Your little one is approximately the size of a Kabocha squash.

During this week (third trimester) Checkups every two weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly visits until delivery. During the third trimester, aim for a consistent weight gain of one pound (453.592 gram) per week and consume an extra 450 calories per day.

Sex in the third trimester is generally safe and can continue until labor begins.

Pregnancy Week 28 Quick Facts

• At 28 weeks, you’re seven months pregnant
• You have 12 weeks until your due time “Calculate Your Due Date”
• This week, you’re embarking on your third trimester

Your Unborn Baby’s Size at 28 Weeks

How Big is Baby?

• At 28 weeks, your little one is approximately the size of a Kabocha squash, measuring 14.80 inches in length and weighing 1007 grams. 
• Moreover, your baby has started to open her eyes and blink, indicating further development.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 28

• This week, as you transition from the second trimester to the third trimester, you may experience new symptoms as well as the return of past symptoms from previous weeks.
• While forgetfulness, nasal congestion, and skin changes may persist, aches and pains may intensify.
• Back pain is a common symptom during pregnancy, caused by the growth of the uterus, stretching of muscles, and pregnancy hormones.
• Around 50% of pregnancies experience low back pain, while 1% may experience sciatica.
• Additionally, by the 28th week of pregnancy, weight gain may have reached around 19 pounds.
• For those with a pre-pregnancy weight in the “normal” range, recommended weight gain during the first trimester is approximately 453.592 gm to 2267.96 gm with an additional pound per week thereafter.
• Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your weight gain during each prenatal visit and may recommend adjusting your weight gain to align with your individual needs.
• Whether you need to gain more or less weight than the average guidelines, your healthcare provider will provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your weight or overall health during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. They are there to support you and ensure that you have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Prenatal Tests and Doctor’s Appointments

Third Trimester’s Initial Prenatal Visit

Typically, the first prenatal visit during your third trimester takes place around week 28. This appointment will resemble your prior ones as your doctor will:

• Address any queries you may have
• Request a urine sample
• Inspect your body for swelling
• Review your symptoms
• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat
• Record your weight and blood pressure

Monitoring Belly Growth

To estimate the size of your uterus and your baby’s growth, your healthcare provider may palpate your belly to locate the top of your uterus (known as the fundus) and measure the distance from your pubic bone to the fundus (referred to as fundal height).

Fundal height is measured in centimeters, and the figure often corresponds to the number of weeks you are pregnant (give or take a centimeter or two). At 28 weeks, your fundal height should be approximately 28 centimeters.

Rh Factor Testing

During the early stages of pregnancy, you were subjected to a blood test to determine your Rh factor, a protein found in most people’s red blood cells. If you have Rh-negative blood and your baby has Rh-positive blood, you have Rh incompatibility. This implies that your body may generate antibodies against your baby’s blood, causing health issues.

Around week 28, you will undergo another blood test if you are Rh-negative to check for these antibodies. Your healthcare provider will also recommend that you receive a RhoGAM shot this week. This Rh immunoglobulin injection eradicates any antibodies that your body may have created and prevents it from creating more. Another dose of the immunoglobulin will be given to you 72 hours after your baby’s birth to safeguard any future pregnancies.

– Risk in the 28th week of pregnancy

Placenta Previa

There are different types of placental positions that are considered normal. During an early ultrasound, your healthcare provider will have determined the location of your placenta in your uterus. If your placenta was situated near the bottom of your uterus, also known as a low-lying placenta, your healthcare provider will continue to keep track of its position as your uterus expands.

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta is located low in the uterus, partially or completely blocking the cervix. Low-lying placentas that are discovered in the early stages of pregnancy often migrate upward as the uterus grows. However, some placentas remain low throughout the entire pregnancy.

If you experience vaginal bleeding, your healthcare provider will screen you for placenta previa. Sometimes, there are no visible signs, and the condition can only be detected through an ultrasound.

If you are diagnosed with placenta previa, your healthcare provider may recommend the following:

• Refrain from having sexual intercourse
• Avoid lifting heavy objects
• Refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise or physical activity
• Take breaks from standing and rest throughout the day
• Go on bed rest
• Go to the hospital for closer monitoring

When the placenta covers the cervix, a Cesarean section (C-section) is necessary for delivery. If you have a low-lying placenta, your healthcare provider will monitor its location using ultrasounds at 32 and 36 weeks.

C-section may be scheduled sooner if bleeding is significant.

Developmental Milestones

The Brain

• During this week, your baby’s brain undergoes a rapid growth phase. The tissue of their brain is forming the characteristic ridges and furrows that provide the grooved and folded appearance of the brain.

Eye Movements

• At around 14 weeks, babies begin to make eye movements, which become more frequent around 28 weeks. Eye movements are linked to healthy brain development and REM sleep.

Umbilical Cord

• The umbilical cord connects your baby to the placenta, enabling the transfer of nutrients, oxygen, and the elimination of waste products.
• Although it is fully formed by week 12, it continues to grow in both diameter and length.
• At birth, the umbilical cord of a full-term baby typically measures between 1 and 3 feet in length and over 1/2 inch in width.

Tracking Fetal Movements:

• You can keep track of your baby’s movements by monitoring them at home. This not only allows you to stay informed about your baby’s health and well-being, but can also ease any worries you may have.
• Kick counts should be initiated in the 28th week of pregnancy.
• There are two ways to conduct kick counts (i.e., counting movements). It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine which method is most appropriate for you.

Survival Outside the Womb:

As each week passes, a baby’s chances of surviving outside the womb increase while the risks of long-term health problems decrease. baby born prematurely at 28 weeks has a 94% chance of survival outside the uterus.

Also Read : Labor And Delivery Preparation : What To Expect