At twenty-eight weeks pregnant, you have entered your third trimester! This is your final trimester; the birth of your baby will be here before you know it. Your baby’s development is progressing, and they can now blink, dream, and pull more faces! As your baby wriggles in your stomach and grows, you can expect pains across your back, pelvis, and abdomen.
But what else is happening during pregnancy week twenty-eight? That is what we are here to tell you! Keep reading for a full and in-depth look at week twenty-eight of pregnancy, including the common symptoms to look out for, if your pregnancy is viable, and more!
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 28 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 28 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 28 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 28 Weeks Pregnant?+
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 28 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of an eggplant
- Your baby’s brain tissue is developing this week
- Your baby can now blink and dream
- You might experience backache, stomach pains, and pelvic pain this week
- You might experience nosebleeds this week
- You might want to start preparing your baby’s nursery
- You might start to consider your birthing plan as you prepare for your baby’s birth
What Does It Mean To Be 28 Weeks Pregnant?
The twenty-eight week of pregnancy marks the start of your third trimester! Your baby is continuing. to grow and develop while preparing for birth and life outside your womb. In the next few weeks, you can expect your baby’s brain to continue developing tissue and their hair starting to grow. Hair can already be seen on an ultrasound this week and will look like wavy lines in your amniotic fluid.
You might start to feel more uncomfortable as your baby grows and moves into position for birth. Their head will be facing downwards toward your crotch, and they will slowly begin to drop down your body until it is time for your baby’s birth. You might feel discomfort as they move and notice pain across your back.
You might notice fluctuating levels of pregnancy hormones that could cause some mood swings. While the mood swing days might have seemed behind you, they are normal to experience here. You might also find that you struggle with your mental health at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. This is normal! It can be a stressful time for moms to be as the reality that a baby will be joining the family soon sinks in.
Take some time to take care of your mental health this week, and don’t forget to reach out to those around you for support.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 28 Weeks?
Pregnancy can be detected at twenty-eight weeks pregnant, but you might get a false negative from a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. These levels rise dramatically during the first few months of pregnancy before decreasing in your second trimester.
At twenty-eight weeks pregnant, your levels might be too low to generate positive pregnancy test results despite being obviously pregnant. Your doctor can confirm your pregnancy with a blood test at this stage, or an ultrasound can be performed to confirm your pregnancy.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be called for an ultrasound this week! Some doctors will call women for two ultrasounds during their third trimesters, with the first being at twenty-eight weeks. Not all doctors offer an ultrasound this week; check with yours to see when you will have your third-trimester ultrasound.
Your baby’s development will be assessed this week, and their body will be measured to ensure they are growing correctly. This is another chance to see your growing baby too and you should see more of their facial features this week. You will also see their hair, which has started to form. It will look like it is waving in the amniotic fluid. Your baby will look plumper than in previous ultrasounds, and you can find out the sex if you have not already.
Some women pay privately for a 4D scan, too, which will show your baby up close and allow you to see what their face could look like once they are born. How clear your 4D scan is will depend on your baby’s positioning in the womb.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-eight weeks pregnant, your doctor might perform blood tests to check your iron levels. These tests might be combined with a glucose screening test for gestational diabetes. Women who are deemed at risk of developing gestational diabetes might be offered the screening test frequently as their pregnancy progresses.
You might also be offered genetic screening tests this week. These are not optional and will check for any genetic conditions your baby might have. Your doctor might advise you to have these tests if you have a family history of genetic conditions or are a carrier for hereditary diseases.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at twenty-eight weeks pregnant through an ultrasound, Doppler machine, or a stethoscope. Your midwife will use a stethoscope or Doppler machine in between ultrasound appointments to monitor your baby’s heartbeat and check for any abnormalities, like decreased beating or irregular heartbeats.
Your baby’s heartbeat will still sound fast at twenty-eight weeks, with an average of 140 beats per minute.
Is Pregnancy Viable At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Pregnancy can be viable at twenty-eight weeks pregnant, providing that your baby has access to the support it needs. A pregnancy is considered viable when your baby arrives and can survive outside of the womb. At twenty-eight weeks pregnant, your baby will still be small, but their organs will have developed more than in previous weeks and could survive.
