What position is the baby in at 28 weeks
28 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development
28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
Welcome to the third trimester! At 28 weeks pregnant, you have some exciting baby developments in store. For example, your little one is now able to open and close his eyes. He may even have some eyelashes! With his eyes open, your baby is now able to tell light from dark. He may even turn or move around as a reaction to changes in light. Your baby’s brain is still developing, but the central nervous system has developed enough to allow your baby to begin to control his body temperature. When you’re 28 weeks pregnant, your baby’s position in the womb could be with his head facing down — or with his buttocks, feet, or both pointed down, which is called breech. Your healthcare provider may be able to tell you which direction he’s facing at your next appointment if you have an ultrasound at 28 weeks pregnant, but don’t worry if he’s in the breech or another unusual position now. Over the next few weeks, he’ll likely turn himself around. This could be a good time to begin tracking your little guy’s movements (more on this later). You may find he’s more active when you are resting or after a meal. Think of counting those little kicks as one of your first bonding experiences! Download our third trimester pregnancy guide to learn more about what you can look forward to over next few weeks as your baby continues to grow.
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The Size of the Fetus at 28 Weeks Pregnant
At 28 weeks, the average fetus is about the size of a head of lettuce, weighing about 2.5 pounds and measuring about 10 inches long, crown to rump. Check out the illustration below for a glimpse of how your baby may be taking shape this week. Snug as a bug!
Mom’s Body at 28 Weeks Pregnant
As you start the third trimester, keep in mind that you and your baby still have a bit of growing to do. Your growing belly at 28 weeks pregnant may get in the way at times, and throughout the remaining weeks, you may find yourself getting tired more easily. Your body is doing a great (and tough) job of providing a home for your little one as he continues to grow and develop during the final trimester. Continue paying attention to your diet, eating healthy, nutritious meals every day. Eating well may also help keep your energy levels up if you’ve been feeling worn out. If your healthcare provider recommends it, you might need to take prenatal vitamins or supplements to make sure you’re getting enough calcium and iron. Finally, continuing to exercise (moderately, and as your healthcare provider suggests) will help boost sagging energy levels. If you’re concerned about your weight gain at 28 weeks pregnant, check in with your healthcare provider to make sure your weight is increasing at a healthy rate.
28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms
At 28 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:
Back pain. Brace yourself, because lower back pain comes with the territory for many moms-to-be, especially in the last trimester. To prepare for labor and delivery, the joints and ligaments in your pelvis start to loosen, which sometimes causes lower back and pelvic pain. You may notice these pains when taking a flight of stairs or getting in or out of your car. As your body expands, your center of gravity shifts and your posture changes, often straining your back muscles. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about back, pelvic, or hip pain. Try wearing low-heeled, supportive shoes, and stay off your feet whenever possible. You can also place a pillow behind you when sitting in a chair. You can take some comfort in the fact that these symptoms usually subside after you give birth.
Shortness of breath. As your uterus expands, your abdominal organs start to get a bit crowded. Your stomach and diaphragm can place pressure on your lungs, making it more difficult to take deep breaths. Don’t worry, though. Your baby is getting plenty of air, even if it feels like you’re not. If you find yourself out of breath, try to be mindful of your posture. Standing up straight can give your lungs a bit more room to expand, and you may find breathing becomes easier.
Hemorrhoids. Your ever-growing uterus also puts pressure on veins, which can sometimes lead to painful or itchy varicose veins in your rectal area — which are hemorrhoids. If you’re also suffering from constipation, the strain on your bowels can make hemorrhoids worse. To help keep hemorrhoids at bay, make sure to stay hydrated and include plenty of fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole-grain breads or cereals. If hemorrhoids do strike, soaking in a warm bath may relieve some of the discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider for further treatment recommendations.
