28 Weeks Pregnant
What’s happening this week?
You’re now twenty-eight weeks pregnant, marking the beginning of the third trimester. It’s important to become familiar with signs of labour at this stage!
How is my baby developing?
You may be only 28 weeks pregnant, but your baby is already preparing for labour. Most babies will go to their head-down position necessary for delivery. Your healthcare provider will be able to tell what position your baby is in.
Your baby is also practicing breathing movements, by swallowing amniotic fluid and yawning. These will be essential for his first breath. Your baby’s hair, eyelashes and eyebrows are growing and getting ticker.
However, some babies are born completely bald or lose all their hair within a few days. It is also common for hair to change color. Your baby’s eyesight is also developing and now he can react and turn his head towards a bright light.
The brain is also undergoing extraordinary changes, going from smooth to the groove appearance associated with the brain.
The volume of amniotic fluid has been increasing over the last few weeks, and it will reach a maximum between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby measures roughly 37 cm from head to heel and weights about 1 kg.
How is my body changing?
You’re 28 weeks pregnant and this is the beginning of the third trimester. Not long to go now! Your uterus sits above your belly button by about 10 cm, and as it continues to grow, you’ll get increasingly uncomfortable.
If your blood type is Rh-negative, you’ll get an injection this week of RhoGAM to destroy blood cells that pass from foetal to maternal circulation which could be toxic to you.
As your pregnancy progresses, you may start to feel lots of aches and pains. These typically include lower back pain, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, frequent urination, leg cramps and just feeling generally tired.
Take as much rest as you can. Also, you may want to stock up on nappies and get clothes ready, as your little one may decide to come earlier. You probably gained about 19-20 pounds, although it may feel your carrying a giant watermelon!
Asthma and pregnancy.
Asthma can be life-threatening for you and your baby. Imagine, if you can’t breath, neither can your baby!
You may think that you shouldn’t take your normal medication, but the risks of not taking it outweigh any potential harm for your baby.
It can cause premature or low weight babies. Talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action for you.