28 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Pregnancy Symptoms, Tips, Baby Growth & More!
Your baby is growing and is continuously pushing its boundaries to accommodate better. 28 weeks pregnant guide will enhance your knowledge on a nutritional diet, care, tips, baby’s development, etc. This may make your muscle ligaments stretch while the uterus gets enlarged. You’ll have to bear some abdominal pain and stretch marks in the meanwhile due to this.
Symptoms of 28th Week Pregnancy
In the 28th week of pregnancy, your body will have to face changes in your body that may be visible or invisible.
28 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Visible Symptoms
These symptoms can be seen so, they are visible symptoms.
- Colostrum – Your breasts may start producing colostrum which is a yellow color thick fluid. It is a nutrient-rich substance that comes initially during breastfeeding and post which milk starts to flow.
- Constipation – You’ll experience constipation which happens when the uterus puts pressure on the colon. It will give rise to painful hemorrhoids. You must include enough fiber-rich foods in your diet and drink more water.
- Dry Skin – As the skin of the belly stretches, it will become dry, and itchy and will give red color marks on the belly, thighs, etc. These marks can reduce if appropriate lotions and oils are applied but you cannot get rid of them completely.
28 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Invisible Symptoms
Invisible symptoms are felt or experienced but not seen on the body.
- Shortness of Breath – The diaphragm shields the lungs and causes shortness of breath. This makes breathing a little difficult.
- Heartburn – As the uterus begins to move above the belly button, it will put pressure on the stomach and interfere with digestion thereby causing heartburn and acidity. This may also result in bloating and gas. You must consume small portions of meals throughout the day to avoid it.
- Sleeplessness – The nearer you get to your due date; it’ll be difficult for you to sleep. Some women also snore due to changes in the nervous system or hormones.
- Restless Body– Many women may experience restless leg syndrome where their legs develop uneasiness with a tingling feeling which makes them difficult to move. You must cut down on your caffeine intake during such time. Massaging and stretching the legs also helps. The doctor would prescribe iron supplements for treating this symptom.
- Body Pain –You’ll face some discomfort and may experience pain and aches in different body parts. Yoga stretches, swimming, and prenatal massage can help you to overcome this symptom. To reduce the aches and relieve pressure you may also start wearing a maternity belt. You must check with the doctor before taking up any of these measures.
- Braxton Hicks – You’ll experience occasional Braxton Hicks contractions that are false contractions and make your body ready for the labor pain. However, frequent contractions can be a sign of preterm labor and you must discuss the same with the doctor.
Common Problems During 28th Week Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding is a sign of a problem in the placenta such as abruption in the placenta, low-lying placenta, or placenta previa. In such cases, an ultrasound will be conducted to find out the exact cause. Women must contact their healthcare provider in such cases.
Preterm labor is another problem that you may experience where there will be rhythmic uterine contractions occurring at regular intervals. So if a pregnant woman experiences pressure in the vagina, persistent backache, feeling of fullness, regular contractions, etc she must contact the doctor.
Preeclampsia is another condition in pregnancy that involves increased blood pressure, swelling, and proteinuria. If not treated that it can result in preeclampsia or seizures. This can have a serious impact on the baby and the mother both.
Precautions/Warning During Week 28 of Pregnancy
As you are getting closer to your due date you must follow below mentioned precautions in addition to following your diet, exercise routine, enough intake of water, etc.
- You’ll experience itching on your abdomen skin because it is expanding. If the itching is very severe then it can be a sign of a rare liver disease known as obstetric cholestasis. In such cases, you must discuss this with your doctor.
- Always keep a check on the movements of the baby. Kicks and punches of the baby inside the tummy show that it is active. If these movements slow down or stop then it is time to contact the doctor.
- Avoid wearing high heel footwear as it can cause discomfort. You are susceptible to tripping and falling since the center of gravity is shifting due to an enlarged tummy. Wear flat and comfortable footwear and keep attention while walking.
- Avoid living alone during such times as you can go through anxiety, get tired, fall asleep suddenly, and must have your husband or family around you.
- Don’t sit for long hours since this restricts blood circulation. Do not sit with your legs crossed. It can cut the circulation off your cramped legs and thereby make it more painful.
- If you are going to travel by air then drink enough water and get up in between to stretch your legs. While sitting try rotating and flexing your ankles so that any swelling or clots are avoided.
28 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Baby Growth and Development
Your baby at this stage of pregnancy will have the following changes –
- By 28 weeks, the baby starts to exhibit many human characteristics like the presence of eyelashes, blinking of the eyes, and rapid movements of the eyes.
