Fetus size by week: Your baby's weight throughout pregnancy

Find out how big your baby is during each week of their development with our fetal growth chart. From early in pregnancy, babies grow at different rates, so your baby's actual size by week may vary substantially – but look how they grow! At 20 weeks your baby may be just over 10 inches long and weigh less than 12 ounces, but by 32 weeks they'll reach almost 17 inches and top 4 pounds. At 33 weeks they may be over 17 inches and closer to 5 pounds, and by 37 weeks they'll reach 19 inches and about 6.5 pounds.

How do you determine fetus size by week?

There are different methods for estimating how big a fetus is, which is why you'll find different numbers depending on the source.

Experts have formulas they use to come up with the estimated fetal weight (EFW) and height of a fetus, and the formulas aren't always the same. The measurements that are used in equations to estimate weight usually include biparietal (head) diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur (thigh bone) length (FL).

Height is a straightforward measurement, but the method of measuring it changes after the first trimester. For the first 13 weeks, the height measurement is taken from the top of the head to the baby's bottom. After the first 13 weeks, the measurement is taken from the top of the head to the baby's heel – explaining why, on the chart below, your baby appears to grow 3 inches from week 13 to week 14!

Hadlock, the main source we use in our fetal growth chart, provides one of the most commonly used – and most accurate – equations for estimating fetal height and weight. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine (SMFM) use Hadlock's figures to diagnose and manage fetal growth conditions, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

The numbers on our chart should coincide with the numbers your healthcare provider will be checking against when they measure your baby using ultrasound. (Providers don't measure height after 13 weeks, however, so don't expect to get those numbers at your ultrasound appointments.)

Note that the data used by Hadlock was gathered from middle-class Caucasian women with no history of maternal diseases known to affect fetal growth and no evidence of congenital anomalies. Your provider may make adjustments based on your individual circumstances.

Fetal growth chart

Wondering how big your baby is during each week of pregnancy? The numbers in our chart below can give you a sense of your baby's size. Keep in mind that your baby may be much smaller or larger than these averages. That's okay – after all, healthy babies can weigh less than 5 pounds or more than 9 pounds at birth.

Boy's measurements are different than girl's measurements, even this early. For the numbers on our chart, we've taken an average of boys and girls. And remember, the height measurements up to 13 weeks are head-to-bottom estimates, while the height measurements starting at week 14 are head-to-toe estimates.

Gestational age	Length (US)	Weight (US)	Length (cm)	Mass (g)
	(head to bottom)		(head to bottom)
8 weeks	0.62 inches	0.71 ounces	1.57 cm	20 grams
9 weeks	0.91 inches	0.95 ounces	2.30 cm	27 grams
10 weeks	1.22 inch	1.23 ounces	3.1 cm	35 grams
11 weeks	1. 61 inch	1.59 ounces	4.1 cm	45 grams
12 weeks	2.13 inches	2.05 ounces	5.4 cm	58 grams
13 weeks	2.64 inches	2.58 ounces	6.7 cm	73 grams
	(head to toe)		(head to toe)
14 weeks	5.79 inches	3.28 ounces	14.7cm	93 grams
15 weeks	6.57 inches	4.13 ounces	16.7 cm	117 grams
16 weeks	7.32 inches	5.15 ounces	18.6 cm	146 grams
17 weeks	8.03 inches	6.38 ounces	20.4 cm	181 grams
18 weeks	8.74 inches	7.87 ounces	22.2 cm	223 grams
19 weeks	9. 45 inches	9.63 ounces	24.0 cm	273 grams
20 weeks	10.12 inches	11.68 ounces	25.7 cm	331 grams
21 weeks	10.79 inches	14.07 ounces	27.4 cm	399 grams
22 weeks	11.42 inches	1.05 pounds	29.0 cm	478 grams
23 weeks	12.05 inches	1.25 pounds	30.6 cm	568 grams
24 weeks	12.68 inches	1.48 pounds	32.2 cm	670 grams
25 weeks	13.27 inches	1.73 pounds	33.7 cm	785 grams
26 weeks	13.82 inches	2.01 pounds	35.1 cm	913 grams
27 weeks	14.41 inches	2. 33 pounds	36.6 cm	1055 grams
28 weeks	14.80 inches	2.67 pounds	37.6 cm	1210 grams
29 weeks	15.47 inches	3.04 pounds	39.3 cm	1379 grams
30 weeks	15.95 inches	3.44 pounds	40.5 cm	1559 grams
31 weeks	16.46 inches	3.86 pounds	41.8 cm	1751 grams
32 weeks	16.93 inches	4.30 pounds	43.0 cm	1953 grams
33 weeks	17.36 inches	4.77 pounds	44.1 cm	2162 grams
34 weeks	17.84 inches	5.24 pounds	45.3 cm	2377 grams
35 weeks	18.23 inches	5.72 pounds	46. 3 cm	2595 grams
36 weeks	18.62 inches	6.20 pounds	47.3 cm	2813 grams
37 weeks	19.02 inches	6.68 pounds	48.3 cm	3028 grams
38 weeks	19.41 inches	7.13 pounds	49.3 cm	3236 grams
39 weeks	19.72 inches	7.57 pounds	50.1 cm	3435 grams
40 weeks	20.08 inches	7.98 pounds	51.0 cm	3619 grams
41 weeks	20.39 inches	8.35 pounds	51.8 cm	3787 grams