They will likely need to spend some time in a neonatal intensive care unit, receiving around-the-clock care from doctors and nurses. At this stage in your pregnancy, your baby’s lungs and brain still need time to develop, so your baby might need help breathing once they are born.
While this can be a terrifying time for parents, the chances of survival are pretty good. The University of Utah found that survival rates are between 80 and 90%, with only a 10% chance of long-term health problems.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-eight weeks pregnant, common symptoms include nosebleeds, indigestion, and backache. Your body is carrying extra weight, and your growing baby can add pressure to different parts of your body, giving you different symptoms from previous weeks.
You might also experience puffy or swollen hands, feet, and ankles. This can indicate water retention, which isn’t a cause for concern. However, it could also be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition during pregnancy. Speak to your healthcare provider to have this checked out.
These symptoms all range in severity from woman to woman and can change daily, so don’t panic if your symptoms are different to other women – this is normal!
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels continue to fall this week, averaging between 1,400 and 53,00 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. You might experience false contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, which are short-lived and not as intense as contractions.
You might also experience round ligament pains on the side of your stomach caused by your growing uterus.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness is less common but can happen at twenty-eight weeks pregnant for some women.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts may feel tender or sore at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. Your breasts might also feel full, ache, or leak as your first breast milk comes in. Not all women will experience leaky breasts, but wearing breast pads can help keep you dry if it happens to you.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout your pregnancy, including at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. You might crave foods you usually don’t enjoy or unusual combinations.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. This becomes more common as your pregnancy progresses and your baby drops, adding pressure to your stomach.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common this week. Your growing belly and aches and pains can make it difficult to get comfortable and sleep. Adding extra pillows, sleeping with a pillow between your legs, or using a pregnancy pillow can help.
You might find napping throughout the day helpful.
Will I Feel Bloated At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
You might feel bloated this week. Avoiding eating late at night and eating small meals throughout the day can help prevent bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common symptoms throughout pregnancy, including at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy might experience more headaches during pregnancy than others.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is more common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but you might still experience it at twenty-eight weeks pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is usually more common during the first few months of pregnancy but can happen at twenty-eight weeks pregnant, too.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath can happen at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. Your growing baby can restrict the space your lungs have in your body, causing shortness of breath.
This is more common when lying on your back, so avoid this.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal throughout your pregnancy, including twenty-eight weeks pregnant. Your diarrhea might not be caused by pregnancy and could be a stomach bug, allergy, or food poisoning.
Speak to your doctor if your diarrhea lasts more than forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge happens throughout your pregnancy, including at twenty-eight weeks. Keep an eye on any changes in the colour, consistency, or smell of your discharge, reporting it to your midwife or doctor.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain, or pain throughout your back, is common. Your joints and ligaments are looser than normal and can struggle with the strain of the extra weight during pregnancy.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings usually happen during the first few months of pregnancy but can happen at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. Your hormone levels can still fluctuate, causing mood swings.
Is Spotting Normal At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting at twenty-eight weeks pregnant should be reported to your doctor or midwife immediately. Spotting at this stage in your pregnancy can be a sign of a severe problem, so it is best to have it checked out immediately.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 28 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at twenty-eight weeks pregnant.
- Spotty and oily skin
- Thicker and shinier hair
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Urine infections
- Vaginal infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Leg cramps
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Piles
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Stretch marks
How Big Is A Baby At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-eight weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of an eggplant. They will have grown from last week, measuring roughly 37.6cm from head to heel.
Your baby’s heart rate has slowed this week but is still faster than yours. Its faster heart rate is because your baby’s heart cannot pump much blood yet due to its size. So it goes faster to make up for this. It also helps to keep your baby warm while they are in your womb.
Your baby can now dream and experience rapid eye movement, REM. This REM sleep indicates your baby is gearing up for life outside the womb. They can now blink, too, and have some eyelashes to flutter!
Your baby’s head will also have moved and be in the head down position, ready for birth. You might experience some pains as your baby moves into position, which might last a few days. The pain will likely come and go, though, so don’t worry.
