Week 28

Week 28
(counting from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 26 Weeks After Conception
Please keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any questions, please check with your care provider.


Fetal Development: Our little miracle is growing and developing at an astonishing rate! Eyebrows and eyelashes are now present, and the hair on the head is growing. The eyelids open, and the eyes are completely formed. The body is getting plumper and rounder (weighs about 2 pounds) and is composed of around 2 to 3% body fat. Muscle tone is gradually improving. The lungs are capable of breathing air but if the baby is born now, it would struggle to properly breathe. Be sure to talk to your baby a lot because s/he can recognize your voice now!
Multiples: If born now, your babies have a 90% chance for survival. Let's hope they stay put for awhile though!


Maternal Changes:
Welcome to the third trimester ~ the period of leg cramps, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, itchy skin, aches and pains, swelling, heartburn, indigestion and . . . your baby's arrival!
Your uterus is around 3 inches above your navel; average weight gain is between 17 and 24 pounds at this point. If you haven't had a glucose tolerance test yet to test for gestational diabetes, your care provider may order one this week.

Multiples: You're probably feeling really heavy now with lots of pelvic pressure and backaches. It probably feels like the babies are sitting on your rectum and bladder - and they are! Warm baths can help. Be good to yourself and gets lots of help.


Third Trimester Careprovider Appointments:
In routine pregnancies, your health-care provider appointments may be every two weeks from week 28 to 36, with weekly appointments from week 36 until delivery.
During these appointments, your doctor/midwife will check the size and height of your uterus to be certain your baby is growing appropriately. Your weight and blood pressure will be checked as well as your urine for signs of infection, sugar, and protein. As the due date approaches, the baby's position is checked and vaginal exams are performed to check for cervical dilatation.

If any high-risk situations are noted (pre-eclampsia, PIH - Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension, gestational diabetes, placenta previa), care provider visits will be more frequent and more tests may be advised.

Be sure to take a list of questions and concerns to your appointments. It's normal to have questions and worries about labor this trimester so don't be shy! Ask! Ask! Ask!


Ideas for Dad: It's the last trimester! Go out and celebrate with a special date to shop for something for the baby or a few maternity outfits for Mom. Treat Mom to an olive oil tummy massage or foot massage.
This isn't an easy trimester for Mom. Dad's support can go a long way to make it easier. Stay involved Dad! You're needed more than ever now.


Inspirational Thoughts: Children . . . they string our joys, like jewels bright, upon the thread of years. ~Edward A. Guest