28 Weeks Pregnant Checklist: What You Need to Know This Week

Dear Mommy, welcome to the third trimester! Reaching the 28 weeks pregnant mark is a milestone that adds certain joys along with fears you’ll need to overcome and everything in between. Your belly is growing, your due date is coming closer, and you must be juggling baby prep, doctor visits, and your ever-changing body. And if you’re a working professional, then here is a heads-up! One more important thing to be added to your list now: maternity leave planning. Wow, amazing, isn’t it?

Well, to-be-mommy, here is everything you need to know about week 28 of pregnancy—from baby’s development and symptoms to ultrasounds and frequently asked questions.

Key Takeaways at 28 Weeks Pregnant

• You’re in your third trimester, month 7 of pregnancy, to be exact!
• If your baby has a premature delivery at this stage, then the survival rate is approximately 94%. 
• Another key point to remember is that your bump is getting bigger with the fetus growing inside! The top of your uterus is now about 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) above your belly button. 
• You must be gaining weight, and it should be somewhere around 17 and 24 pounds (7.7 to 10.8 kg). 
• Since you’re in your third trimester, you may feel and notice certain pregnancy symptoms. E.g. leg cramps, constipation, insomnia, haemorrhoids, etc. 
• Also importantly, it's time to start planning maternity leave, packing your hospital bag, and attending birthing classes (optional).

Baby At Week 28

Mommy, get ready! Your little one is more active than ever! 

Your baby's brain is getting more complex! This 28th week, grooves start forming on its surface, and brain tissue grows. Meanwhile, hair growth is in full swing - eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp hair are all getting longer. As fat layers build up under the skin, your baby is starting to look rounder. This fat storage is crucial for regulating body temperature after birth and will continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.

Additionally, your little one is developing a sleep-wake cycle, with periods of rest and active movement. Dearest mommy, you'll likely feel them stir and kick! 

How Big Is The Baby At 28 Weeks?

At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 14.8 inches (36 cm) from head to heel and weighs around 2.2 to 2.4 pounds (~1.13 kg). You can assume that they must be somewhere the size of a large eggplant or butternut squash. 

What Does Baby Look Like at 28 Weeks in the Womb?

Your baby now resembles a newborn more than ever: 

• Facial features are well-developed. 
• Eyelashes and eyebrows are visible. Your baby inside can open their eyes partially. 
• The skin is still translucent, but fat is filling in.
• Hair on the head continues to grow.
• Moreover, the baby is practising breathing movements, which can be seen during the scan.
• One more interesting fact to be added about the baby’s breathing. Your baby's heartbeat is loud and clear with a stethoscope. And if you're feeling adventurous, try having someone put their ear to your belly - they might just catch the beat! 

28 Weeks Pregnant Is Equal To How Many Months?

You are 6.4 months pregnant at 28 weeks. Your fetal age is 26 weeks. Pregnancy is typically 40 weeks long and divided into three trimesters. Week 28 marks the beginning of the third trimester. 

28-Week Ultrasound

A 28-week ultrasound is not always routine unless your healthcare provider has specific concerns. If conducted, this week’s ultrasound may show:

• Baby's position in the uterus
• Growth measurements and weight estimation
• Placental placement and amniotic fluid levels
• A chance to see the baby yawning, sucking their thumb, or even smiling!

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 28

As your body adjusts to support a growing baby, you may experience the following symptoms: 

• As your belly grows, it's common to experience itching due to hormonal changes and skin stretching. 
• You may feel uncomfortable with the growing belly and weight. You may feel difficulty while sleeping and even walking straight sometimes. 
• Another common symptom during 28 weeks of pregnancy is restless legs syndrome. As you step into the third trimester, this usually happens while resting or in bed. 
• Connective tissue holds your bones in place. But pregnancy hormones may relax these tissues, especially in the pelvic area. The changes may lead to back pain and several other discomforts.
• Shortness of breath is very common during this phase of pregnancy. A growing belly is pressurising other organs. So if you walk a lot or take stairs, you may go out of breath easily. 
• By this time, your relaxing muscles also slow down the digestive system. This causes slower passage of food along the digestive tract, leading to indigestion, bloating and constipation. Your rapidly growing baby also presses on the stomach, causing acid reflux or the infamous pregnancy heartburn.
• As your skin stretches faster than it can keep up, tiny tears occur in the middle layer, resulting in red, purple, or pink lines. We call them stretch marks. Don't worry, you're not alone - it's a common part of pregnancy!

Your Pregnant Belly At 28 Weeks

Your belly is likely noticeably larger, and your uterus is about 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) above your belly button. Your skin may feel stretched and itchy, and your belly button might pop out.

Tips for 28 Weeks Pregnant

It is just a few weeks, so you'd better start preparing. Follow the below tips for a healthy pregnancy

• Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, calcium, and protein to support your baby’s growth.
• Stay active with doctor-approved exercises like walking or prenatal yoga.
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to reduce swelling and fatigue.
• Keep a record of your baby’s movements in a day. If you feel any change, talk to your doctor immediately. 
• Attend prenatal checkups regularly and monitor fetal movements.
• Start planning for childbirth and consider discussing your birth plan with your doctor. You can opt for breastfeeding sessions too. This will help you later. 

Final Thoughts

Being 28 weeks pregnant is a mix of excitement and preparation. You're halfway to meeting your little one! Take a moment to cherish this journey, the kicks, the bumps, and the love that's growing. You're nurturing a tiny life, and that's the most incredible gift. Enjoy every moment, and get ready to welcome your baby with open arms!