Can You Feel The Baby At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
You can feel your baby at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. At this point, your doctor might recommend that you monitor your baby’s movements. They will ask you to track kick counts, where you can feel the rolls, flutters, kicks, or taps you feel over a set period.
On average, women feel ten movements over two hours. Every pregnancy is different, so don’t worry if your number is slightly different. Should you notice any changes to your baby’s movements, though, like a decrease or they stop suddenly, speak to your doctor immediately.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-eight weeks, a miscarriage is considered a stillbirth. The common symptoms include a sudden decrease in your baby’s movements, spotting or abnormal bleeding, pain in your stomach, or back. You might feel contractions, your waters break, and labour will start quickly. Other women might experience no symptoms at all.
At this stage in your pregnancy, you will deliver your baby. You can do this in a hospital with medical intervention, or you might be allowed to go home for labour to take place naturally. Your doctor can offer you guidance and support here and help to create a long-term support plan for you going forward.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of stillbirth at twenty-eight weeks pregnant are low if you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy. The Univeristy of Sydney found that 2/7 per 1,000 births are a stillbirth at twenty-eight weeks or later.
While this is higher than in other countries across the world, it is still a low chance of stillbirth. This does not take into consideration factors that increase your chance of stillbirth, like genetic conditions, weight, or complications in your pregnancy. Your doctor can talk you through these factors and, if any, apply.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions should be taken to maintain your health at twenty-eight weeks pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. These will provide you and your baby with the nutrients you need for your pregnancy to progress smoothly. Your doctor can advise which pregnancy multivitamin should be taken at twenty-eight weeks pregnant.
You should look for a prenatal vitamin with high Vitamin D levels if you are pregnant during the winter.
Eat A Healthy Diet
To ensure your baby has the nutrients it needs, eat a healthy and balanced diet. You should enjoy a varied and balanced diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. You should avoid processed foods where possible, but don’t starve yourself of the occasional treats like chocolate and crisps.
Stay Hydrated
You should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that drinking water during pregnancy helps to form the amniotic fluid around your baby, aids digestion, and circulates nutrients around your body.
They recommend drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily during pregnancy.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking increases your baby’s risk of birth defects, Sudden Death Infant Syndrome (SIDS), and abnormal bleeding during pregnancy.
There is no safe amount of cigarettes to smoke during pregnancy. You can speak to your doctor if you need help to stop smoking during pregnancy.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-eight weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks during pregnancy. The CDC found that consuming alcohol during pregnancy can increase your risk of a miscarriage, stillbirth, and can cause lifelong intellectual, physical, and behavioural disabilities for your baby.
Alcohol passes through your blood into your baby’s umbilical cord, with there being no safe amount to consume during pregnancy. You can speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake during pregnancy. The Royal College of Midwives found that consuming more than 350mg a day of caffeine increases your risk of stillbirth and low birth weight for your baby.
They recommend limiting your caffeine intake to 200mg a day during pregnancy.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements that your doctor has not recommended you take at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. Most supplements state on their label that they are unsuitable for pregnant women to consume and should be avoided in case they harm your baby.
Can I Exercise While 28 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at twenty-eight weeks pregnant, but you must take care. You should avoid all high-impact sports, contact sports, and anything where you could fall. Swap your exercises for low-impact ones like swimming, walking, and yoga.
Take your time when you work out, too. As your pregnant belly grows, your centre of gravity shifts, making many women unsteady. Take your time and ensure you get plenty of rest after exercising to avoid overdoing it.
Is It Safe To Travel When 28 Weeks Pregnant?
It can be safe to travel at twenty-eight weeks pregnant for those having an uncomplicated pregnancy. Many airlines will ask you to carry a letter from your doctor or midwife that states you are fit to fly.
These letters must not be older than ten days and state your due date, whether this is a single or multiple pregnancy, and if there are any complications. You should also wear compression socks when flying to reduce your chance of painful swelling.
