Welcome to the third trimester! You’re eager to meet your baby. You may need to start taking things easier around now, if you can. This trimester will be filled with new experiences and new symptoms.
The Size of your baby at 28 Weeks Pregnant
At 28 weeks, your little one is about the size of an eggplant. This means he weighs about 2.2 pounds and from head to heel, he measures in at almost 15 inches (38 cm).
How Many Months Is 28 Weeks?
This week, you’re seven months pregnant. Only two months to go!!!
Baby’s Development at 28 Weeks
Baby’s eyes: At Weeks 28, your baby’s eyelids can partially open and eyelashes have formed. The central nervous system can direct rhythmic breathing movements and control body temperature.
Brain: Your little one’s brain is adding billions of new nerve cells. His senses of hearing, smell, and touch are fully functional and your baby’s brain is three times as much in weight. The cerebrum develops deep, convoluted grooves that provide extra surface area without taking up more room in the skull.
Umbilical Cord: The umbilical cord carries blood between the placenta and your baby. It supplies your baby with nutrients and oxygen and aids the removal of their waste products. The umbilical cord was fully formed by the 12th week, but it has continued to grow in both diameter and length.
28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
At week 28, below are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:
Shortness of breath: Baby continues to crowd your lungs and diaphragm, making it tougher to catch your breath. If you find yourself out of breath, try to be mindful of your posture. Standing up straight can give your lungs a bit more room to expand, and you may find breathing becomes easier.
Mood swings: Pregnancy is a powerful and life-changing experience for women and men. It can stir up some strong, deep and unexpected emotions and issues.
Pregnancy Brain: Due to troubles with sleeping, oscillating hormones, and the constant pressure inside your body, you might feel like your memory is getting worse. Write everything down so you don’t forget important to-do’s and appointments.
Back pain: This week, lower back pain comes with the territory for many expecting mothers. As your body expands, your center of gravity shifts and your posture changes, often straining your back muscles. You may notice these pains when taking a flight of stairs or getting in or out of your car.
Nail changes: Some pregnant women develop harder nails, but others find that their nails are softer or more brittle.
28 Weeks Tips
- If you’re planning to breastfeed your baby, learn as much as you can about it now. Talk to nursing moms, read books, and sign up for a breastfeeding class.
- Discuss getting help at home after the baby arrives
- Your little one is almost here, so it’s nor a bad idea to have things ready early. Setting up your baby’s nursery and stocking up on some postpartum recovery essentials.
- This is a good time to start kick counting. Choose a time of the day that you would be free to count at every day.
You can also read all you need to know about breastfeeding here.