Braxton Hicks contractions. These so-called practice contractions are one way your body prepares to give birth, and can strike at any time. However, they don’t open your cervix, so you’re not actually going into labor. You may feel sensations ranging from a slight tightness in your abdomen to something more painful. These contractions are more likely to hit in the evening or after physical activity like exercise or sex. They can get stronger as your pregnancy progresses, and sometimes it can be tricky to tell whether you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions. If you have any concerns about what you’re experiencing, ask your healthcare provider for advice.
Frequent urination. You might have encountered this pesky symptom early in your pregnancy, and it can return with a vengeance in the third trimester. In the early weeks of your pregnancy, your urge to pee was caused by the increase of blood in your body, causing your kidneys to work overtime. Frequent urination in the third trimester is likely due to your growing little one putting pressure on your bladder. Don’t cut back on water and other fluids, but do try wearing a panty liner if you’re dealing with any bladder leakage.
28 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider
Your healthcare provider may suggest that 28 weeks pregnant is a good time to start “kick counting.” Here's one way to do this: Sit in a comfortable spot with your hands on your abdomen. Check the time when you start, and then wait until you feel 10 kicks, rolls, or other movements. Make sure you’re counting good, strong fetal movements, and not your baby’s hiccups, for example. At 28 weeks pregnant, if you don’t feel at least 10 baby movements in two hours, contact your healthcare provider. If you don’t feel much movement, your little one could simply be sleeping. It’s usually helpful to choose a time of day when he’s more active, like after a meal. Download our fetal movement tracker to help you keep up with your little one’s moves.
Are you practicing your Kegel exercises? It’s never too late to get started! If you’re struggling with bladder leakage, Kegels are a great way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control. Some moms-to-be find that they have some urine leakage after giving birth, and Kegel exercises can help get these pelvic muscles become strengthened and back to normal sooner. Read more about Kegel exercises and their benefits.
Think about the type of birth control you may want to use after your baby is born, and discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Hormonal birth control pills containing estrogen may not be suitable to use while breastfeeding, so talk to your healthcare provider, who will give you specific advice.
As your bump gets bigger you might like to ask your healthcare provider about comfortable and safe sleeping positions. You might also like to buy a pregnancy pillow, which can help support your body in all the right places.
If you have the unusual urge to clean or organize your home now or in the coming weeks, it could be what’s called the “nesting” instinct that some women experience during the second and third trimesters. If you experience it, it’s OK to give in to your nesting urges, whether that means cooking batches of food to freeze for later, cleaning, or getting everything ready in your baby’s nursery. Just don’t overdo it – take plenty of time to rest and relax, and make sure you conserve your energy for all that’s to come.
28 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Doctor
Are you at risk of gestational diabetes?
If you’re worried you’re bothering your healthcare provider with your questions or false alarms, it might help you feel better to ask when to call and when to relax.
Is a decrease in your baby’s movement normal around this time? What causes those times when your baby seems to move less?
What should you include in your birth plan? (If you plan to have one.)
If you were diagnosed with placenta previa earlier in your pregnancy, is there anything you should look out for in the coming weeks and months?
Is there anything you can do to help prevent stretch marks?
Are there any changes you should make at work now that you’re in the third trimester? When should you stop working? (You can do some reading on working while pregnant here)
28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Make sure you and your partner have your healthcare provider’s contact information (including after-hours phone numbers) handy. Save it to your phones, and stick it on the fridge.
Find out who your provider’s backup practitioner is, and make sure you also have the backup person’s contact details.
Check with your insurance company to see if you’ll be provided with a breast pump.
Sign up for a childbirth or breastfeeding class, if you haven’t already. Your healthcare provider can provide more info about what may be available in your area.
As you browse baby gear, you’ll notice just how many options you have. It can be pretty overwhelming! We surveyed thousands of Pampers Parents so that you could get a list of the best baby products, whether you’re looking for a crib, car seat, stroller, or any of the other essentials you’ll need. If you have some spare time this week, check out the lists of best baby products – as voted by Pampers Parents – before you make a purchase.
