by fat, and all the organs are maturing as your baby prepares for life outside the womb.

The brain is very active and growing. Your baby has regular periods of sleeping and waking, and may have hiccups, which you can sometimes feel as tiny rhythmic taps. Your baby may also respond to your voice, to light shining on your tummy, and to loud sounds.

🌷 And how about you, Mum?

You may feel more tired again, and you might notice leg cramps, heartburn, or a bit of breathlessness as the womb grows higher. You may also feel bloated or constipated, partly because your stomach is being squeezed and partly because of the hormone progesterone. Plenty of water, high-fibre foods like brown bread and wholewheat pasta, and lots of fruit and vegetables can help. Many mums also notice swollen feet and ankles at the end of the day, and snoring is common too, as the nasal passages can swell. It's all common.

Sleep can be harder to come by. Some mums have vivid dreams or wake often. A calm routine can help, and naps are welcome. From around week 28, it's safest to go to sleep on your side rather than on your back, because research suggests that sleeping on your back in later pregnancy may increase the risk of stillbirth. Supporting your bump with a pillow, keeping your knees bent and placing a pillow between your legs can help. If you wake up on your back, don't worry. Just roll onto your side again.

🍽️ Food for thought: the balanced plate (Suku Suku Separuh)

Malaysia's healthy plate idea, Suku Suku Separuh, is a simple way to build a balanced meal: a quarter of the plate for carbohydrates, a quarter for protein, and half for fruit and vegetables.

It might look like:

• A quarter plate of brown rice or wholegrains
• A quarter plate of fish, chicken, egg, tofu or tempeh
• Half a plate of vegetables such as kangkung, kai lan or sayur campur, with some fruit on the side

It doesn't need to be perfect at every meal. If you'd like personal advice, your doctor, midwife or dietitian can help.

✨ Little things that may feel nice

• Many mums enjoy marking the end of the second trimester with a favourite meal or outing
• Putting your feet up in the evening can ease swollen ankles
• A pillow between the knees helps many mums sleep on their side
• A calm wind-down routine before bed can make sleep feel easier

🩺 Coming up

Next week begins the third trimester, and antenatal visits may become more frequent. Your doctor or midwife will tell you what's planned, and may talk about routine checks and recommended vaccines in pregnancy, so you can decide what feels right for you. If you haven't had the routine blood sugar test yet, now is a good time to ask about it.

If you'd like to fly, check your airline's rules, as many airlines ask for a fitness-to-fly letter from your doctor or midwife from around week 28. It's also a great time to start thinking about where you'd like to give birth, if you haven't decided yet.

👨‍👩‍👧 Partner's corner

As the third trimester approaches, it can be a nice time to talk about your hopes and plans together. Even small steps, like looking at antenatal classes, can help you both feel ready.

❓ Quick questions

When does the third trimester start?
It usually starts around week 28 and runs until the birth.

Is it normal to have trouble sleeping?
Yes. A growing bump, leg cramps and vivid dreams can all interrupt sleep. Rest when you can, and gentle routines may help.

💛 A little moment for the two of you

Two trimesters done. You've carried your baby through so much already, and there's still more to come.

Well done, Mum. We're nearly in the final chapter. 🦕

Sources & further reading

NHS — 27 weeks pregnant
NHS Week 27 pregnancy guide

Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) — Antenatal care
KKM maternal health and antenatal care

FirstDino shares general pregnancy information for education and comfort. It is not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Please speak with your doctor or midwife about your own health and care.