When travelling to another country, check if there are any vaccinations that you need or advisories for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twenty-eight weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 28 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at twenty-eight weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
You might have trouble sleeping at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. Aches and pains can keep you up, making it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. Adding extra pillows can help to make you more comfortable as your belly grows.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 28 Weeks Pregnant?
Sleeping on your side is the safest position to sleep in at twenty-eight weeks pregnant. You can add a pregnancy pillow to your bed to help you find a comfortable position when sleeping on your side.
Side sleeping is preferred as it does not add any pressure to your belly.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 28 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to take the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to calculate a due date. Take the first day of your last menstrual period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to have your estimated due date. There are due date calculators you can use online to do this if you prefer.
By twenty-eight weeks pregnant, you will have been given an estimated due date by your midwife or doctor. This is usually done at your first ultrasound, the dating scan. Your baby’s development and size will be assessed and used to determine how far into your pregnancy you are.
While these due dates are helpful, remember these are simply estimates. Many women will give birth past their due date, so don’t panic if your due date passes without your baby arriving!
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 28 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-eight weeks, you can expect weight gain as your baby grows. Your growing baby can cause strain on your back. The extra weight means your back has more to carry than usual, and with looser ligaments, this can become uncomfortable or painful for some women.
A common body change this week is puffiness. You might notice puffiness around your face, feet, and ankles, especially in warm weather. The likely cause is water retention, but it’s best to get it checked out in case it is a sign of something sinister.
Nosebleeds become common this week, too, especially as hormonal levels fluctuate in your body. These can be uncomfortable, so stand or sit up and pinch your nose above your nostrils for ten to fifteen minutes.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Hormonal changes are happening in your body this week. They can cause nosebleeds, as well as indigestion and heartburn. Hormones can impact your digestive system, along with your growing baby, restricting space, leaving you with indigestion and heartburn.
Your body is continuing to pump more blood through your body. The increased blood flow means your blood takes longer to make it through your body, which can cause lightheadedness or dizziness, especially if you stand up too quickly.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips can help you prepare for the rest of your pregnancy or an upcoming pregnancy.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might need to make some lifestyle changes if you have not already. These include stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. These can impact not only your health but your baby’s too. You should stop as soon as you find out you are pregnant or are trying to conceive.
Your healthcare provider can help you to make these changes if needed.
Enjoy A Balanced Diet
You should eat a healthy and balanced diet too. Not only will this fuel your body with the right nutrients, but it can help you maintain a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy. Weight gain is a part of pregnancy, but you don’t want to gain an excessive amount, as it could negatively impact your health.
A diet of lean, protein, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats should be consumed to help you maintain a healthy weight. Your doctor can provide you with more guidance if needed.
Move Your Body
You should also move your body, exercising regularly, to prepare for pregnancy. Your body needs to be fit and healthy to increase your chances of a smooth pregnancy. You should opt for gentle exercises like walking and swimming. This will ensure that you can keep your body moving, but they don’t pose a threat to your baby.
Think About Your Birth Plan
Your midwife might ask you to think about your birth plan soon. This is a plan for giving birth, outlining what you would like and anything you want to avoid. These are just plans, but it is good to think about what you would like to happen. Below are some questions you should consider when thinking about your birth plan:
- Do you want a home birth?
- Do you want a natural birth?
- Do you want any medical intervention?
- Do you want any pain relief? What pain relief do you want?
- Do you want a birthing partner? Who do you want?
- Do you want visitors after giving birth?
You can speak to your midwife about these plans, your partner, family, and friends.
Attend Pregnancy And Birthing Classes
You must prepare for your baby’s arrival, so why not join a pregnancy and birthing class in your area? These will provide you with a place to prepare for the birth, gather the information you need, and access support, too.
These classes are also an excellent way to meet other expecting mothers in your area. You could make new friends here that will offer support, guidance, and anything you need as you navigate the final weeks of your pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
The start of your third trimester is an exciting time for parents to be! You are closer to the day your baby arrives, and you will feel them move more and more. While leg pain, discomfort, and trouble sleeping might plague you this week, it won’t last forever. Start thinking about your birth plan and look to the future – your baby will be here before you know it!