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Pregnancy at week 28 | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Pregnancy at week 28 | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content4-minute read
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Your baby
Your baby now measures about 37cm from the top of their head to their toes, and weighs about 1kg. Their body is now in proportion with their head and their face has filled out, so they look more like a normal baby.
They are putting on weight rapidly and have less room to move around. They may be in the breech position at this stage, with their head up and their bottom down. Don’t worry though - most babies will move into the head-down position by the time they are born.
Your baby's heartbeat can be heard through a stethoscope, and your partner might even be able to hear it by putting their ear to your tummy, although it’s difficult to find the right place.
Their lungs have developed enough for them to breathe outside the uterus – although they would probably need some help. If they were born now, your baby would have a good chance of surviving, although there would still be a high risk of disability.
Your baby at 28 weeks
Length: | 25cm (head to bottom) |
Weight: | 1kg |
Your body
Congratulations - you have reached the third trimester! As the birth gets nearer, you will probably start seeing your doctor or midwife for antenatal appointments every 2 weeks.
Many women find things get more uncomfortable in their third trimester. You might have back pain and leg cramps, indigestion and heartburn, and your hands and feet might get quite swollen. It’s a good idea to take off any tight jewellery and put your feet up as often as you can.
You should sleep on your side as your pregnancy progresses, especially from 28 weeks. Lying on your back puts pressure on major blood vessels. This can reduce the flow of blood to your womb, and restrict your baby’s oxygen supply. Research has shown that sleeping on your side can reduce the risk of stillbirth by half.
Things to remember
If your blood is Rhesus (Rh) negative, you will need to have an injection now to protect your baby against Rhesus disease. If you are Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive, then you can produce antibodies that attack the baby’s blood. This can make them very sick. It can be prevented by having an injection called the anti-D injection. You need this injection now and then again at your 34 to 36 week check-up.
If you haven’t had it already, you may also be offered a Glucose Tolerance test to check whether you have gestational diabetes at 28 weeks.
Read next
Your pregnancy at 29 weeks
Learn about your pregnancy journey and what is happening to you and your baby.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Sources:
Raising Children Network (Pregnancy week-by-week), Better Health Channel (Pregnancy - week by week), NHS (You and your baby at 28 weeks pregnant), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Guidelines for the use of Rh(D) Immunoglobulin (Anti-D) in obstetrics in Australia), The Royal Women's Hospital (Gestational diabetes), Red Nose (Sleep on your side when baby is inside)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: April 2022
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Pregnancy calendar 28 weeks - Miracle Doctor multidisciplinary clinic in Moscow
A child born at 28 weeks of gestation is premature, but with appropriate medical care, has every chance of surviving. Despite the fact that the surfactant (a substance that provides the newborn with effective breathing) is still not enough, the use of special equipment makes it possible to saturate the baby's blood with oxygen. The child's independent breathing is not yet fully formed, but he can already breathe a little (albeit with difficulty), and even at birth he makes weak sounds, resembling a squeak rather than a scream. Also, a person born at this time will need some hormonal correction and the creation of certain temperature conditions, because the fetus has not yet developed its own thermoregulation. Since the sucking reflex in an infant born at the 28th week of pregnancy is poorly formed, it is fed through a tube. nine0003
At the 28th week of pregnancy, the weight of the child is about 1100 grams, and its length is 35-36 centimeters. At this time, there is a rapid increase in body weight, this leads to the fact that the fetus in the uterus becomes crowded and it cannot be as active as before. The child has already taken a certain position in the uterus (breech presentation is typical for the 28th week of pregnancy), but before the end of pregnancy, the fetus will change position more than once. The child already has some fat deposits in the subcutaneous tissue, but his appearance still resembles a little old man due to wrinkled skin covered with cheese-like grease. The length of the hair on the baby's head has already reached 0.5 centimeters, and the nail plates on the legs and arms do not reach the fingertips. The auricles of the child are soft due to the fact that the formation of cartilage tissue has not yet occurred, and the ears themselves fit snugly to the head. In male children, there was no descent of the testicles into the scrotum; in girls, the clitoris protrudes beyond the boundaries of the labia majora. nine0003
The baby's senses are well developed. Feeling the soothing strokes of the mother on the stomach, the baby calms down. He listens to his parents and distinguishes their voices from strangers. The retina of the child's eye is already able to distinguish sunlight penetrating the wall of the abdomen.
