28 weeks pregnant

You at 28 weeks pregnant

This is the start of the third trimester. Some women find they want or need to start taking things easier around now, if they can.

From 28-36 weeks of pregnancy, your antenatal appointments are likely to be every 2-3 weeks.

pregnancy illustration, week 28

Work
You might start thinking about when to stop working while pregnant. Many women find about 34-36 weeks is ideal, although some will need to stop earlier or work longer.

Depending on your job and work duties, you might need a midwife or doctor’s certificate to keep working past a certain point in your pregnancy.

Pregnancy health problems
Common third trimester issues include:

swollen hands and feet – drink as much water as you feel like, get your feet up as much as you can, and take off any tight rings or other tight jewellery
breathlessness – your uterus is pushing further up into your ribcage, which means there’s less room for your lungs
heartburn and reflux
lower back and leg pain – try to stand up straight and tilt your pelvis forward
leaking breasts, as your breasts start producing colostrum.

If you suddenly experience any symptoms of pregnancy health problems or your symptoms feel severe or won’t go away, see your midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

Feeling stressed, worried or sad
Pregnancy check-ups are a chance to talk about any worries or problems at home. What’s happening and how you’re feeling are as important as physical symptoms or health problems.

If you feel very stressed, worried or sad, it can affect your health and your baby’s health. If you need it, your midwife or doctor can refer you to another health professional – for example, a counsellor – or put you in touch with support services.

More than mood swings
Pregnancy is a powerful and life-changing experience for all parents. It can stir up some strong, deep and unexpected emotions and issues.

Hormone changes can affect your mood or energy levels, or there might be occasional days when you or your partner feels flat or irritable. This is normal.

But emotional changes that last longer than 2 weeks and get in the way of your or your partner’s daily life could be signs of antenatal depression, antenatal anxiety or another problem.

Make an appointment with your midwife or doctor to discuss changes like these. You could also call Lifeline on 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or PANDA on 1300 726 306.

Your baby when you’re 28 weeks pregnant

Your baby is getting bigger:

Your baby measures about 25 cm from head to bottom and weighs about 1 kg.
Some babies prefer the breech position at this time – head up, bottom down. Don’t worry about this just now – most babies move to the head-down position in time for their birth.
Your baby’s immune system is developing.
Your baby is covered in vernix – a white, creamy substance that protects baby’s skin from amniotic fluid.
Your baby’s eyelashes are growing.
If you have a boy, his testicles are lowering into his scrotum.

Babies born at this stage are premature but have a good chance of survival – about 75-80% – with specialised care.

Your baby’s movements should be regular and strong. If you notice a change in the number or strength of your baby’s movements at any stage, call your doctor, midwife or hospital immediately.