Thanks to Dr. Mark Curran, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, for his help preparing this chart.

Fetal weight by week: How it changes

Your baby steadily gains weight over the course of your pregnancy, but it's not always at the same rate. If you're having one baby (not twins or multiples), your baby's rate of growth accelerates until 35 weeks, then decelerates.

Here are some highlights, based on estimations:

• Up until 16 weeks, a fetus grows an average of about 19 grams per week, gradually increasing from 7 grams per week at 8 weeks to 15 grams per week at 12 weeks and 29 grams per week at 16 weeks.
• By 20 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 59 grams per week (just over 2 ounces).
• By 30 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 175 grams each week (more than 6 ounces).
• At 35 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 215 grams each week, or about 7.5 ounces. At this point their growth rate peaks.
• After 35 weeks, growth slows to about 188 grams per week, or 6.6 ounces. (Twins slow earlier, at around 28 weeks, and then average about 170 grams each week.)
• In the last few weeks of pregnancy, the growth rate continues to gradually slow to about 168 grams (a little less than 6 ounces) per week by week 40.

Using a tape measure stretched over your belly, your provider will use a fundal height measurement to check your baby's size at your prenatal visits. Beginning at about 24 weeks, the measurement in centimeters should roughly match the gestational age of your baby. If you're 26 weeks pregnant, for example, your fundal height should be about 26 cm, give or take a centimeter in each direction.

If your provider is concerned that your baby is too small, they'll monitor your baby's size with ultrasound, which is more accurate. Using ultrasound, your practitioner can take various measurements (head circumference and diameter, abdomen circumference, femur length) and use them to estimate your baby's size. They may also use a Doppler ultrasound to look at the blood flow to your placenta.

If your baby's estimated weight is less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age, they may be diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), also called fetal growth restriction (FGR). IUGR can happen at any time during pregnancy. Some babies with IUGR just turn out to be small for their age, but sometimes there's a problem that's preventing the baby from growing properly.

At birth, a baby with IUGR is called "small for gestational age." While most SGA babies who are otherwise healthy grow just fine, some (especially those born prematurely) are at higher risk of problems such as c-section, jaundice, low blood sugar, and even long-term developmental and health problems.

Your baby's size by week

Here are some highlights of your baby's growth during pregnancy:

At 20 weeks, about the midpoint in your pregnancy, your baby is transmitting taste signals to their brain. And you may feel them hiccupping. Your baby's weight at 20 weeks is about 11.68 ounces, and they're about the length of a (10.12-inch) banana.