At the 28th week of pregnancy, the placenta develops intensively, the volume of amniotic fluid increases. As a result, there is growth of the uterus, which leads to compression of the blood vessels and venous stasis in the lower body. If a woman had a predisposition to varicose veins before pregnancy, then it is imperative to take care of her legs. Special orthopedic underwear, compression stockings or stockings will prevent the development of spider veins on the legs and thighs, relieve heaviness in the legs. To herself, a woman seems clumsy and slow, but her state of health remains satisfactory. By the evening she was already used to easy shortness of breath, increased fatigue and swelling of the limbs. With heartburn, constipation, slight dizziness and other minor troubles, she also learned to cope. A woman knows that the slightest deviation from the usual state should not be ignored. High blood pressure, increasing headache, severe swelling, pain in the lower abdomen, vomiting, frequent contractions of the muscles of the uterus, prolonged inactivity of the baby should cause an urgent visit to the doctor. nine0003
The risks of the 28th week of pregnancy are spotting or bleeding from the vagina. This is a symptom of a low placenta. A woman who has developed bleeding should be in the hospital under the supervision of doctors until the time of delivery.
During this period of pregnancy, a woman should count fetal movements in the morning and evening (Pearson test). Normally, the child makes at least 10 movements per hour. The absence of tremors or their small number requires immediate examination by a doctor. nine0003
At week 28, maternity leave begins with multiple pregnancies. Now all the worries of a woman are reduced to preparing for childbirth and the first days of a child's life. Specialized courses for expectant mothers will help a woman better endure late pregnancy and the birth process. It is still not so difficult to move around, you should take care of the "dowry" of the baby, which will be required for discharge from the maternity hospital.
how many months is this. Fetal development, baby weight, abdomen photo, ultrasound
Many women wonder if the 28th week of pregnancy is how many months? Obstetricians consider the gestational age not by months, but by weeks - from the first day of the last menstruation. Such calculations are more accurate and allow you to track how the child is developing, and whether the rate of growth and weight gain is normal. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate which month of pregnancy is going on - it is better to focus on the generally accepted obstetric terms.
What happens in a woman's body at the 28th week of pregnancy
At the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, the total weight gain of the expectant mother is about 6-8 kilograms. Even if there was toxicosis in the early stages - with severe symptoms and weight loss, by the 28th week of pregnancy there is no trace of it. A woman gains 300-500 g per week. Weight gain depends on the initial body weight of the expectant mother, lifestyle, nutrition and other factors.
At the 28-29th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother noticeably rounds her belly.
There is an opinion that the shape of the abdomen can predict who will be born - a boy or a girl. This is not true. The shape of the abdomen is genetically determined, and also depends on the nature of nutrition and the development of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall - but is in no way related to the sex of the child. nine0003
Women's health: what you need to know at the 28th week of pregnancy
At the 28th week of pregnancy, many expectant mothers experience one unpleasant symptom - compression of the inferior vena cava. Typical symptoms - tinnitus, palpitations, dizziness - occur only in the supine position, when the enlarged uterus presses on the vein. The condition improves if you change position - for example, lie on your side, sit down or stand up. The main thing is to do it slowly so as not to provoke a new attack of dizziness and weakness. nine0003
At 28-29 weeks of pregnancy, many women notice swelling in their arms and legs. Such edema is not dangerous until they progress and are not accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. But even if nothing else bothers you, you should definitely inform your doctor about them.
