The 28th week of pregnancy

28 weeks pregnant: what can I expect?

You are reaching the final trimester of your pregnancy. Feeling clumsy is a normal part of pregnancy and you may be feeling clumsy in different degrees at different stages of your pregnancy. You may start dropping things the moment you pick it up or walk into things without noticing where you are going. Try not to pick up heavy things where you can drop it and hurt yourself. Avoid wearing high heel shoes where there’s a high chance of tripping and use hand rails when you take the stairs.

Physical changes in you at week 28

• Stretch marks are very common during later stages of pregnancy and often unavoidable. As the name suggests the stretching skin over your growing belly and rapid weight gain results in these marks. To prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks moisturize your skin twice a day with cocoa butter or Vitamin E creams. The best time to moisturize your skin is after a warm shower when your skin is moist and will absorb the cream easily.
• Bending and squatting can be difficult for you during pregnancy. It’s not a dangerous thing to do but because of your growing belly it can be difficult. Bending can make you lightheaded. Try to ask others for help to pick up things from the floor if you have to.
• Sometimes during this stage of pregnancy you may find your breasts leaking a yellowish liquid known as colostrum. This is common in expectant mothers and it’s a sign that the breasts are producing early lactation to assist in breastfeeding purposes. Colostrum is rich in antibodies and is good for your newborn.

Emotional changes in you at week 28

• You will experience different emotional changes throughout your pregnancy. At some point your focus will be entirely on your pregnancy and things related to your baby. Some times you may not think about your pregnancy at all and might be longing for your old life back when you were independent and could do things by yourself. At times like this talk to your spouse to help you through feelings like this or a health counselor.
• For some reason people will be fascinated by your growing belly and might steal glances at you. Some bold ones might walk up to you and ask you if they can touch your belly. If it makes you uncomfortable it’s okay to tell them that.
• Stress can be harmful for your physical and emotional health during pregnancy. If you are working during pregnancy and feel you can’t cope with work stress, speak to your boss or human resources about taking an early maternity leave. If you have to continue working because of financial matters, it’s essential to realize your health is more important.

How’s my baby doing?

• By week 28 your baby weighs a little more than a kilogram and will measure around 30 centimeters from top to toe. Your baby can now open its eyes and turns its head in your womb. It can also suck its thumb, roll, kick and grasp.
• Your baby will continue swallowing the amniotic fluid and breathing it in through its lungs. This will prepare its lungs to breathe oxygen when it’s born.
• At this stage your baby spends most of its time sleeping. Its brain cycles back and forth between the frantic activity of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and the quiet state of non REM sleep. Your baby’s brain is changing from soft and smooth to having indentations on its surface.
• Hair growth has different cycles like growing and shedding. This week your baby’s hair might be in the growing phase.

Useful tips for week 28

• You might now have the urge to pee every 30 seconds because your baby might be lying in a position that is putting pressure on your bladder. Change your sleeping position so that your baby may move to a different position. Another tip is to lean forward when you pee to completely empty your bladder.
• Heartburn and indigestion are common discomforts during your pregnancy. It can continue throughout your pregnancy and can strike at any time. To deal with this avoid spicy foods, caffeine and citrus fruit or juices. Having a glass of milk before going to bed will help you deal with your heartburn. You could speak to your doctor and get a healthy antacid that is suitable for pregnant women.
• You can ease your back ache by doing strengthening exercises. Consult a physiotherapist for some exercises you can do to prevent the strain on your back.
• There’s nothing like a holiday or mini break to recharge your batteries during your pregnancy.