Pregnancy Diary : 27 & 28 Weeks Pregnant

Here is my 27 and 28-week pregnant update. The highlight was definitely our 4D ultrasound scan – the first scan my partner was able to attend, thanks to COVID restrictions easing slightly for private scans.

Updated April 2026 – My 27-28 weeks pregnant diary from 2020, featuring our exciting first 4D ultrasound scan! This was my partner’s first scan due to COVID restrictions, and we finally got to see our baby’s face properly.

Pregnancy Diary : 27 & 28 Weeks Pregnant – 4D Scan

Week 27: Our First 4D Ultrasound Experience
The 4D Ultrasound: What to Expect
Changing Movement Patterns
Week 28: Third Trimester Begins – Midwife Appointment
Baby Clothes Haul & Nursery Progress
Hospital Bag Shopping Begins
Physical Symptoms at 28 Weeks
Final Thoughts
All my pregnancy diary blog posts:

4D ultrasound scan showing baby face at 27 weeks pregnant

Week 27: Our First 4D Ultrasound Experience

I’ve had quite a busy couple of weeks! At 27 weeks, we finally got to have a 4D scan together. This was huge for us because my partner hadn’t been able to attend any of my three NHS scans due to COVID visitor restrictions in hospitals. He was still in that “I can’t quite get my head around the fact we’re having a baby” phase that many partners go through.

I think it’s genuinely different for men. Their lives don’t really change until after birth – they’re not dealing with symptoms, body changes, or the constant awareness of growing a baby. For women, life changes immediately from the moment of conception. You’re thinking about what you eat, drink, and how you sleep, dealing with nausea and exhaustion. For partners, it can feel quite abstract until they see the baby on a scan or feel movements properly.

The 4D Ultrasound: What to Expect

Anyway, we went to our 4D ultrasound. I’m not sure if I’d recommend the place as although it was fine and we got what we wanted, it didn’t feel like they knew so much ‘medically’ – like if you want to go and look at your baby in 4D, it was fine, but we asked a couple of questions and she didn’t seem to know the answers and was just like ‘I don’t know’ and went on to talk about something else which didn’t fill me with confidence that she was as knowledgable as I had expected – so if you’re wanting reassurance after a scare or bleeding or something, I’m not sure I would go here (Ultrasound direct in York).

Despite my reservations about the clinic’s medical knowledge, the scan itself was emotional and exciting. We got to see him yawn multiple times, which was adorable. His little hand was covering half his face, so we didn’t get a perfect full-face view, but what we could see was beautiful. He has this tiny upturned upper lip and button nose that reminds me of my nephews – the family resemblance is already there!

They measured him at 2lbs 4oz, which was bang on track for his gestational age. We came away with lots of photos and videos, which we’ve watched repeatedly. The 4D technology is incredible – you really get a sense of what your baby looks like rather than the 2D silhouette images from regular scans. It’s worth the money if you can afford it, particularly if your partner has missed NHS scans due to restrictions.

Changing Movement Patterns

The change in movement location and intensity has been really noticeable. Previously, most movements were low down near my cervix – little kicks and jabs. Now I’m feeling strong rolls and punches near and above my belly button, and my entire stomach visibly wiggles and shifts when he moves. It’s bizarre watching your own body move independently!

The movements are also more frequent and sustained. Rather than the occasional flutter, he’s active for long stretches, particularly in the evening when I’m trying to relax. It’s reassuring to feel him so regularly, though it can be uncomfortable when he’s doing gymnastics against my ribs or bladder.

Week 28: Third Trimester Begins – Midwife Appointment

Having my belly measured for the first time was quite an experience. The midwife pushes the tape measure right into your pubic bone to get an accurate measurement, which is really uncomfortable. I had two midwives measure me because one was a student, so I got prodded twice!

Measuring three weeks ahead sounds worrying, but the midwife explained that as long as growth is consistent at the next appointment, it’s not a concern. Some women naturally measure ahead – it can be down to your build, the baby’s position, amniotic fluid levels, or just that your baby is on the larger side. The key thing they look for is consistent growth rather than a sudden jump or drop.

The blood tests covered several things: iron levels (which we know can drop in pregnancy), antibodies (in case I needed anti-D injections), and screening for gestational diabetes. Getting a text the next day saying results were normal was reassuring – until the hospital called on Friday saying I needed to redo a test that hadn’t worked properly. Classic NHS administration during COVID!

28 weeks pregnant third trimester baby bump photo

Baby Clothes Haul & Nursery Progress

I visited a work colleague a few days after my 28-week appointment, who had a baby in June, and she gave me loads of baby clothes! So I’m pretty much kitted out with newborn to 0-3 month vests and sleepsuits. I loved washing them and folding them and putting them all away; it makes it feel more real. The nursery is basically done now, just waiting on a couple of bits. We’ve started buying the last bits and pieces now, such as nappies, wipes, bath wash, nail clippers and all that kind of stuff, so we’re ready. My partner goes back to work next week, so we want as many things done and dusted as possible. I’m getting more and more uncomfortable, so I don’t want to be worrying about nappies and things when it’s harder for me to get about!

Washing and folding all those tiny clothes was such a special moment. There’s something about handling newborn babygrows that makes it feel real – this isn’t hypothetical anymore, there’s actually going to be a tiny person wearing these soon. I spent ages organising them by size and type, which probably seems excessive, but it gave me a sense of control and preparation.

The nursery is nearly finished now. We’re just waiting on a few final touches, but the major furniture is in place, and it’s starting to look like a proper baby’s room. Having it done early has been brilliant for my anxiety levels – one less thing to worry about as we get closer to the due date.

Hospital Bag Shopping Begins

At 28 weeks, it might seem early to start thinking about hospital bags, but I wanted to spread the cost and preparation out rather than leaving it all to the last minute. I’ve bought a labour gown (much easier for examinations and skin-to-skin than wearing a hospital gown), massive postpartum pants, comfortable nursing pyjamas, a portable fan for labour, and I’m stockpiling maternity pads.

Working from home during COVID has given us the advantage of time. Normally, at this stage, I’d still be commuting and working full-time, but with both of us at home and my partner on furlough, we’ve been able to get organised much earlier than we probably would have otherwise. It’s been one of the few silver linings of the pandemic.

Physical Symptoms at 28 Weeks

The tailbone pain is particularly frustrating because there’s not much you can do about it. The baby’s position and the weight of the uterus put pressure on your lower back and tailbone, and it gets worse as pregnancy progresses. Sitting for long periods is uncomfortable, but so is standing. You just can’t win!

Acid reflux has become a constant companion again, making me feel nauseous throughout the day. The good news is my food aversions are finally easing – I can eat cooked vegetables again without gagging, and tea no longer disgusts me. Small wins.

I’ve also reduced my workouts from five days to three or four per week. The fatigue is real, and I’m learning to listen to my body rather than pushing through. Some mornings I just don’t have the energy, and that’s okay. Keeping active is good, but rest is just as important.

Final Thoughts

Weeks 27 and 28 marked the start of the third trimester – the final stretch! The 4D scan was the emotional highlight, giving my partner his first proper glimpse of our baby and making everything feel more real for both of us. Between the scan, midwife appointments, and nesting activities, these weeks were busy but exciting.

The physical symptoms are ramping up, but I’m trying to focus on the fact that we’re nearly two-thirds of the way through now. Every week is one week closer to meeting our little boy.