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28 Weeks Pregnant - Baby Development, Pregnancy Symptoms & Tips

Table of Contents

28 Weeks Pregnant - Baby Development, Pregnancy Symptoms & Tips

28 Weeks Pregnant

Table of Contents

How Big Is My Baby At 28 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby can open the eyes and flutter the eyelashes, and is about the size of an eggplant. The baby is about 14.80 inches long and weighs about 2.22 pounds.

Baby Development 

  • Your baby’s brain continues to grow and develop.
  • Your baby continues accumulate fat underneath the skin.
  • Your baby’s heartbeat can now be heard through a stethoscope.
  • Your baby’s eyes can produce tears and nose can smell.
  • Your baby can see the light that filters through your womb.
  • You baby can suck the thumb whenever he/she wants.

28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Aches And Pains:  You may feel different aches and pain all around, such as back pain, round ligament pain, and lower abdomen pain. This happens because of stretching of muscles to accommodate your growing baby.

Trouble Sleeping:  As you near the due date, your sleep may be disrupted by body aches, leg cramps, anxiety, and frequent urination.

Braxton Hicks Contractions:  You may feel irregular and less painful contractions as your uterus becomes tight and prepares for labor. These miniature contractions are perfectly normal at this point of your pregnancy. They normally disappear when you change positions. Call your doctor if contractions persist.

Trouble Breathing:  You may have trouble breathing freely. This happens as your baby grows and your uterus expands, other organs will get compressed to make room for her.

Leaking Breasts:  By this time, your milk ducts are fully developed in preparation for birth. Your breasts may have produced a yellowish substance called colostrum, some of which can leak from the breasts. This is normal.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):  If you feel pain or burning sensation while urinating, it could be due to UTI. The other symptoms of UTI are foul-smelling urine, pain in the pubic area, blood in the urine, and frequent urination. Fever and chills may also accompany the condition. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to help flush the infection out.

Linea Nigra:  Linea nigra is the dark line that runs between your belly button and pubic area. This happens due to the same pregnancy hormones causing other skin discolorations around your body. These skin changes will disappear in a few months after delivery.

Bloating And Gas:  Bloating and gas occur as the progesterone hormone relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, causing slowing of the digestion process.

Swollen ankles And Feet:  You may notice swelling of your ankles and feet. This happens because of poor blood circulation in your legs. This can also happen due to excess fluid retention in your body. This is normal and there is no cause for worry. Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time and popping your feet up high will help.

Constipation:  During pregnancy, hormones slow down the digestive system, leaving you constipated. This is an ongoing symptom you have to live with all the way through the pregnancy. Eating enough fiber, wholemeal breads, cereals, and drinking plenty of water will help.

Heartburn & Indigestion:  Heartburn occurs when stomach acids move upwards to the esophagus. This happens due to relaxation of the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Indigestion occurs due to relaxed digestive system caused by pregnancy hormones.

Stretch Marks:  Getting some stretch marks on your stomach, hips, thighs, and legs starting this week is common. This happens because of expanding uterus and your increased weight.

28 Weeks Pregnant: Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

  • Get immunized if it is flu season.
  • Shop for maternity clothes well before you approach delivery date.
  • Continue to follow good prenatal habits like eating healthy food and taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins daily.
  • Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
  • Wear breathable loose clothes and a supportive bra to feel comfortable.
  • Eat small meals or snacks at regular intervals for better digestion and to prevent heartburn.
  • Keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
  • Take plenty of rest and sleep at least 8 hours a day.
  • Avoid long and strenuous physical activity, exercises involving jerky or sudden movements.
  • Don’t take any medication or herb without your doctor’s clearance.
  • Spend time or keep in touch with family, friends, and other loved ones and share your feelings. This will help you to cope with stress and anxiety and stay calm and relaxed.

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