28 Weeks Pregnant
Highlights of this Week
Pregnancy Symptoms
Weekly Checklist
Your Pregnant Belly
Baby Development
Congratulations on reaching the third trimester! You are probably starting to get excited and nervous about the fact you are in the final stretch of having a baby. But don’t fret. You have plenty of time to prepare.
Your Baby is the Size of Car’s Side Mirror
length
14.8 inches
Head to Toe
weight
2.2 pounds
Highlights of the Week
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- The baby is around 14.8 inches long and weighs around 2.2 pounds.
- The baby’s lungs are developing rapidly.
- The baby’s eyes are fully developed, and the baby can now blink.
- The baby’s ears are now in the correct position and can hear sounds from the outside world.
- The baby’s brain is continuing to develop rapidly.
- The mother may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, Heartburn, Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Leg cramps, Hemorrhoids, Strange Dreams, Pregnancy Rashes, Leaking Breasts.
- 28 weeks pregnant belly is big and may cause discomfort or pain.
Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 28
As you enter your seventh month of pregnancy, you may be experiencing a variety of symptoms. Some common ones at this stage include:
Braxton Hicks contractions:
At 28 weeks pregnant, some women may begin to experience Braxton Hicks contractions. These are irregular, painless contractions of the uterus that can occur throughout pregnancy. They are also known as “false labor” contractions and can be caused by the uterus stretching or by dehydration.
Heartburn:
Heartburn is a common pregnancy symptom that can occur at 28 weeks pregnant. This occurs because the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach, pushing stomach acid up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat.
Fatigue:
Fatigue is a common pregnancy symptom that can occur at 28 weeks pregnant. As the baby continues to grow and develop, the body may require more energy, which can cause feelings of exhaustion.
Shortness of breath:
At 28 weeks pregnant, it is normal to experience shortness of breath. The growing uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm, making it harder to take deep breaths.
Strange Dreams:
Many pregnant women report experiencing strange or vivid dreams during pregnancy. This can be caused by hormonal changes in the body.
Leaking Breasts:
Some women may experience leaking breasts at 28 weeks pregnant, due to the body preparing for breastfeeding. This is caused by the release of colostrum, a thick, yellow fluid that is produced by the breasts during pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids:
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can be caused by increased pressure on the rectal veins from the growing uterus during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids can cause itching, burning, and pain, and can make it difficult to pass a bowel movement. To alleviate symptoms, it is recommended to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, and to eat a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation. Over-the-counter creams or suppositories can also be used to alleviate symptoms.
Leg Cramps:
Leg cramps during pregnancy can be caused by the extra weight of the baby, as well as changes in blood flow to the legs. The cramps can occur at any time of the day or night and usually affect the calf muscles. To alleviate symptoms, it is recommended to stretch the affected muscle, massage the area, and make sure to get enough fluids and potassium in your diet.
Pregnancy Rashes:
Pregnancy rashes can occur due to changes in hormones and increased blood flow to the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body and can take many forms, such as redness, itching, and small bumps. Common types of pregnancy rashes include pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), Pemphigoid gestationis (Herpes gestationis), and Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP). These rashes are generally harmless, but if they cause a lot of discomfort, it is best to consult with your OB/GYN or a dermatologist.
It’s worth noting that if symptoms worsen or you develop other symptoms like fever, please seek medical attention.
28 Week Pregnancy Checklist
There are a lot of things you should be doing this week, and
Eat a healthy and balanced diet:
At 28 weeks pregnant, it’s important to continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet to ensure that you and your baby are getting all the necessary nutrients. This should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Eating a balanced diet can help prevent gestational diabetes and hypertension, which can occur during pregnancy.
Get plenty of rest:
As your pregnancy progresses, it may become more difficult to get comfortable and get a good night’s sleep. At 28 weeks pregnant, it’s important to make sure you’re getting plenty of rest to help your body cope with the demands of pregnancy. This includes taking naps during the day if you need to and going to bed at a reasonable time.
Exercise:
Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and can help with aches and pains that come with pregnancy. At 28 weeks pregnant, you should continue to engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming or prenatal yoga, under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Keep in touch with your healthcare provider:
At 28 weeks pregnant, it’s important to keep in touch with your healthcare provider, attending regular prenatal appointments, and reporting any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing. Your healthcare provider will be able to monitor your health and the health of your baby, and provide you with any information or guidance you may need.