At 32 weeks, your baby's lungs are developing fast, and your baby's storing minerals like iron for their first 6 months of life. Your baby's weight at 32 weeks is 4. 30 pounds, and their length is 16.93 inches, about the size of a jicama.

At 33 weeks, things are getting snug in there! Your baby's skin is becoming less wrinkled as they fill in – your baby's weight at 33 weeks is about 4.77 pounds. At 17.36 inches, your baby is now about the size of a pineapple.

At 37 weeks, your baby's brain and lungs are still maturing, and they're still moving a lot, despite the close quarters. Your baby's weight at 37 weeks is about 6.68 pounds, and they're about the length of a bunch of Swiss chard, 19.02 inches.

Once your baby is born, they'll be weighed and measured, and your provider will continue to monitor their growth. While the average newborn weight is a little over 7 pounds, most newborns lose about 5 to 10 percent of their weight in the first days. No worries – they gain it back by the time they're about 2 weeks old, and by 4 months they usually double their birth weight.

Learn more:

• To-do lists for the first, second, and third trimesters
• Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
• Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
• How to understand pregnancy weeks, months, and trimesters

advertisement | page continues below

21-24 weeks of pregnancy

21st week of pregnancy

Development of the baby

At 21 weeks the baby is about 25 cm tall and the fetus weighs 300-400 g. lack of subcutaneous fat, the body is still very thin, and the head seems unnaturally large. At this time, the formation of eyelashes and eyebrows takes place, the baby learns to blink, and his skin gradually acquires a flesh color, thickens, constrictions appear on it.

At the 21st week, the muscles and skeleton of the fetus are actively developing. The child constantly moves, carefully bends and unbends the limbs, due to its small size it can do somersaults, turns, change the position of its body several times a day, lie transversely in the uterus, turn up or down with its head.

At this stage, the baby hears well, not only distinguishes sharp sounds, but reacts to music, so the expectant mother can listen to classics or favorite songs, contribute to the development of the child. The development of the digestive system continues, taste buds are formed. The fetus is able to distinguish the taste of amniotic fluid.

Pregnant woman

Pregnant woman at 21 weeks feels normal. The expectant mother clearly feels the movements of the fetus; very often, the periods of sleep and activity of the child and the woman do not coincide, so pregnant women do not get enough sleep during this period, they wake up at night due to the intensive movements of the baby. Painful sensations at this time are quite rare, since the child does not have sufficient physical strength, and his movements do not differ in intensity.

A pregnant woman may put on weight as the baby grows, its muscle and fat mass increases. Expectant mothers eat with pleasure. Their appetite increases significantly, morning sickness and general malaise disappear.

At this time, the baby's skeleton is formed, for the development of which calcium is needed. Pregnant women should monitor their health, take calcium supplements as prescribed by a doctor, since if it is lacking, problems with teeth are possible. Calcium is washed out of the tissues, the teeth begin to hurt and crumble. It is important not only to consume vitamins, but also to carefully balance the diet, add calcium-rich cottage cheese, sour cream and other dairy products to the daily menu. The consumption of fish, cereals and legumes, vegetables will help to fill the calcium deficiency.

22nd week of pregnancy

Development of the child

The body length of the fetus reaches 28-30 cm and its weight is approximately 500 g. The child more and more resembles a newborn, his head no longer looks so big, the length of the limbs increases. The kid no longer keeps his legs constantly bent, he periodically straightens them. Intensively increases the volume and mass of the child's brain.

The baby is in constant motion, he can move his fingers and toes, move his head to the right and left. The child knows how to suck his thumb, he tilts his head forward and accurately puts his finger in his mouth. Such actions indicate an increase in sensitivity and development of the vestibular apparatus, improved coordination; the child already feels the position of his own body in space.

