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A baby, in its 28th week after implantation, begins to develop its brain, while the mother, on the other hand, experiences fatigue.
The baby, this week, will measure 14.8 inches and weigh 2.2 ounces. To put things in perspective, this would be about the size of a ‘kit-kat clock’. Isn’t this exciting!
28 Weeks Pregnant In Months - What Is Happening To The Baby In The 28th Week Of Pregnancy?
1. Brainpower
We have talked about the development of the baby’s organs and bones all along, but with this third trimester, the brains neuron development in the brain explodes!
2. Senses develop
The ears of the baby are making better connections, and they start to understand some of the sounds around them. The eyes, on the other hand, may have started seeing some light shine through the belly.
3. Sleep cycles
They have started dreaming! The rapid eye movement (REM) can be detected in babies at this stage too.
4. Baby position
The baby has started to take more space and will soon settle in a head-down position for labor and birth mostly my week 32–36 of pregnancy while others may take longer.
5. Plumping up
With the weeks getting closer to the due date, the baby puts on body weight.
Here’s what is happening to a mother’s body in the 28th week of pregnancy:
1. Frequent urination
As the baby gets bigger and crowds your bladder, you will find the need to pee all the time.
2. Heartburn
With the growing baby, they tend to apply pressure on the stomach and the intestines makemaking heartburn a strong possibility. Try avoiding it by not consuming spicy and greasy foods and foods that would bother you. Alongside with that, avoid lying down after eating, at least for an hour of post-eating, and have smaller meals at least 5 – 6 instead of three hug meals.
3. Backache
A ratio of two-thirds of pregnant women experiences back pain that results due to the big changes the baby makes in their posture resulting in the strain on your back. Adding to that, the hormonal changes relax the ligaments that make you less stable while on the move.
4. Sciatica
The symptoms of sciatica are, the sense of tingling, numbness, or shooting pain through the lower back, butt, and thighs. The symptom gets its weird name from the sciatic nerve that runs through the lower back and branches down the legs. This could be a result of the growing uterus that puts pressure on the nerve. To have relief, try applying a warm compress, rest enough and add pelvic tilts to the routine of Kegels helps strengthen the core.
5. Braxton hicks contractions
They are different compared to the true labor contractions as they are not regular and go away quickly. However, the real deal intensifies frequently and intensely.
6. Restless legs syndrome
16 percent of pregnant women find it difficult to keep their legs still at night which makes them antsy and find it difficult to sleep. Consult your medical health specialist about taking supplements like iron, magnesium, B12, or folate. Also, try stretching and massaging your legs by using a heating pad or a warm bath/ice to relieve the symptoms.
7. Appointments
Technically, this couldn’t count as a symptom but is a fact of pregnancy. You will find yourself scheduling two appointments per month/every other week by week–36.
28 Weeks Pregnant In Months - What Does Your Belly Look Like In The 28th Week Of Pregnancy?
With entering the third trimester, you probably will gain about a pound per week. It might turn into a chance, but following your doctor’s personalized weight gain recommendations can make things easier during this last phase of your pregnancy.
28 Weeks Pregnanyt In Months - Brownie Points:
- Around the 14th week, life gets more hectic. So, use this final trimester for some extra fun. Like, scheduling a few date nights, planning visits with friends, heading to a parlor, grabbing your favorite coffee for a leisurely latte, etc.
- Consuming red raspberry leaf tea has its benefits and studies have shown it to be helpful as they reduce the length of labor and avoid extra interventions. However, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor if you can assume 100% red raspberry leaf or a blend.
- Pass the time: For most women, pregnancy is like a race to the finish while for others it is quite a drag. Therefore, this is the time to start bingeing a long-running series like Friends or The Office or read something that keeps you busy. All of this helps keep your mind occupied and time to passes by.
- Postpartum prep: Have you considered a night nurse for your help? They are also called postpartum doulas or night nannies who visit your home by the end of the day and care for the baby all night long. This helps you get your beauty sleep. The only downside is that extra help comes at a cost. Always research to compare rates or can add it to your baby registry!
28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not To Ignore!
During the 28th week of pregnancy, it’s essential to be aware of certain symptoms that may indicate potential issues. If you experience any of the following, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider:
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Persistent or severe abdominal pain could be a sign of various issues, including preterm labor, placental abruption, or other complications.
- Vaginal Bleeding: Any amount of vaginal bleeding should be promptly addressed, as it may indicate problems with the placenta or other complications.
- Severe Headaches or Vision Changes: These symptoms could be signs of conditions like preeclampsia, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Severe Swelling: While some swelling is normal during pregnancy, sudden and severe swelling, especially in the hands and face, could be a sign of preeclampsia.
- Decreased Fetal Movement: If you notice a significant decrease in your baby’s movements, contact your healthcare provider. Fetal movement is an important indicator of well-being.
- Persistent Nausea or Vomiting: While morning sickness is common in early pregnancy, persistent nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy may require medical evaluation.
- Difficulty Breathing: If you experience sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of a problem like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Always trust your instincts, and if you’re ever unsure about a symptom or feel something is not right, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance and evaluation. Regular prenatal check-ups are crucial for monitoring both your health and the baby’s well-being.
To Conclude:
Here are a few pointers for your reference to go through:
- Visit your 28 prenatal visits and schedule your appointments. With the visits ramping up, it is always good to choose a regular time and day that will help you remember your dues.
- Have you decorated the nursery yet? If not, this is the perfect time to do so. Maybe start with the crib or bassinet?
- Keep nursing bras ready for the hospital and postpartum.
- Make plans for a prenatal massage, pedicure lunch with friends, and date nights before your D-day that is before you get super busy.
