Learn what’s happening in week 28 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
You are now in the seventh month of your pregnancy, which means you’re officially in your third trimester. At the beginning of your third trimester, you are probably starting to experience new symptoms of pregnancy.
Your baby is the size of a cucumber and is going through the final developmental phase. Your little one is starting to develop more fat this week and has finally started blinking and dreaming.
Preterm babies born in the 28th week have a 90% survival rate without major neurological or physical defects.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 28?
You’re definitely looking pregnant by now, but you’re not quite at that stage of feeling so big. By the end of the day, your ankles and feet may be getting a bit swollen, but by the next morning, they should be back to normal size.
The third trimester is characterized by aches and pains which can be very annoying. These aches and pains are usually a result of the extra weight and strain of carrying a baby.
Your little one is getting bigger and your lungs become more compressed, which can lead to shortness of breath – one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy at 28 weeks.
At this stage, your legs may ache and it may be hard to get a good sleeping position. Leg cramps, fatigue, and numbness in hands and legs are uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms at 28 weeks, but they are usually harmless. This may be the time you need to invest in some proper maternity clothes.
Changes in Your Body at 28 Weeks Pregnant
By now you have probably gained between 17 and 25 pounds. The ideal weight gain level for the third trimester is around 5 pounds.
The top of your uterus now is about 3.5 inches above your belly button. The increased levels of hormone relaxin are responsible for your loose joints and your clumsiness. Wear flat and comfortable shoes to avoid falling and harming your baby.
At 28 weeks, you may also notice a thick yellow fluid (colostrum) leaking from your breasts as your body is preparing for breastfeeding. Colostrum is an early form of breast milk and a sign that your breasts are getting ready to produce milk for your baby.
Stretch marks could also be appearing on your tummy, thighs, and breasts and there’s nothing you can do to stop them from forming. Even though they are very visible now, they will fade over time.
Your Baby at 28 Week of Pregnancy
By 28 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is about 16 inches long and weighs between two and three pounds. Your little cutie is settling into the proper position for birth and is busy blinking and sucking its thumb.
Your baby has started dreaming and continues to practice breathing movements this week. The skin is still wrinkled but will become smoother in the next few weeks because your baby is starting to develop more fat.
Fine downy hair (lanugo) and a waxy white substance (vernix) are covering the baby’s skin. The baby now stretches, kicks, and moves frequently in the uterus.
Pregnancy Week 28 Tips
Include lots of iron-rich foods (spinach, beans, chicken, beef, whole grain cereals, tofu) in your daily diet. Your baby needs higher levels of iron in your last trimester.
Your appetite has probably increased by not, so follow a diet that contains plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable, lean meat, whole grains. and sugar-free fruit juices.
If you’re experiencing back pain, try doing strengthening exercises to ease the symptoms.
Make sure to mention any concerns you may have regarding labor, delivery, and pregnancy during your prenatal visits.
