Congratulations, Mama! You’ve officially entered the third trimester at 28 weeks pregnant. It’s an exciting milestone in your pregnancy journey. At the same time, it can also be overwhelming as your due date nears, your baby is growing super quickly and even your body is experiencing changes daily. In between all these, there’s a lot to keep track of – from baby prep to doctor visits, and if you’re a working parent, planning maternity leave.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone! We’ve got all the information you need about this exciting stage in your pregnancy. Let’s dive in!
Baby’s Growth at 28 Weeks
At 28 weeks, your baby is growing like a little champion, weighing around 1.13 kg and measuring about 14.8 inches long. They are about the size of a large eggplant or butternut squash. Their facial features are well developed, and even their eyebrows and eyelashes are taking shape. While the skin is still a little thin and translucent, it’s gradually filling up with fat. This is crucial for your baby as it helps regulate their body temperature after birth.
What’s even more amazing at this stage is that your little one is now developing their own sleep-wake cycle! This means you’ll feel even more of their little kicks and movements throughout the day.
Your Body At 28 Weeks Pregnant
As your baby grows, so does your belly! At 28 weeks, your uterus is about 3.5 inches above your belly button. Your bump is becoming more noticeable every day, and you’re likely gaining weight at about 7.7 to 10.8 kg, which is completely normal.
But while your growing belly is a sign of your little one’s progress, it can come with some discomfort. We’ll guide you through those in the next section. But first, let’s take a look at what the ultrasound scans reveal.
28-Week Ultrasound: Peek at Your Little One
If you’re scheduled for a 28 week ultrasound, it’s an exciting time to check in on how your baby is progressing. While not every mommy gets an ultrasound at this stage, it’s great for your doctor to monitor your baby’s position, growth, and the amniotic fluid levels. And who knows, you might even get a sneak peek of your baby yawning, moving, or maybe even flashing you a smile!
Third Trimester Symptoms to Look Out For
Here are a few common symptoms, or call it discomfort, that many moms-to-be may experience around 28 weeks:
- Itchy Belly: Your belly stretches to make room for your growing baby, which can make it feel itchy. Some may also develop stretch marks. To help soothe your skin and prevent this, try using a gentle moisturiser or pregnancy-safe stretch marks cream.
- Restless Legs: This one can be a little annoying, and usually happens when you try to rest or sleep. Light stretching before bed can help ease the discomfort.
- Back Pain & Pelvic Pressure: The connective tissue that holds your bones together may relax during pregnancy due to hormones. This can lead to back pain and other discomforts.
- Heartburn & Indigestion: As the growing baby puts pressure on the stomach, it can cause heartburn or bloating.
- Shortness of Breath: It is common at this stage of pregnancy. As the belly grows, it puts pressure on your organs, making it easier to get out of breath when walking or climbing stairs.
Tips for a Healthy Third Trimester
Staying healthy and relaxed is important as you’re 28 weeks pregnant and also approaching the final weeks of your journey. Here are some tips to help you through:
- Incorporate gentle exercises like walking or prenatal yoga, only after your gynae’s approval. This will help your body to stay physically active.
- Focus on healthy nutrient-rich foods like iron, protein, and calcium to support your and your baby’s health.
- Your gynae may also recommend monitoring your baby’s movement in the womb. So from now on, pay close attention to your baby’s movements. And if you notice any changes, consult your doctor right away.
- Lastly, it is an important time to organise your hospital bag, join childbirth classes, and prepare your birth plan. It’s all about getting ready for the big day!
Wrapping Up!
Reaching 28 weeks pregnant is truly like the cherry on top, Mama! Despite the discomforts, you’re doing an amazing job taking care of yourself and your little one. This moment is unique, so cherish it and strengthen the bond with your baby growing inside. Enjoy every kick, every moment, and get ready for the beautiful journey ahead!
