Third trimester · 28 weeks pregnant
Week 28: the third trimester
Dreaming, blinking and a growing routine of movements.
Your baby can blink, has eyelashes and dreams in REM sleep. Fat is layering up and the brain is forming its characteristic grooves. Appointments now become more frequent, and you will be asked about movements at each one.
Size and weight
About the size of
an aubergine (eggplant)
Length
37.6 cm
Weight
1 kg
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- The baby blinks, dreams and has eyelashes.
- The brain develops grooves and folds; billions of neurons are forming.
- Fat builds under the skin and the baby looks smoother and rounder.
- Breathing-like movements are practised; many babies start settling head-down.
How you may feel
- Sciatica: shooting pain down the buttock and leg
- Leaking colostrum
- Heartburn
- Swelling
- Frequent urination
- Braxton Hicks
- Trouble sleeping
From 28 weeks, going to sleep on your side rather than your back is advised; it lowers the risk of stillbirth. If you wake on your back, simply roll over.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- Visits every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, then weekly.
- Third screening ultrasound between 28 and 32 weeks: checks for late-appearing problems and how your baby is growing and doing.
- Rh-negative: repeat antibody test at 28 weeks; ask whether anti-D prophylaxis is available to you.
What to do this week
- Learn your baby's daily movement pattern and contact your maternity unit the same day if it changes or reduces. Do not wait until tomorrow.
- Sleep on your side from now.
- Book a tour of your maternity unit and research car seats.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Your baby is moving less than usual, or the pattern has changed
- Vaginal bleeding, or your waters break, especially if the fluid is green or brown
- A severe headache, vision changes, pain under the right ribs, or sudden swelling of your face and hands
- Regular painful tightenings before 37 weeks, or severe itching of your palms and soles
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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