Drawing pain in the region of the sacrum, womb, and lower back is another common companion of pregnancy. This is normal - the child grows, the uterus and ligaments stretch, discomfort appears. You should not worry, but you should inform your doctor about them. Similar symptoms appear with some complications of pregnancy. nine0003
Important!
If you experience any unpleasant and unusual sensations during pregnancy, you should consult a gynecologist!
What happens to the fetus at the 28th week of pregnancy
At the 28th week of pregnancy, the baby continues to grow actively. The weight of the fetus approaches 1.2 kg, and the height reaches 35-37 cm. The baby is constantly in motion. All the time until he sleeps, he studies his body and the surrounding space. The baby rolls over, touches his face, can suck his thumb and swallow amniotic fluid. He is learning to distinguish sounds coming from outside, and is already responding to the voice of mom or dad with confident jolts. nine0003
At the end of the second trimester, the cerebral cortex develops. The sense organs of the fetus are fully formed. Pigment accumulates in the iris of the eye, but there is still very little of it. That is why almost all children are born blue-eyed. Eye color changes later - during the first months of life after birth.
At 28 weeks pregnant, baby's skin remains bright pink and thin. Adipose tissue is laid, so far mainly in places of natural folds. The growth of hair on the head and the accumulation of pigment in them continues. nine0003
At the 28th week of pregnancy, the formation of the lungs of the fetus is completed. They begin to accumulate surfactant - a substance that prevents the alveoli from sticking together. The development of the endocrine system also continues. The child has his own rhythm of hormone production.
Fetal movements at the 28th week of pregnancy: how to calculate
At this time, the baby occupies almost the entire space in the uterus. His movements become more and more palpable. The expectant mother notices how the child rolls over, kicks her legs in the stomach. Fetal movements can cause discomfort, especially if they give in the hypochondrium or perineum - but there should be no pain. If the movements become painful, it is worth informing the doctor about it. nine0003
Expectant mothers are advised to count fetal movements according to the rule of ten:
- Select a 12-hour observation period, for example, from 8 am to 8 pm.
- Fix the time when the first fetal movements begin - for example, at 8.30.
- Note when the tenth stir will be - for example, at 16. 30.
There should be 10 movements in 12 hours. If less, you need to see a doctor. For movements, they consider not a separate kick with a leg, but a group of movements. For example, if the baby rolled over and settled comfortably, it would be just one movement. nine0003
If at 28 weeks' gestation the baby does not move for more than 12 hours in a row, you should immediately consult a doctor!
Image
Norm at the 28th week of pregnancy
Mother's weight gain
+ 6-8 kg from the starting weight
Standing the bottom of the uterus
24-26 cm
The weight of the fetus
1200 g- 1300 g
Fetal growth
35-37 cm
Examinations at 28 weeks of gestation
At this time, a scheduled examination is not carried out. If the future mother is doing well, the baby moves regularly and actively, there are no complaints - she only needs to visit the gynecologist regularly. In the second half of pregnancy, a meeting with the doctor takes place every two weeks. At the appointment, the gynecologist conducts a general examination, measures the circumference of the abdomen and the height of the uterine fundus, assesses the woman's blood pressure and pulse. Be sure to listen to the fetal heartbeat with a stethoscope.
If there are deviations in the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy, the gynecologist may prescribe an examination - to pass tests, to do an ultrasound scan. With the help of ultrasound at this time, it is possible to determine the weight of the fetus and its growth, assess the rate of its development and the condition of the placenta, and calculate the volume of amniotic fluid. nine0003
Ultrasound can also show how the fetus is positioned. Usually - head down, but it can be vice versa. There is no need to worry - many babies roll over as they should by the 31st-32nd week of pregnancy.
Useful tips for expectant mothers
The end of the second trimester is the time to start preparing for the meeting with your baby: read specialized literature, communicate with experienced mothers and attend courses for pregnant women.