The baby's brain at this time contains a complete set of neurons, the number of which does not change throughout a person's life. With age, only the re-formation of connections between cells and the improvement of the work of the human brain takes place.

Pregnant woman

At 22 weeks, the uterus of a pregnant woman is located 2 cm above the navel. The abdomen is not yet very large, but the internal organs are already beginning to shrink due to the accelerated growth of the uterus. A woman may experience some discomfort, pain between the lower ribs. In order not to suffer from pain, you must constantly monitor your posture, choose a comfortable chair with a solid back for work. Special exercises, periodic changes in body position, turns and inclinations will help to solve the problem. It is necessary to avoid sedentary work, take short breaks and fully relax.

The bottom of the uterus can press on the stomach, so a common problem at this time is a feeling of heaviness after eating and heartburn. The position of the stomach in pregnant women changes to a more horizontal one, the muscle relaxes, which closes the transition from the esophagus to the stomach, as a result of which the contents of the stomach fall back into the esophagus, irritate it, the woman feels a burning sensation and an unpleasant aftertaste. The reason for such changes is not only the pressure of the uterus on the stomach, but also a change in the hormonal background of a woman, an increase in the content of progesterone in the body. To get rid of heartburn, you need to chew food thoroughly, eat often, but in small portions. Do not eat before going to bed, as the food will not have time to be digested. If the symptoms worsen, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications and help the expectant mother balance her diet.

23rd week of pregnancy

Child development

The 23rd week is an intensive formation of the respiratory system. The fetus begins to gradually make respiratory movements. If earlier the respiratory movements were periodic, now their duration can reach up to 40 minutes. In a minute, the child takes up to 50-60 breaths. The development of the respiratory system does not stop at this time, a kind of breathing exercises continue until childbirth, the baby improves skills and prepares to breathe air.

When breathing in the womb, the baby swallows a small amount of amniotic fluid and then pushes it out. In this case, the epithelium is washed. When amniotic fluid is swallowed, part of it is absorbed by the blood vessels, and the original feces, that is, meconium, are formed from the remnants.

If the baby is very active and swallows water very intensively, diaphragm irritation and contractions, also called "fetal hiccups", may occur. These rhythmic movements are not abnormal; such hiccups pass in a few minutes, does not pose a threat to the expectant mother and child. If the contractions do not stop within a few hours, you should go to the hospital, as a more serious problem, including hypoxia, can be the cause of hiccups.

The 23rd week is an important stage in the intrauterine development of a person. It is at this time that the formation and improvement of the main components of the circulatory and immune systems, including the liver, lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow, continue. At this time, the thymus gland (or thymus) develops, which plays an important role in the functioning of the human endocrine system. It is in the thymus that lymphocytes mature. After a kind of "training" in the thymus, the cells enter the bloodstream and can resist infection, neutralize foreign cells in the body.

During pregnancy, the fetal immune system goes through several stages of formation and cannot provide full protection against diseases. The baby is protected by maternal antibodies, while its own immune system learns to recognize potential threats, remember bacteria and viruses, and defend itself against their harmful effects.

Pregnant woman

At 23 weeks' gestation, the uterus rises even higher and is located at a height of 4 cm from the woman's navel. The volume of the uterus increases significantly not only due to the growth of the child, but also due to an increase in the mass and volume of amniotic fluid and the placenta. At this time, the weight gain of a pregnant woman of 5-7 kg is optimal. The expectant mother should carefully monitor the daily diet, do not overeat, since excessive weight gain can pose a threat not only to her health, but also to the baby.

Intensive growth of the uterus causes a shift in the center of gravity. A woman becomes awkward, may feel discomfort in the joints and pain in the spine while walking or sitting for a long time. At this time, the doctor may recommend that a pregnant woman wear special supportive underwear made from natural materials or a bandage.

