Pregnancy week 28

Your baby’s development

At 28 weeks the third trimester begins. Your baby is about the size of an eggplant and now weighs around a kilogram. The focus this week is fat and muscle: fat build-up under the skin speeds up, giving a layer that will reduce heat loss after birth. The eyelids open and close and the baby reacts to light more clearly. The brain continues to develop, and the nervous system gets better at regulating body temperature and breathing. The lungs are more mature and the baby makes breathing movements regularly. There are clear sleep and wake periods, and space in the womb is getting tighter, so movements may feel slower but stronger. Your baby may already be head down, or may still be in a different position as it settles. Measurements are averages. Development moves at its own pace in every pregnancy; your doctor interprets ultrasound measurements, and small differences are usually ordinary.

Changes in the mother

Welcome to the third trimester. As the womb is now well grown, breathlessness, heartburn, back ache and frequent urination may increase. Watching your baby's movements a little each day helps you get to know the usual pattern. If you notice a clear decrease in movements, contact your doctor without waiting. The third antenatal visit takes place between weeks 28 and 32. If your blood group is Rh negative, your doctor may plan an anti-D injection around these weeks; your doctor decides the timing. Swelling in the legs, varicose veins and haemorrhoids may continue. Resting, raising your feet and drinking plenty of water help. Feeling that birth is getting closer can also bring a mix of curiosity and excitement. Share these feelings with those close to you.

To do this week

• Book your third antenatal visit (usually weeks 28–32).
• If your blood group is Rh negative, discuss anti-D with your doctor.
• If the glucose tolerance test is still pending, speak to your doctor this week.
• Start thinking about a birth plan and note your questions.
• Keep an eye on the baby's daily movements.

Tip for the partner

Reading and thinking through birth plan questions together helps you prepare as a team.

Nutrition tip

Balanced meals rich in iron, protein and calcium support the baby's fast growth.