Pregnancy at 28 weeks

Your baby at 28 weeks is the size of a large eggplant. They are roughly 36.1cm from the top of their head to their heel (crown-heel length) and they weigh approximately 1,189g. 

You are now 7 months pregnant – only 2 months to go! 

Here’s what to expect at 28 weeks:

Your baby at 28 weeks

By now, you might have started to pick up on your little one’s movement patterns. You’ve probably noticed that they are much more active when you’re trying to rest and more subdued when you’re active. It won’t be long now until you get to feel their little kicks and nudges in person! 

Brain activity

Your baby’s brain development is kicking into overdrive. Starting now, their brain will triple in weight before their big arrival. Their senses of touch, smell, and hearing have already been developed and are functional.

They’re continuing to add tissue and billions of new nerve cells. The cerebrum is also developing deep grooves that will provide more surface area.

Funny faces

In utero babies at 28 weeks are able to stick out their tongues.  Experts aren’t entirely sure why they do this; maybe they’re just curious as to what the amniotic fluid that surrounds them tastes like.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

Your body at 28 weeks pregnant

When pregnant at 28 weeks, your body is doing a lot to accommodate your growing foetus. You may start to notice new pregnancy symptoms popping up, or old ones making a return. Here are some common things to look out for around this time:

• Shortness of breath. Odds are you’ve already experienced shortness of breath during your pregnancy. However, as the third-trimester starts, this may increase as your baby continues to grow and your uterus pushes up against your diaphragm. Towards the very end of pregnancy, when your baby drops into your pelvis, this symptom might go away. For now, keeping a good posture will allow your lungs to expand more, which can make breathing easier. Sleeping on your left side also allows for better circulation.

• Braxton Hicks contractions. Commonly referred to as false labor pains, Braxton Hicks contractions are the sporadic tensing and relaxing of your uterine muscles. They can start as early as week 20 of pregnancy, but are more common in your third trimester.  Unlike actual contractions that signal labor, Braxton Hicks contractions don’t occur regularly or get stronger as time passes. They usually go away when you change positions or get up and walk around. 

• Weight gain. If you have a normal BMI (18.5 to 24.9) going into pregnancy, it’s recommended to gain between 11 to 16kg (25 to 35lbs) throughout your whole pregnancy. It’s important to keep this weight gain gradual, so you’re not putting on too much or too little at one time. Your baby needs a steady flow of nutrients. In the third trimester, it’s recommended to gain about 0.5kg (1lb) per week. 

• Sensitive skin. During pregnancy, your body is changing and your hormones are surging more than ever. You may begin to notice subtle (or even not so subtle) differences in your skin. Perhaps the perfume you’ve been using for the last 5 years suddenly irritates your skin, or you develop food reactions. You may switch from an oily complexion to a dry one or vice versa. Pregnancy can cause a number of skin changes. Most are an annoyance, rather than something to worry about. However, if you ever feel extreme skin discomfort, speak to your health care provider. 

Taking care of yourself during week 28 of pregnancy

Taking care of yourself helps to ensure a healthy pregnancy. 

Here are some things to focus on this week:

• Stock your kitchen with healthy options. As your pregnancy progresses, you should continue to gain weight. It’s easy to get off track with pregnancy cravings, which is why keeping your kitchen stocked with wholesome food items is even much more important. Although it’s fine to indulge a little here or there, make sure to focus on nutrition for the bulk of your meals. You’ll be doing yourself and your baby a favour. A good diet is linked to healthy brain development and good birth weight. It will also help keep unwanted pregnancy symptoms like fatigue and anaemia at bay. 

• Keep up with the Kegels. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles helps support your uterus, bladder, and bowels. During pregnancy, these muscles loosen due to an increase in hormones. To do Kegel exercises, tighten the muscles around the vagina and hold for about 10 seconds, making sure to breathe normally. Try and aim for about 20 reps, five times a day. 

• Take a power nap. It’s very common to feel tired when you’re pregnant. Lots of factors play a role in daytime fatigue, like hormonal changes, the strain of carrying around extra weight, and trouble sleeping at night. Never underestimate the power of a nap to fight exhaustion. Even taking just 20 to 30 minutes to rest will benefit your body and help you feel refreshed. 

• Polish up your birth plan. A birth plan is very beneficial and will ensure you have a better-prepared labor and delivery. You’ve probably made the big decisions by now, like whether you want a natural birth or pain meds, or whether you’re hiring a doula or midwife. But you may have left some of the smaller details to think about, like what to pack in your hospital bag or what snacks to bring. Now is a great time to chip away at your birth plan so you’re not left scrambling for ideas right before your due date. 

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