Week 27 of pregnancy: Preparing for the Third Trimester

Week 27 is a good time to look at the next part of your care without trying to complete every birth preparation at once. The third trimester begins at 28 weeks. This change in label does not mean you should suddenly feel different or have every practical arrangement finished.

Confirm what happens at the next appointment

Check that you know the date and location of your next visit. In the NHS schedule, the 28 week appointment includes blood tests and discussion of your health, results and your baby’s movements, alongside other routine checks. Your individual plan may include additional appointments.

The prenatal appointment guide can help organize separate bookings. If a scan, blood test and midwife visit appear on different letters, check whether each needs its own attendance. Ask who to contact if one date is missing.

Make a short list of anything you need explained before leaving. It could include the purpose of a repeat test, when to expect a result, or whom to contact about a symptom between visits.

Get familiar with later pregnancy sleep advice

From 28 weeks, go to sleep on your side, either left or right, including when settling for a nap. Waking on your back is not a reason to panic; turn onto your side and return to sleep. Pillows can help you find a comfortable position.

Our sleeping positions guide has more detail. Ask your team for individualized help if pain or a medical condition makes a suggested position difficult.

Check the vaccination discussion

In NHS care, whooping cough vaccination is usually offered around 20 weeks and can be given from 16 weeks. If you have not had it, ask your midwife or GP. Having it before 32 weeks is preferred for protection passed to the baby, but it can still be offered later.

Schedules vary between countries. Bring your vaccination record so your clinician can advise from what you have actually received. You do not need to decide from a friend’s schedule or assume that an earlier pregnancy’s vaccination covers this one.

Prepare without mistaking development for readiness

Your baby’s organs continue maturing and fat is accumulating. This is still a period of development, not a point at which every baby is ready for birth.

Before 37 weeks, regular contractions or tightenings, period type pains, unusual backache or leaking vaginal fluid need an immediate call to maternity care. Save the urgent maternity number where you can find it quickly.