Week 28 of Pregnancy
Third trimester
Baby is
about the size of an eggplant
14.8 inches · 2.2 lbs
Baby this week
- •Eyes can open and close, and can detect light and dark
- •Brain is developing rapidly with increased brain activity
- •Lungs are producing surfactant, a substance needed for breathing after birth
- •Baby can hear and respond to sounds, including your voice
You this week
- •Increased Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- •Back pain and pelvic pressure as baby grows heavier
- •Shortness of breath as uterus presses on diaphragm
- •Swelling in feet and ankles, especially toward evening
- •Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
- •Heartburn and indigestion
This week's tips
- •Schedule your glucose screening test this week if you haven't already
- •Practice pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) daily to prepare for labor and reduce incontinence
- •Wear supportive shoes and try elevating your feet when resting to manage swelling
- •Sleep on your left side to improve circulation and reduce pressure on your liver
- •Stay hydrated and eat smaller, more frequent meals to manage heartburn
- •Take warm baths to ease back pain, but avoid water that's too hot
Looking ahead
You're entering the final trimester next week! Your baby's lungs are nearly ready, and weight gain will accelerate from here. It's a good time to finalize your birth plan and start preparing your home for baby's arrival.
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