- The fetus has developed activities like sucking, hiccups and taking breaths.
- The child’s brain will continue to develop.
If at you go into preterm labor now, there are good chances of the baby developing healthily.
Baby Size in the 28th Week of Pregnancy
What is the baby’s size in the 28th week of pregnancy?
In the 28th week of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 37.6 cm long and is the size of an Eggplant.
Parental Care During 28th Week of Pregnancy
What parental care is needed during the 28th week of pregnancy?
Since this is the beginning of the third trimester, you may feel discomfort in sleep due to the growing baby, enlarged uterus, and hormonal changes. You will also start experiencing Braxton hicks which are also called practice contractions. Now the doctor visits will be bi-weekly.
Changes in the 28th Week of Pregnancy
There will be changes in looks, feelings, and experiences during pregnancy.
Also check- Pregnancy weight gain calculator
28 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in Feelings
How will you feel during the 28th week of pregnancy?
The realization that childbirth is approaching nearer will make women go through mixed emotions of anxiety and excitement. Physically you will be feeling a lot of discomfort due to all the pregnancy-related symptoms like edema, leg cramps, backache, etc. You will start feeling the extra weight of the baby which may make it difficult to perform your daily chores.
28 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in Experiences
What changes you will experience during week 28 of pregnancy?
You may start to experience Restless Leg Syndrome which affects generally you while sleeping. Also, you’ll feel a tingling sensation in your feet that will make you move around continuously. Decreasing the intake of caffeine would help you to ease the symptoms of RLS.
28 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in Looks
What will you look like during the 28th week of pregnancy?
By now you’ve gained a lot of weight. The uterus has started to grow into the abdomen which makes the women look pregnant prominently. It may shift your center of gravity making you feel imbalanced at times.
Your hair and nails will start growing faster. Stretch marks will be present on the skin of the belly, thighs, etc which will make the skin dry and itchy.
Diet During the 28th Week of Pregnancy
What should you eat during the 28th week of pregnancy?
Which food you should avoid during the 28th week of pregnancy?
You can also check for- Diet chart during 28 week of pregnancy
Sex During the 28th Week of Pregnancy
Is it safe to have sex during the 28th week of pregnancy?
You must check if you or your husband has any type of sexually transmitted disease. The doctor will also inform you if you cannot have sex due to certain complications like the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, etc. If the doctor has given you the go-ahead for sex, then there’s no need to worry. You can have sex in comfortable positions without putting pressure on the tummy.
Some women do not feel like having sex during this time which is fine and very normal.
Doctor Consultation in the 28th Week of Pregnancy
Do I need to visit a doctor in the 28th week of pregnancy?
What should you discuss with the doctor?
During week 28 of pregnancy, your doctor will start to test you for communicable diseases. These tests will check for syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Rh status as well. You must also discuss with the doctor about other complications like gestational diabetes, preterm labor, preeclampsia, preterm labor, etc.
28 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Test/ Procedure
What are the tests or procedures you should have in the 28th week of pregnancy?
The third trimester begins, and you’ll have to visit the doctor biweekly. The doctor will prescribe tests for communicable diseases such as HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, etc. An ultrasound will be performed to check the baby. This time baby will be turning his face, moving his limbs, blinking his eyes in response to light, etc. The placental blood volume and weight of the baby will be also checked.
In the preliminary checking of Rh status, if your baby is Rh positive and you are Rh negative then you’ll be given a Rhogam injection for Rh immune globulin. It’ll keep your body from developing antibodies that can attack the fetal blood.
You’ll be given a vaccine shot of TDap against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Supplements in the 28th Week of Pregnancy
Do you need to take supplements during the 28th week of pregnancy?
The supplements will keep you safe from neural tube defects, birth defects like spina bifida, etc. You must continue taking supplements for folic acid, iron, and calcium during pregnancy. Eating nutritious foods rich in these components is also important as as taking medications.
28 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Important Points to Know
What is important to know during the 28th week of pregnancy?
It’s important now to get tested for communicable diseases. It’s also very important that you discuss with the doctor various risk factors associated with this stage of pregnancy. These risk factors may be preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, iron deficiency anemia, etc.
Preparation Guidelines for Baby
How should you start preparing for a baby’s birth?
Start to attend classes for delivery, breastfeeding, labor pain handling, etc. Make sure that the instructor is certified by a childbirth educator organization. Begin to discuss the birth plan. Also, get ready for practical aspects i.e. backup plan if labor is early, etc. Your exercise routine should continue along with following your healthy pregnancy diet chart.
Enjoy every moment of your pregnancy with your loved ones!
