Pregnancy Week 28

What does my baby look like, and how big is it?

Your baby is now about the size of an eggplant.

This week you're in the 7th month of pregnancy, and the third trimester is beginning.

By now your baby's heart rate is more regular. After the very fast pace of the early weeks, it settles into a slower, steadier rhythm. Even so, the heartbeat is still noticeably faster than yours. Your baby's heart can be heard with a stethoscope; sometimes people say you can catch it by putting an ear to your belly, but that isn't always easy to pick up.

Baby is getting into position

Your baby may be starting to turn head-down in preparation for birth. This doesn't happen in the same week for every baby; some turn later.

During this time your baby is:

• practicing blinking
• sucking more strongly
• possibly hiccupping
• practicing breathing movements

What's happening with your baby this week?

Your baby is almost ready to breathe air on its own, but for now it practices breathing with amniotic fluid. All five senses are largely developed. Because taste and smell molecules pass into the amniotic fluid, your baby can indirectly pick up on some qualities of what you eat.

As fat builds up under the skin, the skin starts to look less wrinkled. Your baby's ability to regulate body temperature is also developing.

Brain development continues, too. The connections between the thalamus and the cerebral cortex mark one of the important milestones for awareness and sensory processing.

Will my baby come early?

Many expectant mothers worry that labor will start early. But most babies are born close to their due date. Birth at 28 weeks is still premature, yet babies born this week have a much better chance of survival than in earlier weeks.

Before 37 weeks, call your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• fluid or a steady leak from the vagina
• regular contractions
• unusual lower back pain
• pelvic pressure
• bleeding or a noticeable change in discharge

What's happening in my body?

During this period, heartburn, indigestion, back pain, and swelling may become more noticeable. Your growing uterus puts pressure on your digestive system and diaphragm. At the same time, your connective tissues loosen.

Mild swelling may appear in your ankles, feet, and face. But if the swelling is pronounced, comes on suddenly, or is accompanied by a headache and vision changes, it needs to be evaluated.

Braxton Hicks contractions may start to become more noticeable during these weeks. These are the uterus's irregular, practice contractions. They are usually:

• irregular
• not increasing in frequency over time
• easing when you rest
• possibly worse when you're dehydrated

If the contractions get stronger, become regular, or turn painful, call your doctor.

It's also possible to feel short of breath now and then during these weeks. The uterus pressing on the diaphragm can create the sensation of needing to breathe more deeply. But if you have sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations, it needs to be evaluated.

Urinary leakage is a common symptom during this period. Pelvic floor exercises can help.

Hemorrhoids can also flare up due to constipation, vein pressure, and hormonal changes. Drinking water, eating fiber, and moving regularly help. If there's rectal bleeding, it needs to be evaluated.

Vivid and strange dreams are also common during this stage of pregnancy. Broken sleep and hormonal changes can contribute to them.

Colostrum leakage may begin during these weeks. This shows that your body is getting ready to feed your baby after birth, and it's usually normal.

The data on hair dye is limited. While it's generally thought to be safer after the first trimester, if you need to, talking with your doctor about it is the safest approach.

Your baby's movements may now feel more regular. As you get familiar with them, you'll begin to notice your baby's normal rhythm. A noticeable decrease in movement should be evaluated.

Sensitive skin

Your skin can become more sensitive during pregnancy. Your belly, hips, and thighs may become especially tender as they stretch. Avoiding irritating products and using ones with simple ingredients may feel more comfortable.

Pregnancy mask (melasma)

Pregnancy hormones can bring out dark patches on the face and the dark line down the middle of the belly known as the linea nigra. Because sun exposure can make these patches worse, using sunscreen helps.

Noticing a lump in your breast during pregnancy

Because the breasts grow, become tender, and change in structure during pregnancy, they can feel lumpy. Most lumps are not malignant; still, if you notice a new lump, or one that's growing or worrying you, it should be evaluated by your doctor.

Common symptoms you may experience this week include:

• urinary leakage
• heartburn
• indigestion
• back pain
• pelvic pain
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• leg cramps
• restless legs sensation
• nosebleeds
• itching
• hemorrhoids
• vivid dreams
• trouble sleeping
• a feeling of shortness of breath
• sciatica-like pain

Pelvic floor exercises can be helpful during this period, both for bladder control and for recovery after birth.

Itchy skin

Itching is common in pregnancy. Skin stretching and hormonal changes can cause it. But itching that's pronounced, especially on the hands and feet, worsens at night, and occurs without a rash should be evaluated for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Restless legs syndrome

If you feel an urge to move your legs while resting or sleeping, it may be restless legs syndrome. It's common in pregnancy and usually resolves after birth.

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds can happen more often in pregnancy because of hormonal changes. When one occurs:

• sit or stand up
• don't lie down
• pinch just above your nostrils for 10–15 minutes
• lean forward
• apply something cold to the top of your nose

Sciatica (tingling leg pain)

As your baby grows, there can be pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can lead to pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg, along with tingling or numbness.

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)

Pain can develop in the joint at the front of the pelvic bones. This can make walking, turning, and moving in bed difficult. A support belt and appropriate exercises can help.

Nutrition this week

Because your baby's senses are developing, the taste and smell qualities of the foods you eat can reach your baby indirectly through the amniotic fluid. That's why eating a varied, balanced diet is important.

During this period:

• eat plenty of fiber
• pay attention to your water intake
• if you have heartburn, opt for smaller, more frequent meals
• cut back on heavy, very fatty, or very spicy foods
• if you eat fish, make sure it's well cooked

Time to get moving

You're now in the third trimester. You can start planning for the birth and for the period afterward.

Thinking about where your baby will sleep can also make sense at this stage. A safe sleep space, a crib, and basic newborn preparations can be planned ahead of time.

Find out your Rh status

Your blood type and Rh status matter in prenatal care. If you're Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive, Rh incompatibility can develop in some cases. That's why the tests and treatments your doctor recommends are important.

Look into childbirth classes

You can look into childbirth classes during this period. These classes usually cover topics such as:

• the stages of labor
• pain management
• breathing techniques
• breastfeeding
• newborn care
• CPR / first aid

It can be helpful to ask ahead of time whether the class you're considering includes infant CPR and breastfeeding support.

Birth plan

If you haven't already, you can start thinking about your birth plan. Pain management options, who will be with you during the birth, and skin-to-skin contact right after delivery can all be part of this plan.

Time for a swim

Swimming is a soothing form of exercise for most people during pregnancy. It can support muscle tone, build endurance, and help with sleep. As your belly grows, the feeling of lightness in the water can be a relief.

Sleeping comfortably

Pillow support can be a big help during this period. Supporting your belly, back, and legs helps you sleep more comfortably.

Have you had your whooping cough vaccine?

The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is usually recommended between weeks 16 and 32. This vaccine can help protect your baby in the period after birth.

Ways to protect yourself from infections

Protecting yourself from infections during pregnancy is important. To do this:

• wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• wear gloves when handling cat litter or animal waste
• let your doctor know if you've been exposed to contagious illnesses like chickenpox

Hello, third trimester!

The third trimester has begun. Your check-ups may become more frequent from now on.

Sex: Is it okay or not?

If your pregnancy is going smoothly, sex is usually considered safe in the third trimester too, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.