24th week of pregnancy

Child development

At 24 weeks of gestation, the baby continues to grow rapidly, it weighs already 600 g, and its height is approximately 33 cm. The fetus occupies the entire uterine cavity, so its movements become less impulsive, but more distinct; sharp movements are replaced by smaller ones. The baby can still radically change the position of his body, but prefers to sort out the umbilical cord, play with it, bend and unbend the arms and legs. The amount of muscle mass, namely the muscle fibers of the child, increases sharply. At this time, this indicator reaches its maximum. At later stages of pregnancy, the muscle mass of the fetus increases due to an increase in the volume of each muscle fiber.

This week the child's senses are being improved. He knows how to distinguish tastes, hears perfectly and orients himself in space, the baby's skin has a high sensitivity. The fetal brain continues to develop, connections with the senses are formed, so the child's behavior is characterized by a high degree of complexity. Studies have shown that the child reacts to external stimuli: if a bright light hits his mother's stomach, he turns his head away, closes his eyes or covers his face with his hands. A woman should be calm and peaceful, because her fear, excitement is transmitted to the child, he begins to move intensively or freezes abruptly. The baby may react to harsh sounds, noise, or other stimuli.

Pregnant woman

The weight of the pregnant woman continues to increase, the increase this week is about 500 g. The belly grows, the uterus not only increases in size, but also stretches. A woman may notice pain in the abdomen, but they do not differ in intensity and do not last long.

Rapid weight gain can cause edema. The growing uterus compresses large veins, which, in turn, significantly complicates the outflow of lymph; a woman's ankles and feet, hands swell, in the evening the problem worsens. A pregnant woman should fully rest, lie more, while raising her legs with a roller or placing an additional pillow in order to improve the outflow of venous blood and eliminate the risk of varicose veins. It is important to purchase comfortable shoes, abandon the "boats" on the stiletto heels and provide the feet with the necessary comfort. Wearing compression tights and stockings will help to significantly reduce the risk of developing varicose veins and the appearance of edema. When choosing the degree of compression and models, it is necessary to take into account the opinion of a phlebologist or gynecologist.

what is happening, the development of pregnancy and fetus

Week by week
25 - 28 weeks of pregnancy
Elena Gevorkova
Obstetrician-gynecologist, Moscow

25th week

BABY

The weight of the fetus at this time is 700-750 g, and the body length is 30-32 cm. cheeks, eyelids, eyebrows, nose. The auricles are pressed to the head, the cartilages are thin and soft, capillaries shine through them. The skin becomes more elastic due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat, folds and wrinkles are gradually smoothed out.

Fetal movements distinct, rhythmic. At this time, periods of sleep and wakefulness of the baby are already being formed. Moreover, sleep has a fast and slow phase - like in adults. The intensive development of the fetal osteoarticular system continues. There is a strengthening of bones due to the accumulation of compounds of calcium, fluorine, magnesium, etc. - inorganic salts that provide strength to bone tissue.

Future MOM

The general condition of the expectant mother does not undergo significant changes compared to previous weeks. Perhaps the growing uterus somewhat restricts movement, limits the duration of walks and physical exercises. Properly selected clothes, shoes and, if necessary, a bandage can significantly change the situation and provide a woman with comfort.

If there are signs of rapid fatigue, shortness of breath, drowsiness, palpitations, then this is a reason to pay attention to the level of hemoglobin in the clinical blood test. These symptoms may indicate anemia in pregnancy. In this condition, which in everyday life is called anemia, there is a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. During pregnancy, in the vast majority of cases, we are talking about iron deficiency anemia. Iron is part of hemoglobin, a special complex protein found inside the red blood cell. Thanks to iron, hemoglobin binds oxygen and transports it from the lungs to the tissues. Oxygen is needed by every cell in the body for energy. Thus, iron deficiency leads to oxygen starvation of tissues.

In expectant mothers, the consumption of iron occurs intensively due to the fact that the development of fetal tissues requires a large amount of energy, and hence iron. Anemia in pregnant women can become an additional risk factor for the development of many complications: late toxicosis - gestosis, premature birth, impaired fetal development, etc.

