28 Weeks Pregnant

At 28 weeks pregnant, you are into your third and final trimester – congratulations! Your baby is still growing and developing but you can take some comfort in that you are almost there. Your baby’s weight will be just over two pounds and the size is just less than 15 inches from head to toe.

Baby’s Development at Pregnancy Week 28

The brain is continuing to develop and from this week it will start to develop the grooves that are common in a developed brain. This still has a long way to go and will happen over the next few weeks. The hair can start to grow at this time too. However, this is different for all babies. Some babies are born with no hair at all while others have a full head of hair.

If you are expecting twins or multiple babies, there are chances that their growth will slow down now. This is because the space in the womb is limited. However, that does not mean that other development will stop. The organs will continue to mature at 28 weeks and the weight will still be added on from fat – it is just the length that tends to slow down.

At 28 weeks pregnant, the amniotic fluid can reach its maximum amount. Of course, this is something that can happen at any point between 28 and 32 weeks pregnant. Once it gets to its maximum, it will remain constant until your baby reaches full term, which is at 37 weeks pregnant. There is also a chance that your baby will start to turn so that it is head down – this is different for all babies and it may not happen until a later week.

Breathing is the main priority for your baby at 28 weeks pregnant. The lungs will continue to develop and your baby will be constantly using them for practice. The breathing will also become more constant instead of the random events that will have happened up until now. Most of the time, the breathing will occur while your baby is awake.

Changes in You at Pregnancy Week 28

Your uterus will be getting higher in your belly and you should find that it is around 3 inches above your belly button at 28 weeks pregnant. This will continue to increase as your baby grows. You will also find that your bump gets a little uncomfortable now as there is much less space in your body.

If you tested Rh-negative, 28 weeks pregnant is when you will start getting your RhoGAM injections – also known as Anti-D injections. This will help to prevent the chance of your body creating antibodies should your blood mix with your baby’s. The mixing will not cause a problem with your current baby but could lead to miscarriages in later pregnancies as your body believes that the embryo is an infection. You will have another injection after the birth of your baby.

Symptoms at 28 Weeks Pregnant

Shortness of breath is the main symptom during pregnancy week 28. The baby is taking up so much room, that your lungs will not have the space to expand. The good news is that this should only continue for another few weeks as your baby will drop to get ready for labour. However, I never did get the break since my daughter refused to drop down or want to come out!

Premature labor can happen, the good news is that at 28 weeks pregnant, your baby has a good chance of surviving – as long as you have gotten to the hospital in time. Braxton Hicks are also common at this stage and it is important to learn the difference between them. If your contractions are at random times and do not increase in intensity, then they will likely be false labor pains. However, if they do start to get closer together and the intensity does increase, you should get to the hospital.