28 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide

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At this stage of your journey, new developments are beginning to unfold. Check out this week-by-week guide to find out what’s in store for your baby and your body in week 28 of pregnancy.

• What trimester is 28 weeks? Third trimester.
• How many weeks of pregnancy are left? 12 weeks.
• How many months is 28 weeks pregnant? You're in your seventh month.

With week 27 in the rearview mirror and week 28 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 29! 

One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.

What Happens During the 28th Week of Pregnancy?

• Blink and you’ll miss it: Your baby can now blink, cough, suck, and hiccup.
• Rock-a-bye, baby: Your little one can now have deep REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
• One good turn: As you enter the third trimester, your baby may begin to turn headfirst for the birth position. Most babies are born in this position.
• That’s quite a set of lungs: Their lungs are now almost fully mature. If your baby is born otherwise healthy this week or after, the chances of survival without physical or neurological problems improve significantly. Babies born before 37 weeks are considered a premature birth.

What Should I Be Feeling at 28 Weeks Pregnant?

• It’s now the third trimester and your body will be feeling every bit pregnant, with aches and pains, labored breath, and sleeping difficulties. Now is the time to do your best to be gentle with yourself—both physically and mentally.
• Swelling in your limbs may worsen. Elevate your feet where possible, avoid salty foods, and try to keep cool during these last few months.
• Heartburn is also common. Try some natural, pregnancy-safe heartburn remedies like a handful of almonds, papaya, milk, or yogurt. Chewing on low-sugar or sugarless gum for half an hour before meals helps increase saliva production, which can neutralize excess acid in your esophagus. Also avoid coffee and spicy foods if they cause discomfort.

How Big Is Your Baby at 28 Weeks Pregnant?

Week 28 Pregnancy Symptoms

During week 28 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.

6 Common Week 28 Pregnancy Symptoms

1. You may start to leak colostrum from your nipples; it’s the first form of what will become breast milk.
2. The third trimester brings its own aches and pains as your baby’s development and those pregnancy hormones impact your body. There are benefits to exercising—some pregnancy-safe exercises can help alleviate achiness and stiffness in your body.
3. Up to 15% of pregnant women worldwide develop gestational diabetes. Your doctor will check your blood sugar and work with you for better health (for you and your baby) if your levels are high.
4. Your baby may be resting on your spine’s sciatic nerve, causing sciatica. You may feel shooting, sharp pain or tingling radiating from your buttocks to the back of your legs. To help ease the discomfort, try taking warm (not hot) baths, using a heating pad, and stretching daily.
5. While fluid retention can loosen your pelvic bones to prepare you for delivery, it can also cause swelling in your wrists and ankles. Elevate your feet when possible, wear comfy shoes, and drink plenty of liquids to keep the fluids moving through the kidneys. 
6. Constipation and hemorrhoids are frequent complaints. Consuming high-fiber foods, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing may provide some relief.

Braxton Hicks at 28 Weeks

Braxton Hicks contractions are common during a healthy pregnancy and may intensify as you approach the finish line. They won’t cause you to go into labor, but it’s your body rehearsing for its big moment.

What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like? These contractions, often called “false labor,” feel like the muscles across your pregnant belly are tightening—your uterus may feel like it’s becoming hard to the touch. They may resemble menstrual cramps. Changing position, a massage, and staying well hydrated may help alleviate them. 

These contractions are generally harmless, but if they’re more than just occasional, you should call your doctor.

3 Expert Tips for a Healthy And Safe Pregnancy

Being 28 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here’s some more expert-recommended advice on how to adjust to this new stage and keep you and your baby safe.

1. Pump up the DHA: With baby’s brain developing, you’ll want to support it with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), either through diet or prenatal vitamins. Experts recommend 200 mg of DHA daily while pregnant or breastfeeding.
2. Soothe the soreness: Give yourself some little rewards that will help ease the aches and pains. By now, you’re past the hardcore exercising stage, but you can still take walks, do yoga, or book yourself a prenatal massage to soothe those muscles.
3. Shoot for the (baby)moon: If you haven’t had that babymoon, this could be your last chance. Get the green light from your healthcare provider first. If you’re flying, drink plenty of water, get up and stretch your legs, and regularly rotate and flex your ankles to protect against swelling and clots. Book an aisle seat to make it easier to get up and stretch. And remember to pack medical records and contacts, just in case.

Week 28 Checklist: How To Plan Your Pregnancy

Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!

Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.

 With week 27 in the rearview mirror and week 28 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 29!