End of Second Trimester: What Tests and Check-Ups Are Due at Week 27 in India?

Week 27 marks the final week of your second trimester. In just one week, you will officially enter the third and final trimester of your pregnancy. This is a natural pause point a moment to review what your body and your baby have achieved over the past 14 weeks, and to understand what lies ahead.

Your baby at 27 weeks

Your baby is now approximately 36cm long and weighs around 875g, almost 1 kilogram. The changes this week are particularly exciting:

• Your baby can now open and close their eyes and responds to changes in light
• The brain is entering a period of rapid development REM sleep patterns are emerging, and your baby may be dreaming
• Lung development continues, though the lungs are not yet mature enough for independent breathing outside the womb
• Your baby may smile during sleep though this is a reflex, not a response
• The hearing is well developed your baby clearly recognises your voice and your partner's voice
• By week 27, a baby born premature (though this is certainly not desirable) has a good survival chance with specialist care a milestone called "viability"

Source: Pampers Pregnancy Calendar – Week 27 | Cleveland Clinic Fetal Development

What tests and check-ups are due at 27- 28 weeks in India?

Glucose Tolerance Test (if not yet done)

If you have not already done the GCT or OGTT screening for gestational diabetes, this is the window weeks 24-28. Do not delay this. India's high GDM rates make this test non-negotiable.

Blood tests to repeat

Your doctor will likely order a repeat blood panel including:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check haemoglobin and rule out worsening anaemia very common in the second trimester in India
• Blood pressure measurement: Preeclampsia (pregnancy high blood pressure) is being actively monitored from now onwards
• Urine routine and microscopy: Checking for protein (sign of preeclampsia), infections, or sugar

Growth scan (if recommended)

Some doctors recommend a growth scan at 28 weeks particularly for women with gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, a small or large fundal height measurement, or previous pregnancy complications. This ultrasound checks:

• Baby's growth and estimated weight
• Amniotic fluid levels
• Placental position and function

Anti-D injection (for Rh-negative mothers)

If you are Rh-negative (your blood group ends in "negative", e.g. A negative or O negative), your doctor will recommend an Anti-D injection at around 28 weeks. This prevents your body from developing antibodies that could harm your baby.

Source: FOGSI – Antenatal Care at 28 Weeks | ICMR Antenatal Guidelines

How your body is changing at 27 weeks

• Your uterus is now at the level of your belly button your bump is clearly visible
• Backache and pelvic pressure are increasing as your baby grows heavier
• Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions) may be increasing in frequency
• Sleep is becoming more difficult getting comfortable in bed takes more effort
• Swelling in the feet and ankles is common, especially in hot weather
• Skin itching, particularly over the belly as it stretches, is normal. However, severe itching all over (especially at night) should be reported to your doctor it can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a liver condition.

Preparing for the third trimester: what to organise this week

• Book your third trimester growth scans typically at 32 and 36 weeks
• Begin researching hospitals and delivery options if you have not already
• Start thinking about your birth preferences normal delivery, C-section considerations, epidural
• Begin your hospital bag shopping list you will want it ready from week 34 onwards
• Discuss maternity leave timing with your employer if working

Source: Government of India – Maternity Benefit Amendment Act 2017

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