28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms, Belly Size & More!

By the 28th week, your baby is almost completely developed! Yay! During this week, your baby’s lungs will mature and their skin will develop fat underneath. 

Your baby is now about 38 cm long and weighs approximately 900 grams. So, let’s get to know more about the symptoms that denote 28 weeks pregnant and how your baby looks during this week. Keep reading to find out. 

Fetus At 28 Weeks: Development 

Rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep is something your baby starts to experience during this time, and it’s extremely likely that your little one is dreaming! Your infant had tightly closed eyes this far but now they will open and close those lovely eyes, complete with fresh, fluttering eyelashes.

How Big Is A Baby During 28 Weeks Of Pregnancy?

Your baby measures about 25 cm from head to bottom and weighs about 1 kg.

28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

As your pregnancy progresses week by week, you might find it difficult to get a good night’s rest with your baby kicking actively. You will also frequently feel the urge to urinate and  might need to visit the bathroom often. Your breasts might start leaking colostrum, which is a whitish  substance. However, remember. The presence or absence of colostrum during pregnancy does not indicate the quantity of breastmilk that you will produce after delivery.

From this week on, you will be visiting your doctor every two weeks. Most hospitals ask you to take blood tests for diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis to prevent cross infection at the time of birth. If your blood group is Rh negative, your doctor might recommend an antibody check and you might even get an injection of Rh immunoglobulin. This is to prevent your body from developing antibodies that could attack your baby’s blood.

Your baby will be tested at birth, and if their blood group isRh positive, then you might need another shot of Rh immunoglobulin after delivery.

Physical Development

If you have been asked not to exercise rigorously, try yoga. Prenatal yoga is said to be extremely effective as it is soft while being soft on your  joints and muscles. A qualified yoga instructor can suggest appropriate exercises depending on the trimester that you are in.

Emotional Development

Your vivid dreams continue and some of them might even be scary. Do not worry, this is just your body gearing up for upcoming changes. Indulge yourself in a prenatal massage every few days to help you relax and sleep better.

Your Body At 28 Weeks Pregnancy

You may have some backaches and maybe insomnia. Make sure to rest and avoid lifting anything heavy. Light activity and stretching can help. 

28 Weeks Pregnant Belly Pictures 

28 Weeks Fetus Picture

28 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound: Do You Need It?

You can now opt for Multiple Marker Screen Test (MMST) and Amniocentesis which can identify genetic diseases such as neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and others in your baby. Although it is generally thought to be risk-free, discuss the test with your doctor before deciding whether or not you want to undergo this 28 weeks pregnant ultrasound. 

Self Care Tips And Checklists For 28 Weeks Pregnancy

Here are some self care tips and checklists for leading the healthiest life possible at 28 weeks pregnant. 

• Keep an eye out for your baby’s kicks, twitches, and rolls, and report any changes to your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.
• Complete third-trimester prenatal visits and tests.
• You might want to think about taking lessons on newborn care, nursing, and infant CPR in addition to a birth class.
• Do light exercises or else just indulge in walking to get your body moving.
• Spend time outdoors. Do a skincare routine at least 3-4 days a week to make your skin glowing and supple.
• Unplug one full a week and do rest ( do not overload on the couch like a panda!) 

• Plan your multiple marker screening, if you decide to get one.
• Plan your amniocentesis, if necessary.
• Treat yourself. You deserve some “me time” because you’ve been working so hard.

FAQs

Is 28 weeks considered 7 months pregnant?

Yes

Is the baby fully formed at 28 weeks?

Most babies turn their heads downward in time for birth. The immune system of your newborn is maturing. Vernix, a white, creamy material that covers your baby, shields the skin from amniotic fluid.

Why is 28 weeks crucial?

When your baby is 28 weeks old, their organs are fully formed and visible on the ultrasound.

What should I avoid during the third trimester?

Intense exercises that can cause an injury to your stomach should be avoided. You should also avoid consuming alcohol, smoking, coffee, illegal drugs, raw fish or smoked seafood, shark, swordfish, mackerel, or white snapper fish (they have high levels of mercury), and raw sprouts.

When should you pack your hospital bag?

Your baby might arrive earlier than expected, so it’s worth having your hospital bag packed during the third trimester- at about week 38 of your pregnancy.

Takeaway

Alert your doctor if you notice persistent and excessive swelling in the feet, hands and face or high blood pressure. It could be an early warning sign of preeclampsia which is a dangerous condition that affects many organs. Preeclampsia could even cause placental abruption, which could mean losing the baby.

You might probably be told to sit up before changing sides while sleeping, instead of just turning over while lying down. It is said that turning over while lying  down could cause the umbilical cord to get around your baby’s neck. This is purely a myth. You can turn all you want while lying down.