Pregnancy Calendar: Week 28 Pregnancy Symptoms
Tweet
Welcome to the third trimester -- you are officially two-thirds of the way there (yee-haw!). And whether you are ready for this pregnancy thing to be done already, or you are freaking out that you only have one more trimester to prepare, these last twelve weeks are going to fly by.
What Your Doctor Will Tell You
Houston, we have eyelashes. And eyebrows, hair on the head, eyelids, and her eyes themselves are now completely formed. Your baby weighs a whooping two pounds, while most moms have gained a healthy 15-20 pounds at this point. That weight gain is proper and healthy, and is comprised not only of baby, but of placenta, essential fluids and a modest bit of fat to help support milk production when it comes time for breastfeeding.
Now that you have entered the third trimester, you may begin seeing your doctor or midwife every two weeks, instead of every four. Your doctor may test again for gestational diabetes (this process is outlined in depth in Week 24). Most health providers order a blood test in the 28th week of pregnancy to check for anemia, and if you are Rh-negative, to check for antibodies. If your blood test antibody results reveal RH incompatibility, you will beign injections to counter this serious but very easily treatable condition that occurs if you are Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive
What Your Girlfriends Will Tell You
Twelve more weeks -- one minute this seems like it will be forever before you see that baby's face, and the next minute you may be freaking out about all you have left to accomplish before she arrives. Just take a deep breath...and cross off that "breathing classes" item on your to-do list and sign up for Lamaze (or Bradley method, hypobirthing or whatever childbirth prep class most interests you). Check with your hospital and with your prenatal care provider for a list of available resources if they have not already given to you.
At this point in my pregnancy, I personally began to feel the nesting instinct and enjoyed preparing my baby's nursery with lots of bargain shopping. The clerks at Tuesday Morning, TJ Maxx and my local children's consignment store and I were on a first name basis by 28 weeks pregnant. But I suggest that you treat shopping for baby gear as just that -- a treat -- and as a fun activity that helps you bond with your little one. Do not, I repeat, do not stress out about purchasing a ton of gear and baby clothing.
Your friends and family will give you gifts, and 28 weeks is a perfect time to develop a registry at your local big baby store, whether you and your partner go in person with the scanner gun or you compile online. But just remember that all you truly need are a few newborn essentials -- you can always hit Target or Amazon after baby arrives and you discover what you are missing. However, if getting your daily walk at the mall is your preferred exercise and picking up those darling airplane knobs for your baby's dresser calms and excites you, hey, go for it!
Need to get caught up on your pregnancy knowledge? Start at the beginning with Week 1, or go directly to the full Parentables week-by-week Pregnancy Calendar.
Top Articles on Pregnancy and Childbirth
3 Tips for Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain
Simple, Reliable Baby Gender Test at Just 7 Weeks
Babies Develop Tastes for Food Based on Mothers Pregnancy Diet
