Girl… We’re Almost in the Final Stretch—Can You Believe It?
Okay, let’s pause for a second.
You are at week 27 pregnant.
You’ve made it through two-thirds of this incredible journey.
And now? You’re about to enter the third and final trimester.
Cue the happy tears, deep breaths, and whoa, it’s getting real moments. 🥹
This next phase is all about growth—for baby and for you. It’s when your bump gets bigger, your emotions get deeper, and your thoughts start shifting toward the finish line: birth, baby, and beyond.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s walk through what to expect as you step into this final chapter—and how to feel calm, capable, and prepared (without the pressure).
1️⃣ What’s Happening Right Now (for You & Baby)
At Week 27, your baby is about the size of a cauliflower—around 14.5 inches long and 2 pounds in weight. And their little body? It’s starting to look more like the tiny human you’ll meet soon.
For baby:
- Their brain is developing rapidly
- They’re starting to open and close their eyes
- Their lungs are maturing (but not quite ready for the outside world yet)
- They’re sleeping, waking, and maybe even dreaming
For you:
- You may start feeling more tired again (hello, third trimester fatigue)
- Your belly is growing fast, and your balance may shift
- You might experience more Braxton Hicks contractions
- Your emotions may feel bigger—excitement, nervousness, and everything in between
📌 Reminder: Every pregnancy is different. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and there’s no “right” way to feel at this stage.
2️⃣ How to Gently Prepare for the Third Trimester
You don’t need to overhaul your life in one week. But this is a great time to start easing into “preparation mode” with small, manageable steps.
📝 1. Start a Simple Third Trimester Checklist
Think of it like a loose roadmap—not a to-do list from the pregnancy gods. Include things like:
- Schedule your glucose test if you haven’t already
- Talk to your OB about childbirth classes or prenatal education
- Think about where and how you want to give birth
- Consider your birth preferences (pain management, support people, etc.)
- Start browsing essentials for baby (but don’t stress about buying it all yet!)
📌 You can download or make a pretty checklist just to keep things fun and visual—this doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
🛏️ 2. Focus on Rest (Seriously)
You might feel like you have a new burst of energy—or be totally exhausted again. Either way, rest is essential right now. Your body is doing the most, and sleep might get harder as your bump grows.
Try:
- Napping when you can
- Creating a wind-down routine for better sleep
- Using pregnancy pillows to support your belly and hips
- Sleeping on your left side to improve circulation
📌 You don’t need to “earn” rest—you already are.
🍽️ 3. Keep Nourishing You + Baby
As your baby’s growth accelerates, so do their nutritional needs. Focus on:
- Balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber
- Plenty of iron-rich foods (especially if you’re starting to feel dizzy or tired)
- Staying hydrated to prevent leg cramps and swelling
- Snacking smart—think nuts, fruits, yogurt, hummus, etc.
And yes—treats are still welcome. Everything in balance, friend.
🧘♀️ 4. Take Care of Your Mental Space
The third trimester can bring big emotions—anticipation, anxiety, even fear of the unknown.
What helps:
- Journaling your thoughts or writing a letter to baby
- Talking openly with your partner or support team
- Meditating or listening to calming music before bed
- Saying affirmations like:
“I am strong and capable.”
“My body knows what it’s doing.”
“One step at a time is enough.”
📌 Mental preparation is just as important as physical—and you’re doing great already.
3️⃣ What You Don’t Have to Stress About Yet
Let’s clear a little mental space, shall we?
Here’s what you don’t need to figure out this week:
❌ You don’t need to pack your hospital bag yet
Most moms do this around 34–36 weeks (but you can start gathering items slowly if it feels good!).
❌ You don’t need to have a perfect birth plan
Just start thinking about your preferences. Flexibility is key, and your provider can help guide you.
❌ You don’t need to buy every baby item right now
Start with the essentials (safe sleep space, car seat, diapers, onesies). Everything else can come later—or even after baby arrives.
📌 Breathe. You’re not behind. You’re preparing in your own beautiful way.
4️⃣ Questions to Start Asking (Gently, No Pressure!)
If you’re in the mood to explore a little deeper, here are some great Week 27 questions to reflect on or ask your provider:
- What signs of labor should I look out for later on?
- What is my hospital or birth center’s policy on visitors, birth plans, etc.?
- How should I prepare for postpartum recovery?
- When should I take a childbirth or breastfeeding class?
- What kind of support system do I want for birth and beyond?
📌 You don’t have to answer them all right now. Just planting little seeds.
5️⃣ Real Talk from Other Mamas at This Stage
“Week 27 hit and suddenly I was like… this is happening! But then I made a little checklist, lit a candle, and talked to my baby bump. That helped me feel grounded.” – Lara
“The nesting urge hit me hard, but I reminded myself not everything has to be perfect. Baby needs love—not a Pinterest nursery.” – Jules
“I started writing in a pregnancy journal each night, and it helped calm my brain before bed.” – Tanya
Final Thoughts: You’re Entering Something Beautiful
Mama, this next season is big. It’s full of emotions, preparation, final kicks, and maybe a little chaos. But it’s also full of magic, transformation, and the quiet building of a love so strong, it changes everything.
You don’t have to rush.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You just have to keep showing up—one day, one breath, one heartbeat at a time.
The third trimester is coming.
And so is your baby.
And you? You’re more ready than you think. 💛
