27 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby's Development and Pregnancy Diet

Stepping into the Third Trimester: Milestones and Baby's Size

Week 27 marks the start of your third and final trimester. Your baby is now around 34cm long from head to toe, roughly the length of your forearm, with a head about the size of a small to medium orange. Every baby grows at a slightly different pace, so treat this as a general guide rather than an exact figure.

Inside Your Baby's Developing Lungs at 27 Weeks

The Formation of the Bronchial Tree

The branching structure of your baby's airways, known as the bronchial tree, was largely established earlier in pregnancy, by around week 17. What's happening now is the next stage: the tiny air sacs, or alveoli, and the blood vessels around them are developing rapidly, laying the groundwork for your baby to eventually breathe on her own.

The Crucial Role of Surfactant in Premature Survival

By week 27, your baby's lungs are beginning to produce surfactant, a substance that coats the inside of the alveoli to help them open and stop them collapsing. Thanks to this, and the growing network of blood vessels around the lungs, babies born prematurely from around this stage have a good chance of survival with specialised neonatal intensive care, though it's best for your baby to keep growing inside the womb for as long as possible.

Fuelling Your Body with the Five Essential Food Groups

Why Real Food Trumps Supplements Alone

Prenatal supplements prescribed by your doctor are important, but they can't fully replace the fibre, energy, and complex nutrients that come from whole foods. Aim to eat a variety of foods every day from all five food groups: protein such as fish, chicken, eggs, or tempeh; dairy or dairy alternatives; fruit; vegetables; and wholegrains such as brown rice or oats. For more ideas on building a balanced plate, see our guide on what to eat during your pregnancy.

Auditing Your Daily Diet for Nutritional Gaps

Take a moment to think back over the last few days and check whether you've missed out on any food groups. Keeping nutrient-rich foods, such as ulam-ulaman, dried fruit, or wholemeal bread, at the front of your fridge or pantry can help keep them top of mind when you're planning meals and snacks.

Why You Should Take Childbirth Preparation Classes (Even as an Experienced Mum)

Even if you've given birth before, a childbirth preparation class can be worth your time, since birthing techniques, medical guidelines, and hospital policies change over the years. These classes cover up-to-date relaxation and breathing techniques to help manage anxiety during labour, and they're especially useful if you're delivering somewhere new this time around.

Sources

• Flo Health – 27 weeks pregnant
• HCA UK – Pregnancy guide: Week 27
• Lumen Learning – Embryonic Development of the Respiratory System