Pregnancy Week 28: What to Expect
Baby's development, your body's changes, common symptoms, what to eat, and what to do this week.
Baby's development at week 28
Welcome to the third trimester. Baby's eyes can open and close. Baby is dreaming. Lungs continue maturing — surfactant production increasing. Baby is gaining weight rapidly (~1/2 lb per week from here). Baby's brain is in major growth mode — billions of new neurons. Baby's bones are nearly fully formed, though the skull stays soft to allow passage through the birth canal.
What's happening in your body
Your uterus is about 3 inches above the belly button. Stronger Braxton Hicks contractions. Possible varicose veins. Possible hemorrhoids. Sleep difficult. Possible mild edema (swelling). Possible carpal tunnel. Possible mild shortness of breath.
Common symptoms at week 28
Stronger Braxton Hicks. Sleep issues. Possible varicose veins. Possible hemorrhoids. Possible mild breathlessness. Strong fetal movements; baby has very clear sleep/wake cycles. Possible mild forgetfulness. Mood shifts.
When to call your provider
Sharp persistent pelvic pain, very heavy swelling especially in face or hands, severe headaches, vision changes (blurring, flashing lights), upper-right abdominal pain — preeclampsia warning, call provider. Decreased fetal movement after established pattern.
How to feel better this week
If you are Rh-negative, you will get a Rhogam shot this trimester (usually around week 28) to prevent issues if baby is Rh-positive. The Tdap booster (whooping cough vaccine) is recommended every pregnancy between weeks 27-36 — it protects baby from pertussis in the first months of life. Continue Kegels. Side sleeping with pillows. Daily walks. Apply belly lotion. Manage hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
Nutrition focus for week 28
Continue iron (very important now — your body is making and storing iron for blood loss at delivery and breastfeeding). Calcium, vitamin D, protein, healthy fats. Eat small, frequent meals to manage heartburn and blood sugar. Stay hydrated.
For your partner
Be aware of preeclampsia symptoms (severe headache, vision changes, swelling) — your partner may not catch them while feeling everything else. Help monitor.
This week's to-do
Rhogam shot if Rh-negative. Tdap booster.
Is this normal?
Third trimester is often physically the hardest — body preparing for labor while baby gains ~1 lb/week. Energy can dip dramatically. This is normal. Slow down where you can.
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