28 Weeks Pregnant
third trimester · Month 7
12 Weeks to Go!
Baby is as long as a eggplant
Key Takeaways
- Third trimester begins!
- Eyes can focus; REM sleep regular
- Survival rate with NICU: 90%+
28 Weeks Pregnant
Baby’s Development
Your baby now measures about 37.6 centimeters — roughly the size of an eggplant — and weighs about 1,000 grams, or 2.2 pounds [1]. The third trimester begins this week. The brain holds billions of neurons and is folding into ever more complex patterns. The eyes can focus, sense light, and blink regularly, and REM sleep is a regular part of each day — about 9 to 10 hours of it. The lungs continue producing surfactant with regular breathing motions. Body fat now makes up around 3 to 4 percent of your baby’s weight and will climb to about 15 percent by birth. The skin is smoother and pinker. Movement is still active, though space is getting tight. With NICU care, survival rates are now over 90 percent [2].
Pregnancy Symptoms
The third trimester is here. The familiar symptoms continue — backache, worsening heartburn, constipation, leg cramps, swelling in your feet, ankles, and fingers, headaches, and more frequent Braxton Hicks. Your uterus now sits about 7 to 8 centimeters above your navel, and the kicks are very active. Round ligament pain, sciatica, or pelvic pain may bother you. Heartburn, shortness of breath, and more frequent trips to the bathroom are common, and restless legs, hemorrhoids, or carpal tunnel may join in. Your resting heart rate runs around 80 to 100 beats per minute, and a little “snissing” with a startle or sneeze is common [2].
Body Changes
Your uterus has risen about 7 to 8 centimeters above your navel. Most women have gained between 20 and 27 pounds by week 28, and your bump is clearly visible. You may notice stretch marks, the linea nigra, melasma, more visible veins, or varicose veins. Your breasts may be up about two cup sizes, and colostrum may leak. The “pregnancy mask” can appear on your face, and skin tags or a PUPPP rash may develop. Your heart rate stays a little elevated [2].
Tips for Week 28
- Begin prenatal visits every two weeks (from 28 to 36 weeks) — your provider will monitor your blood pressure, urine, fundal height, weight, and your baby’s heart rate more closely now.
- Get your glucose screening — if you haven’t yet done it at 24 to 26 weeks, do it now. It’s the 1-hour, 50g test.
- Check for anemia — a CBC at 28 weeks is standard, as about 30 percent of pregnant people develop anemia. An iron supplement (around 27 mg a day) is often added.
- Get your Tdap vaccine — if it wasn’t given at 27 weeks, this week is the time; the window is 27 to 36 weeks.
- Get Rhogam if you’re Rh-negative — the 28-week shot prevents your body from forming antibodies that could attack your baby’s blood cells.
Things To Do (Checklist)
- Get glucose screening if not yet done
- Get Tdap vaccine (27-36 wk)
- Get Rhogam if Rh-negative (28 wk)
- Begin biweekly prenatal visits
- Address anemia (iron, vitamin C, B12, folate)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m anemic. What should I do? A: A hemoglobin below 11 g/dL counts as anemia. Focus on iron-rich foods (red meat, lentils, spinach), take an iron supplement (about 27 mg a day with vitamin C for absorption and away from calcium), and use a stool softener since iron can constipate. B12 and folate matter too [1].
Q: Why are my prenatal visits every two weeks now? A: The third trimester calls for closer monitoring. Your provider is watching your blood pressure (for preeclampsia), urine (for protein and GDM), fundal height (for growth), your baby’s heart rate, and your weight — all to catch any problems early [2].
Q: I’m Rh-negative. What does Rhogam do? A: If your blood and your baby’s mix (often at delivery), your body could make antibodies that attack future Rh-positive babies. Rhogam at 28 weeks and again within 72 hours after birth prevents this. It’s safe and standard [1].
For Dads
- Attend the 28-week appointment — the third trimester is starting and visits become more frequent. Be present, take notes, and ask your questions.
- Research the stroller and car seat — look for a compatible travel system (such as a Britax B-Safe with B-Agile, or UPPAbaby Mesa with Vista), an infant car seat, or an all-in-one convertible. Safety and ease both matter.
- Plan your work and paternity leave — review your employer’s policy, FMLA (12 weeks unpaid), California’s paid family leave (8 weeks of paid bonding), and short-term disability for recovery. Start planning now.
- Read The Expectant Father, Chapter 26 — it covers the third-trimester reality, the decisions ahead, and your role.
- Pray for continued growth and protection — the third trimester is about weight gain, brain development, and lung maturity.
Sources
- ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
- Mayo Clinic — 28 Weeks Pregnant
- Expecting Better — Emily Oster (Chapters 13-14: Third Trimester)
Sources
- guideline ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
- medical Mayo Clinic — 28 Weeks Pregnant
- book Expecting Better — Emily Oster
Your Checklist
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Action Plan Items for Week 28
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