Get prenatal care:
Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy, and at 28 weeks pregnant, it’s important to continue to attend regular prenatal appointments. These appointments will typically include check-ups, blood tests, and ultrasound scans to ensure that you and your baby are healthy and developing as expected.
Prepare for childbirth:
At 28 weeks pregnant, it’s a good time to start thinking about and preparing for childbirth. This may include researching different birthing options, such as a vaginal birth or cesarean section, and identifying a birthing partner or doula.
Keep track of your baby’s movements:
At 28 weeks pregnant, it’s important to pay attention to your baby’s movements. Keeping track of your baby’s movements can help you identify any changes that may indicate a problem.
Find a doctor for your baby:
At 28 weeks pregnant, it’s a good time to start thinking about finding a doctor for your baby, whether it be a pediatrician or family physician.
Consider making a birth plan:
It’s a good idea to consider making a birth plan at 28 weeks pregnant. This can be a written document outlining your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
Prepare for baby costs:
At 28 weeks pregnant, it’s a good time to start thinking about the costs associated with having a baby and start saving or making a budget. This can include items such as baby gear, diapers, formula, and childcare.
Your 28 Week Pregnant Belly
At 28 weeks, your belly may be starting to look quite large. Your uterus is now about the size of a basketball, and your baby is about 14.8 inches long and weighs about 2.2 pounds. You may be experiencing stretch marks and your belly button may be starting to pop out.
At 28 weeks pregnant, the belly has grown significantly in size and can become quite visible. The uterus has now risen up to the level of the belly button and the baby is taking up more and more space in the womb. The baby is now around 14.8 inches long and weighs around 2.2 pounds. The belly may feel tight and heavy, and some women may experience discomfort or pain. The skin of the belly may also start to feel itchy due to stretching.
As the belly continues to grow, the mother’s body will be affected in different ways. The center of gravity will shift, causing more strain on the back and pelvic area, as well as making it harder to balance. There may also be increased pressure on the bladder, making it more difficult to hold urine. The baby’s movements will also become stronger and more frequent, which can be felt more prominently as the baby takes up more room in the uterus.
To take care of the 28-week pregnant belly, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing that is not too tight. Avoiding clothing that is too tight around the waist can help prevent itching and discomfort. It is also important to keep the belly moisturized to prevent itching and dryness. This can be done by applying a moisturizer or oil to the belly after a shower or bath. Additionally, it is important to continue to exercise under the guidance of your healthcare provider, and to maintain good posture to help with back and pelvic pain.
To alleviate the discomfort caused by the growing belly, it is important to maintain good posture, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time and to engage in regular physical activity. Prenatal yoga and pelvic tilts are great exercises to alleviate pregnancy discomfort.
It’s worth noting that if you experience any severe pain, difficulty breathing or any other concerning symptoms, please seek medical attention.
Baby Development at 28 Weeks
At 28 weeks pregnant, the baby is continuing to grow and develop at a rapid pace. The baby is now around 14.8 inches long and weighs around 2.2 pounds. The baby’s body is becoming more proportional, and the head is becoming less large in relation to the rest of the body. The baby’s bones are also hardening, and the baby’s movements will become more coordinated.
The baby’s lungs are developing rapidly and are now able to produce surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs to expand and contract more easily. This means that the baby’s lungs will be better prepared for breathing after birth. The baby’s immune system is also continuing to develop, and the baby’s taste buds are now functional, so the baby can taste the amniotic fluid.
The baby’s eyes are also fully developed and the baby can now blink, although the eyelids will remain closed until around the 32nd week of pregnancy. The baby’s ears are now in the correct position, and the baby will be able to hear sounds from the outside world.
One special consideration at 28 weeks pregnant is that the baby’s brain is also continuing to develop rapidly. This is an important time for brain development, so it’s important for the mother to take care of herself and to avoid any environmental toxins or harmful substances that could potentially harm the baby’s brain development.
It’s worth noting that a baby born at 28 weeks has a good chance of survival but may require medical care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to help them grow and develop. It is important for the mother to be aware of any potential complications and to discuss with the healthcare provider on how to best prepare for a premature birth.
How Many Months is 28 Weeks Pregnant?
At 28 weeks pregnant, you are in the seventh month of your pregnancy.
In conclusion, 28 weeks pregnant marks an important stage of your pregnancy. It is important to take care of yourself and your baby by following the checklist, paying attention to the symptoms and also keeping an eye on your baby’s development. Keep in touch with your healthcare provider and make sure to get the prenatal care you need. Most importantly, take care of yourself, and congratulations on your pregnancy!”
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.