As you navigate the third trimester, 28 weeks pregnant marks the beginning of what some call the ‘home stretch.’ The journey towards giving birth is accelerating, and as you’re transitioning into the final trimester, it’s important to keep your healthcare provider informed about the baby’s movements and your pregnancy symptoms.
Size and Development of the Fetus in 28 Weeks Pregnant
By the 28th week, your growing baby is about the size of an eggplant. It weighs roughly 1 kg and measures 37.6 cm in length. The baby’s development is astounding during this week. The circumference of its head is about 26.3 cm, and the abdominal circumference is 24.2 cm. The baby’s brain is becoming more complex with rapid brain tissue development.
The third trimester is a critical period for the baby’s brain development, as it continues to mature. The size of your pregnant belly is growing too, reflecting the baby’s size and the growing uterus. It’s likely that your healthcare provider will mention these during your prenatal appointment.
Your baby’s nursery should be well into the planning phase by now, with considerations for the baby’s health at the forefront. Regular prenatal appointments become more frequent in the third trimester to monitor your baby’s health and development.
What Does the Pregnant Woman Feel During the Twenty-Eighth Week of Pregnancy?
The pregnancy symptoms at 28 weeks pregnant can vary. Many women report feeling the baby move more frequently as it gains weight and runs out of room. You may notice your baby’s movements more distinctly now, from kicks and jabs to a whole range of other movements.
As your pregnancy progresses into the 28 weeks, leg pain due to sciatic nerve pressure might occur as your growing uterus expands. The extra weight gain also puts more pressure on your lower body, resulting in the occasional discomfort in your pubic bone area. To help alleviate these, it is advisable to maintain physical activity as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Hormonal changes and the strain on your body might lead to new symptoms like ‘pregnancy brain,’ where you might experience bouts of forgetfulness or feeling sensitive, but rest assured, it is common during this stage.
Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, which may lead to fluctuations in your energy levels. Proper rest, a balanced diet, and maintaining mental health are crucial during this time.
Diet for the Pregnant Woman During the Twenty-Eighth Week of Pregnancy
In terms of diet, consuming high fiber foods and complex carbohydrates can provide you with the sustained energy your body needs at 28 weeks pregnant. As your digestive system is under pressure due to the growing baby, consuming smaller, more frequent meals can be beneficial.
What Can Be Seen on Ultrasound?
At 28 weeks, an ultrasound can reveal fascinating details about your baby. The intricate development of your baby’s brain is more noticeable, and you might even catch a glimpse of your baby in REM sleep, which indicates a new stage of brain development. The ultrasound can also show the baby’s nursery in your womb, filled with amniotic fluid, providing more room for the baby to move.
The next few weeks leading to the finish line will be a mix of anticipation and preparation. Remember, your medical team and healthcare provider are there to support you. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, prepare your birth plan, and keep track of your baby’s movements by doing daily kick counts. As the weeks progress, you will notice your baby move in response to various stimuli as it continues to grow and develop.
Conclusion
Being 28 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone as you transition into the third trimester. It’s a time of rapid development for your baby and significant changes in your body. With the due date just a few months away, it’s crucial to monitor the baby’s health closely and take good care of your health too. Make sure to attend all your prenatal appointments, keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider, and ensure you’re prepared when your baby arrives. As your pregnancy week guide, remember this: every woman’s experience is unique, and every baby’s journey into this world is special.
Questions and Answers
Is my baby fully developed at 28 weeks?
In the 28th week of pregnancy, while your baby is not entirely fully developed, remarkable growth and maturation have taken place. The essential organs like the brain, heart, and lungs have not only formed but are continually evolving. Intriguingly, your baby can already experience the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, indicating the capacity for dreaming. Facial features are becoming distinct, and the body’s continuous fat accumulation contributes to its shape. Nevertheless, critical development stages, especially regarding the brain and lungs, will unfold over the next weeks. At this stage, your baby has reached significant milestones but is still in the process of growth and maturation for readiness to thrive outside the womb post-birth.
Why is 28 weeks crucial?
The 28th week of pregnancy holds a crucial significance on many fronts. Marking the onset of the third trimester – the final phase of pregnancy, it is a period of substantial growth and maturation of the baby, with a particular emphasis on the lungs and brain. It is also this week that boosts the baby’s survival prospects in case of a premature birth, largely attributable to the increased production of surfactant essential for lung functionality. For expecting mothers, this week marks a pivotal point where the focus on a nutritious diet, regular monitoring of the baby’s movements, and frequent consultations with the healthcare provider becomes more critical than ever. The 28th week serves as a significant milestone in both the baby’s development and the mother’s journey to childbirth.
What not to do at 28 weeks pregnant?
When you reach 28 weeks pregnant, your foremost priority should be to steer clear of any activities or substances that could pose a potential risk to you or your unborn baby. This involves abstaining from intense physical exertion, the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, as well as raw or undercooked food to prevent exposure to foodborne illnesses. Equally important is to evade exposure to harmful chemicals and second-hand smoke. As this period marks your entry into the third trimester, laying flat on your back for extended durations is not advisable. This position could compress a significant blood vessel, thereby reducing the blood flow to your baby. The key during this crucial week is to heed your body’s signals and ensure adequate rest.
What should I be feeling at 28 weeks?
As you reach the 28-week mark, your body may start experiencing increased fatigue due to the additional effort required to sustain your growing baby. The expansion of your pregnant belly could lead to discomfort or aches in your back, hips, and pelvis. The increased activity and growth of your baby can result in more distinct baby movements that you will likely start to feel. A subset of expecting mothers may also encounter ‘Braxton Hicks’ contractions, which are intermittent contractions of the uterus and are generally not accompanied by pain. Hormonal shifts could bring about emotional fluctuations, making you more sensitive than usual. It’s vital to communicate any new symptoms or concerns to your healthcare provider during this crucial period of your pregnancy.
Elizabeth Baker is a mother of three, wife, and the passionate mind behind this pregnancy and baby development resource. She balances her love for understanding every stage of child growth with her duties as a parent. When she’s not sharing her experiences or studying child development, Sarah enjoys family time, reading, and practicing yoga. She believes in the power of shared knowledge to enhance the beautiful journey of parenthood.