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At 28 weeks you are now entering the third trimester of your pregnancy. Although the pregnancy will last 12 more weeks, you should already start preparing for the baby's arrival. Here's what's coming your way during the week 28 of pregnancy:
Your baby at week 28 of pregnancy
At this stage, your baby is pretty well-developed. Her organs, tissues, and nerves continue to grow, but she already has all of the systems necessary for survival outside the uterus.
Towards the end of the pregnancy, babies start to recognize familiar sounds and voices.
As you'll spend more and more time resting, use that time to talk to the baby, sing to him, and bond as much as you can before the labor.
How big is your baby at 28 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is about the size of a coconut. This means that he weighs about 2 and a quarter pounds (1kg). From head to toe, he measures in at almost 15 inches (38 cm).
28 weeks pregnant baby position
The baby’s getting into position for D-day a couple of months from now. The baby is diagonal with the head likely facing your left thigh and the face is towards your buttocks. This is known as right occiput anterior. If the baby is facing your right thigh, it’s known as left occiput anterior.
Pregnancy week 28 fetal development
Baby's eyes are still developing and at this stage, the baby would be capable of seeing in case of premature labor. Important brain developmental milestones are happening at this point. The portions of the brain that navigate consciousness are starting to function.
The baby is now settling into the right position for childbirth. Although the baby might still twist and change positions inside the uterus, they will spend the majority of the time their head facing down and legs facing up, putting more pressure onto your diaphragm. This can be awkward because the baby will pressure your diaphragm every time he or she stretches his legs. This might feel inconvenient to you and intensify the already existing heartburn.
Your baby could also be breech (buttocks down) (single footling breech-20%, Frank breech-50-75%, complete breech-5-10%) up to 75% spontaneously change to vertex by week 38, but it's too soon to worry about that right now.
The breech position happens when the baby's head is facing up, towards your chest, and her legs and bottom are pressuring your pelvis. If the baby remains in this position for longer periods of time, your doctor or midwife might perform a version by applying directed pressure to the maternal abdomen to turn the infant to vertex position. The success rate is about 50%.
Risks of the version include placental abruption and cord compression, so your medical team should be prepared for an emergency C-section if needed.
Since you are still pretty far from emergency regarding this topic, don't panic if the baby hasn't settled into the right position yet. The most important thing is to be prepared.
With breech position, noticing it on time allows your obstetrician to be prepared to perform the labor using the right methods. Preparation will remove any risk to do harm to the baby. Also, your baby can be in transverse fetal presentation (neither down).
However, there is no harm in talking about the topic to a midwife or your doctor just to make sure you are ready in case it happens.
Your body at week 28 of pregnancy
It's getting more and more difficult to fit into clothes as your belly gets bigger. Getting dressed during the cooler seasons is even more difficult since it might be virtually possible to find a warm coat that fits you. Still, refrain from spending too much on maternity clothes. After all, you'll be using them for only a couple more months.
28 weeks pregnant belly
More pain than before might be coming from the increased pressure on your ribs and the upper stomach. As a result, you might feel like your ribs are stretching from the inside out. Don't worry, no harm can come from this sensation. To avoid more inconvenience, have frequent, but smaller meals. As you're already uncomfortable, you don't need to overburden your stomach with large portions of meals.
28 weeks pregnant symptoms
Some of the inconvenient first trimester symptoms are now coming back. You could feel increasingly tired or even nauseous at times due to increased pressure on your stomach.
As your stomach suffers more and more pressure you could find yourself feeling sensitive to different foods, especially oily and fatty foods, as well as salty and spicy foods. Back pain might become more severe as the baby grows so make sure to get enough rest and do as much as you can to stay comfortable.
As your belly gets bigger, it might take more time for you to find a comfortable sitting and lying positions. The tight skin on your belly might feel itchy, so you'll have to hydrate it and apply lotion or oils multiple times a day.
This week, you might experience what some call the pregnancy brain. Due to troubles with sleeping, oscillating hormones, and the constant pressure inside your body, you might feel like your memory is getting worse and you have to write everything down so you don't forget important to-do’s and appointments.
Your breasts might also leak colostrum (“early breast milk”) containing protein, fat, secretory IgA, and minerals. Within 1 week postpartum, mature milk with protein, fat, lactose, and water is produced. High IgA levels in colostrum provide passive immunity for the infant and protect against enteric bacteria.
28 weeks pregnant ultrasound
The baby is pretty big by now and the belly might start to feel uncomfortable at this point. You could start having trouble moving or finding a good position for sleeping. The baby's heartbeat is very strong right now. You could hear it if you would listen at your belly with the stethoscope or if your partner would put their head on top of your belly.
28 weeks pregnant lifestyle
You will give birth very soon, and the fact that the end of your pregnancy is near might feel overwhelming. If you feel scared, confused, or need any type of direction or advice, talk to your midwife or your doctor.
The remaining time before you meet your baby should be spent in rest and learning as much as you can about postpartum recovery.
By now you've probably set up everything you need for the baby's arrival. You've set up your nursery, got all necessary baby supplies, and adjusted your home.
Now it's time to take care of yourself. You won't have a lot of time for that once the baby arrives. So gather all of your favorite books, binge-watch TV shows, spend time with your friends, and do all of the activities you can that you won't be able to do once you give birth.
Sex at week 28 of pregnancy
There's nothing healthier than enjoying intimacy with your partner for both you and the baby.
You might feel uncomfortable being intimate with the baby who is constantly kicking, but don't be scared. If your doctor cleared that sex is still safe for your pregnancy, feel free to enjoy it. The baby is sheltered inside the uterus and separated from the vagina with the amniotic sac and the 'mucus plug'.
Rest assured that the baby wouldn't feel or suffer any inconvenience or pressure while you are having sex.
28 weeks pregnant checklist
Here are a couple of useful to-dos for the week 28 of pregnancy:
- Purchase books on postpartum recovery
- Discuss getting help at home after the baby arrives
- Schedule maternity leave
- Plan catering or bulk-cooking before going into labor.
What to ask your doctor?
While at your doctor's office, talk to them about preeclampsia, especially, the mild preeclampsia. This severe condition can creep up without any warning signs so make sure to talk about the early symptoms like increased blood pressure or swelling.
Get as much information as you can from your midwife about everything related to early baby care and breastfeeding. The more you know in advance, the easier it will be for you once the baby arrives.
If you're experiencing the Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), you should get blood tests to check if you're suffering from iron deficiency. Talk to your doctor about the best natural ways to treat the symptoms, such as tingling sensations in your legs and joints, and the constant urge to move them.
The end of the second trimester marks the beginning of the final pregnancy weeks. Expect more exhaustion and plan to rest, reducing your activities to only those you find comfortable. As the baby will grow faster, and you'll be lying and resting more than you used to, keep in mind to eat light and healthy.
Carbs, like pasta, pastries, potatoes, rice, and sugars, will only add to your and the baby's fatty supplies, without much health benefits. From now on, focus on taking care of yourself, learning about postpartum recovery, and bonding with the baby.