Week 27 is the final week of the second trimester. This is your last chance to operate in the "honeymoon phase" before the third trimester brings escalating discomfort and urgency. Time to finalize, c...
The Quick Brief
Week 27 is the final week of the second trimester. This is your last chance to operate in the "honeymoon phase" before the third trimester brings escalating discomfort and urgency. Time to finalize, complete, and check boxes. The prep window is closing.
What's Happening with Baby
Your baby is now about the size of a head of lettuce (14.5 inches, about 2 pounds). The eyes, which have been fused shut since early development, are opening this week. They can blink, and they're sensitive to light—shine a bright light on mom's belly and the baby may turn toward or away from it.
The brain is exceptionally active, and brain waves now show distinct sleep patterns including REM sleep. That means your baby might be dreaming—about what, no one knows (probably not much, given limited experiences), but the architecture for dreaming exists.
The lungs continue maturing but aren't ready for air yet. Babies born at 27 weeks now have survival rates above 90% with NICU support, though they typically require significant intervention. Your baby is still practicing breathing movements using amniotic fluid, building the muscle strength and coordination needed for actual breathing.
The immune system is developing rapidly, and antibodies from mom are crossing the placenta to provide protection for the first months after birth. This is why vaccines during pregnancy (flu, Tdap) are recommended—mom's immune response transfers to baby.
What's Happening with Mom
The glucose tolerance test typically happens around this time if not already completed. If gestational diabetes is diagnosed, it's manageable with dietary changes and monitoring, and sometimes medication. The condition usually resolves after pregnancy.
Physical discomfort is increasing. The uterus now sits well above the belly button and puts pressure on the rib cage, making deep breaths difficult. Swelling in the feet and ankles is common, especially after standing or at day's end. Leg cramps, particularly at night, may be more frequent. Hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in the rectal area) are common due to increased blood volume and pressure—uncomfortable but usually manageable.
Sleep deprivation is often significant. Between discomfort, frequent urination, and an active baby who seems to wake up when mom lies down, restful sleep is hard to come by. This is, perhaps unfortunately, preparation for newborn life.
Many women report feeling "done" well before they're actually done. She may be emotionally ready for pregnancy to end even as weeks of discomfort remain.
What Dad Should Do This Week
1. Finalize the Nursery
Whatever's not done, finish it. Furniture assembled? Clothes washed (in baby-safe detergent) and organized by size? Monitor installed and tested? Night light in place? This shouldn't be an ongoing project into month nine. Give yourself the gift of one completed space while you can still summon the energy.
One dad bought a pregnancy seatbelt adjuster (the Mimi Belt, ~$30). Standard seatbelts cross the belly and can put dangerous pressure on the abdomen in a sudden stop. Also: when friends and family ask what gift to buy, tell them DoorDash or Uber Eats gift cards. Not flowers, not baby clothes. Meal delivery is the single most useful gift a new parent receives — you’ll use it every day for a month.
2. Complete the Registry
Walk through the registry and eliminate anything you haven't actually gotten and probably don't need. Add anything practical that's missing. Then share it more broadly if you haven't—with extended family, coworkers, anyone who's asked about gifts. Many registries offer completion discounts; take advantage before the baby arrives and everything becomes urgent.
3. Start the Hospital Bag List
You don't need to pack yet, but make the list now. Her bag, your bag, baby's bag. There are a million lists online—find one you like, customize it, and know where everything is. You don't want to be scrambling at 2 AM when contractions have started. Items for her: going-home outfit, toiletries, charger, comfort items. Items for you: change of clothes, snacks, charger, entertainment for the waiting. Items for baby: going-home outfit, car seat (in the car).
4. Research Pediatricians
You'll need a pediatrician before you leave the hospital—they'll want a name for the birth certificate paperwork, and the baby will need to see one within a few days of discharge. Start asking friends, check insurance networks, and read reviews. Many pediatric practices offer "meet the doctor" appointments for expecting parents. Take availability into account; a great doctor with no openings doesn't help you.
The Relationship Check-In
The third trimester begins next week, and it often brings increased stress. She's uncomfortable and about to get more so. You might be feeling unprepared, anxious, or overwhelmed by everything that remains. This is normal for both of you.
Before the third trimester starts: Clear the air. "Is there anything you're worried about that we haven't talked about? Anything you need from me that you're not getting?" Give each other a chance to voice the stress you've been carrying. Entering the final stretch aligned is better than entering it with unspoken tension.
What's Coming Up
The third trimester is a different beast. Appointments become more frequent (every two weeks, then every week). Physical discomfort escalates. The baby is putting on weight rapidly—about half a pound per week. Decisions will need to be finalized: birth plan, pediatrician, childcare arrangements, parental leave timing. The preparation you've done in trimester two pays off now. If you've been procrastinating, the bill is coming due.
Quick Reference Box
Category
Details
Baby size
Head of lettuce (14.5 inches, 2 pounds)
Key milestone
Eyes opening; REM sleep patterns present
Dad priority
Finalize nursery, complete registry, start hospital bag list
Source
March of Dimes, Cleveland Clinic
Sources: March of Dimes Week by Week, Cleveland Clinic Fetal Development, CDC Pregnancy, NIH Pregnancy Facts
Reference Sources
All articles reference the following authoritative sources: