Pregnancy Week 27: The Brain Wave

Cauliflower size — about 14.5 inches, 2 lbs. Brain activity surges as the nervous system matures, and distinct sleep and wake cycles set in, including REM sleep. The lungs are still immature but rhythmically practicing breathing. Eyes open and close now.

Labor anxiety often spikes as the third trimester looms and delivery starts to feel real. Physically, shortness of breath and heartburn worsen as the uterus crowds the lungs and stomach, and sleep gets harder. Leg cramps and swollen feet round out the week.

• 01Pediatrician Interviews: book meet-and-greets with 2-3 in-network providers now — many stop taking new patients, and you want your pick before delivery. Ask about after-hours calls, hospital affiliation, and vaccine policy
• 02Learn kick counts together. From about now, a healthy baby makes roughly 10 movements in 2 hours; learning that baseline lets you both track movement through the third trimester and flag any real drop to the OB

Ask about her labor fears. Don't problem-solve. Just listen. She needs to process, not be fixed.