Anemia during pregnancy is not an independent disease and is called physiological anemia, or anemia of pregnancy. But if the hemoglobin level drops to low values, then the appointment of iron supplements is quite justified. Anemia in pregnancy can be completely asymptomatic, so it is extremely important to take all tests in a timely manner to keep the situation under control.

26th week

BABY

The height of the fetus at this time is 32-34 cm, and the weight reaches 850-900 g. there is an opportunity to survive. Of course, it is worth noting that such chances are small and the viability of the child, which is determined by his individual adaptive capabilities and the availability of special equipment, is of great importance.

At this time, maturation of lung tissue occurs - the most important process in the formation of the respiratory system. The smallest vesicles of the lung tissue - the alveoli in the prenatal period are in a collapsed state. The first breath after birth expands the lung tissue. When air enters the lungs, it is extremely important that the alveoli straighten out and retain just such a rounded shape - like bubbles in a sponge. The inner surface of each alveolus is lined with a special substance - a surfactant. It is he who does not allow the alveolar bubbles to stick together when exhaling. If the content of surfactant is not enough, then a severe pathology occurs in a born premature baby - respiratory failure. The chances of survival in premature babies are largely determined by the quality and quantity of this most important substance - surfactant. It is worth noting that today there are drugs - analogues of surfactant, which significantly increase the chances of premature babies to recover.

The fetal reproductive system also undergoes important developmental milestones. At this time, in boys, the testicles begin to descend into the scrotum. This process takes several weeks, and by the time of birth, the testicles should take their final place in the scrotum: this is one of the signs of a full-term baby. In girls, by the time of 26 weeks, the formation of the external genitalia and vagina is completely completed.

Future MOM

At the 26th week, the fundus of the uterus reaches 6 cm above the navel. The growth of the uterus, as a rule, is 1 cm per week. Most often, the height of the uterus corresponds to the gestational age in weeks. So, for a period of 26 weeks, the bottom of the uterus rises above the pubis - the so-called pubic symphysis - by 26 cm.

The movements of the fetus at this time are very active, a sufficient amount of amniotic fluid allows the baby to make a variety of movements. Sometimes they are perceived by a pregnant woman as sensitive and even painful. Internal organs: the bladder, intestines, stomach, liver - are under pressure from the growing uterus, and the additional load in the form of active tremors of the fetus can aggravate sensitivity. At such moments, you need to change your posture, lie down, choose a comfortable position. Most often, it is a change in body position that leads to relief. If such pain occurs frequently, several times a day and does not go away within an hour, then you need to tell your doctor about it.

27th week

BABY

The weight of the fetus at the 27th week is about 900-1000 g, and the height reaches 34 cm. This happens due to an increase in muscle mass and daily training: all this helps the fetus prepare for childbirth, because the movements of the limbs, in particular the straightening of the legs, play a big role when passing through the mother's birth canal.

At this time, important events take place in the organs of the endocrine system of the fetus: in his brain, namely in a small gland - the pituitary gland, growth hormone - somatotropin begins to be produced. This hormone regulates metabolic processes in cells, stimulates the growth of the body, and the baby noticeably stretches in length.

Most of the endocrine glands of the fetus are already formed, but from 27 weeks there is a significant increase in the activity of the endocrine system. So, the thyroid gland begins to produce three main hormones - thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin, which are involved in all the most important metabolic processes. These hormones regulate the activity of the brain, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and much more. Before this period, all these hormones functioned, but the main function was performed by the mother's hormones. Now the baby's hormones provide their own needs.

All this determines the most important stage in the formation of the fetus's own type of metabolism. Features of the immune system, the constitution, reactions to stress, adaptability - all these specific individual reactions are laid precisely at this stage of pregnancy and are closely related to the beginning of the "independent" life of the organs of the endocrine system of the fetus.

