28 Weeks Pregnant: Welcome to the Third Trimester

You’ve officially entered the third trimester at 28 weeks pregnant! This is an exciting milestone as your baby continues to grow and prepare for life outside the womb. While your body experiences noticeable changes, this is also the time to focus on planning and preparing for your baby’s arrival. Here’s what to expect this week.

Your Baby at 28 Weeks

Your baby is developing rapidly and becoming more active:

• Size and Weight: Your baby is about the size of an eggplant, weighing around 2.5 pounds and measuring approximately 15 inches long.
• Brain Growth: The brain is becoming more complex, with grooves and folds developing on its surface.
• Eyes Open: Your baby can now open and close their eyes, and they may even respond to light shining through your belly.
• Lung Development: Lungs continue to mature, producing more surfactant to prepare for breathing after birth.
• Sleep Patterns: Your baby has distinct periods of sleep and wakefulness, which you may notice through movements.

Your Body at 28 Weeks

As your baby grows, you’ll notice new changes and symptoms in your body.
Physical Changes

• Baby Bump Growth: Your uterus now sits about 3 inches above your belly button.
• Weight Gain: You’ve likely gained 17–24 pounds by this point.
• Braxton Hicks Contractions: These “practice contractions” may become more frequent but should not be painful or regular.

Common Symptoms

• Shortness of Breath: Your growing baby pushes on your diaphragm, making breathing feel harder.
• Back Pain: Increased weight and posture changes may cause discomfort.
• Swelling: Mild swelling in your feet, hands, and ankles is common.
• Fatigue: As your baby grows, you may feel more tired, especially if sleep is disrupted.

Key Health Tips for 28 Weeks

1. Schedule Regular Checkups:
• Expect more frequent prenatal visits, often every two weeks starting now.
2. Take a Glucose Tolerance Test:
• If you haven’t already, your provider may schedule this test to check for gestational diabetes.
3. Track Baby’s Movements:
• Monitor your baby’s kicks and rolls to establish their movement pattern. A significant change may warrant a call to your doctor.
4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
• Focus on iron-rich foods to prevent anemia and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
5. Prepare for Sleep Challenges:
• Use a pregnancy pillow for better support and try sleeping on your left side to improve circulation.

When to Call Your Doctor

While most symptoms are normal, watch for the following and notify your doctor if they occur:

• Severe swelling, especially in your face or hands.
• Persistent headaches, blurred vision, or dizziness (potential signs of preeclampsia).
• Painful or regular contractions.
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage.
• Decreased fetal movements.

Looking Ahead

As you move deeper into the third trimester, it’s a great time to finalize your birth plan, take a prenatal class, and prepare your hospital bag. Celebrate this milestone and look forward to meeting your baby in just 12 weeks!