Week 27 of Pregnancy

Preparing Your Heart and Body for the Final Stretch

Mija, take a moment to honor how far you've come. Week 27 is a turning point. You're wrapping up your second trimester—can you believe it? This week might feel like you're straddling two worlds: the comfort of routines you've found and the anticipation (and maybe some nerves) about what's coming next. There's so much changing at once, both within you and around you. Your body is evolving, your baby is rapidly growing, and your heart might be catching up to the reality that the third trimester is knocking at your door.

By now, you might be juggling doctor's appointments, nesting instincts, and a million tiny decisions about birth plans, baby gear, and support systems. It's a lot. You may feel empowered, exhausted, grateful, and unsure—all at once. That's normal. You are carrying life. This journey isn't just physical; it's emotional, cultural, spiritual. Whether you're surrounded by aunties and cousins or building your own village from scratch, know this: you're not alone. We walk this path with you, step by step, breath by breath.

🧒🏽 My Baby This Week: A Bright Mind & Open Eyes

At Week 27, your baby is about the size of a head of cauliflower—about 14.5 inches long and weighing around 2 pounds. But the real magic this week? It's happening inside that tiny head. The brain is developing rapidly, forming the folds that allow for complex thought, movement, and emotion. This means your baby's nervous system is becoming more sophisticated, more connected.

A milestone that's especially sweet: their eyelids, which have been fused shut for months, begin to open this week. Their retinas are developing too, prepping those precious eyes to respond to light. Even though things are still dim in your womb, your baby is starting to perceive light and shadow. (If you shine a flashlight on your belly, they might wriggle in response—go ahead, give it a try!) These are the same little eyes that will lock with yours soon, a gaze you'll never forget.

Their skin is still wrinkly and thin, but your little one already looks like the baby you'll soon hold. It's a surreal, sacred time. Every hiccup, every kick, is your baby getting ready for the world—and for you.

🌺 My Body: Growing, Stretching, and Feeling It All

Reaching the end of the second trimester is no small feat. Your uterus has grown significantly—almost reaching your ribcage—and your center of gravity has shifted. This might be bringing on new physical sensations. One common (and frustrating) symptom this week? Leg cramps, especially at night. These muscle spasms are linked to pressure on your nerves and blood vessels, plus all that extra baby weight you're carrying so beautifully.

Try stretching your calves before bed, staying hydrated, and eating magnesium-rich foods like bananas, almonds, or leafy greens. Warm baths or a gentle leg massage from your partner can help too. If cramps are waking you up often, check with your provider—sometimes they're linked to mineral imbalances that can be easily adjusted.

Emotionally, stress can creep in around this time. There's so much to prepare, and it can feel like you're carrying the mental load of a small army. Deep breaths, mami. Your well-being matters. High stress isn't good for you or baby, so find pockets of calm. That might look like a midday meditation, gentle prenatal yoga, or a walk through the neighborhood with your favorite playlist. What matters most is listening to your body and honoring your needs—just like you would for someone you love.

❤️ My Health: Boosting Iron, Building Strength

Let's talk iron. Your body is now producing about 50% more blood to support both you and your baby. That means you'll need extra iron to keep up. The average non-pregnant woman needs about 15mg of iron per day, but during pregnancy, your needs double to 30mg.

Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. If your iron levels dip too low, you may feel fatigued, dizzy, or out of breath—and it can increase the risk of complications like low birth weight or preterm delivery.

Here are some iron-rich foods to help support you:

• Red meat and poultry
• Eggs
• Lentils and legumes
• Peas
• Dark leafy greens (think spinach, collards, kale)
• Dried fruit like apricots or raisins

Pro tip: The iron in plant-based sources (called non-heme iron) is better absorbed when paired with foods rich in vitamin C—like oranges, bell peppers, or strawberries. And while liver is technically high in iron, it also contains unsafe levels of vitamin A for pregnancy, so skip that for now.

If you're struggling to get enough iron through food, speak to your provider about supplementation. Many prenatal vitamins include iron, but in some cases, a separate supplement might be necessary.

📚 Tips & To-Do's: Getting Ready With Intention

This week's tips:

• Sign up for a childbirth class: Whether it's a one-day overview or a multi-week journey into the Bradley Method, Hypnobirthing, or Lamaze, learning what to expect can bring confidence and calm. Some hospitals even offer virtual options now.
• Book a hospital tour: Familiarize yourself with labor and delivery rooms, the nursery, and recovery spaces. Knowing where you're going helps relieve anxiety. Ask questions like:
  • Can my partner stay the night?
  • Do you support rooming-in?
  • Is breastfeeding support available?
• Begin your birth plan (or just your birth conversation): Think about what matters to you—like pain relief preferences, who you want present, or delayed cord clamping. You don't need a detailed checklist unless that helps you feel empowered. A good starting point is this: "What kind of experience do I hope for, and how can I share that with my care team?"

To-do checklist:

• Register for childbirth classes (virtual or in-person)
• Pre-register at your hospital or birthing center
• Start or review your birth plan with your partner and provider
• Stock up on iron-rich snacks and prep a few easy go-to meals
• Take time to breathe, reflect, and honor this powerful moment

💬 Community Wisdom

If your abuela were here, she might say: "El cuerpo sabe. Confía." Your body knows. Trust it. And trust yourself. You were made for this.

Whether you're navigating this pregnancy with the support of a tight-knit familia or finding your people along the way, know that this season is sacred. You're doing beautifully. Keep leaning into your strength, your softness, and your wisdom.

We're in this together—every breath, every flutter, every next step. 💖