Future MOM

Pregnant women often notice an improvement in their well-being at this time, and this is also due to the peculiarities of the endocrine system of the fetus. The mother's thyroid gland stops working "for two", which significantly improves the mother's condition if before this period there were problems with hormonal regulation.

At about 27-28 weeks, many pregnant women begin to experience unusual sensations that were not there before, such as tingling in the arms and legs, a feeling of "goosebumps", changes in sensitivity. The most common manifestations of this kind also include spasms in the muscles of the legs - cramps. Painful spasms most often occur in the calf muscles in the evening or at night and last for several minutes. These ailments are associated with a change in the metabolism of magnesium and potassium in the muscles, as well as with the peculiarity of blood circulation during pregnancy. The blood flow in the small vessels of peripheral organs - in the arms and legs - often suffers in expectant mothers. These phenomena are not a pathology, most often do not require serious treatment and disappear after childbirth.

In addition to the peculiarities of blood circulation, convulsions can be provoked by a number of other reasons - varicose veins of the legs, lack of electrolytes in the blood - calcium or magnesium, pressure of large veins in the uterus, etc. When such symptoms appear, it is necessary to change the position of the body, slowly bend the leg at the knee, lifting it up. You can rub the painful area of ​​the skin or apply a towel dipped in cold water to it.

When you visit your doctor, you should tell him about such problems: this may require additional examination or treatment.

28th week

BABY

By the end of 28 weeks, the baby has a height of 35 cm, and its weight reaches 1100-1200 g. The body of the fetus becomes more and more rounded, subcutaneous tissue accumulates. The fluffy hairs covering the entire body of the baby begin to fall out slowly and remain in small quantities in the area of ​​the shoulders, back and lower back. Hair on the head, eyebrows and cilia darken, which gives the fetus a more "adult" appearance. From 28 weeks, the baby often opens his eyes, blinks his eyelids. His auditory organs are actively improved.

Expectant MOM

The height of the uterine fundus by this time reaches 28 cm above the level of the pubic articulation. Weight gain can be 7-10 kg, depending on the initial body weight.

In the case of a multiple pregnancy from 28 weeks, a certificate of incapacity for work is issued - maternity leave.

28 weeks is significant for pregnant women with Rh-negative blood. Rh-conflict is a pathological condition that occurs when a combination of an Rh-negative mother and an Rh-positive fetus. The Rh factor is a protein located on the surface of the red blood cell. In its presence, people belong to the Rh-positive group, in its absence - to the Rh-negative group. If the blood of a Rh-positive person enters the blood of an Rh-negative, then the body perceives these same Rh proteins as foreign and develops a “weapon” against them - antibodies.

Damage to fetal tissues in Rhesus conflict occurs due to the fact that mother's antibodies destroy the erythrocytes of the fetus. However, for the development of the Rh conflict, a significant accumulation of antibodies in the mother's blood is necessary, which occurs only during pregnancy with an Rh-positive fetus. Thus, in the first pregnancy, the risk of developing a conflict is negligible.

It is at 28 weeks that the first administration of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is recommended. This is a special "vaccination" against the development of the Rhesus conflict in the future. Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin binds fetal red blood cells and "does not allow" the mother's body to produce antibodies. Thus, the formation of the immune response is inhibited.

The second injection of immunoglobulin is carried out in the maternity hospital, in the first 72 hours after birth. A necessary condition for this vaccination is the absence of Rh antibodies in the blood of a pregnant woman: this is considered proof that there is no Rh conflict.

Learn more

• 
  How to adopt a child in skyrim ps4
• 
  Born date calculator
• 
  Where do pregnancy cramps occur
• 
  How much is a child tax deduction worth
• 
  Hand swelling after walking
• 
  Cramp pains in early pregnancy
• 
  When do you start getting braxton hicks
• 
  How to make my child healthy and fat
• 
  Baby nine months milestones
• 
  6 month pregnant baby weight
• 
  How to adopt a child in skyrim ps4