Your Baby at 28 Weeks of Pregnancy

Welcome to the 28th week of your pregnancy! You are continuing to progress through the third trimester, and your baby keeps growing and developing. This week, your baby's eyes can now open and close, and even blink.

Size and Weight:

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is about 37–38 cm long and weighs around 1100–1200 grams. You can think of your baby as being the size of an eggplant.

Organ Development:

Your baby's organs continue to mature. The lungs are still developing, and surfactant production is increasing. Surfactant is an important substance that allows the lungs to expand and fill with air after birth. Your baby's heart is beating stronger, and blood circulation is improving. The brain is rapidly growing, and the nervous system continues to develop. The bone marrow has started producing blood cells.

Development of Senses:

Your baby's senses are becoming more advanced. The eyes can now open and close, and even blink. The pupils can dilate and constrict in response to light. Your baby can hear sounds more clearly and distinguish between different noises. Sounds in the womb, music, and especially the mother’s and father’s voices can all trigger responses. Taste buds are fully developed, and your baby can taste the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also improving, allowing the baby to feel the uterine wall, umbilical cord, and their own body.

Movements:

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, your baby's movements become stronger, more coordinated, and more regular. You can now feel kicks, jabs, rolls, and even hiccups more clearly. Feeling these movements is both exciting and reassuring. Sharing these moments with your partner can also strengthen your bond.

Brain Development:

Your baby's brain is developing rapidly, and brain activity is increasing. During this week, your baby begins to think, learn, and remember. They also start to experience and express emotions. Brain waves now show cycles of sleep and wakefulness.

Changes in the Mother at 28 Weeks of Pregnancy

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes.

Physical Changes:

Growing belly: Your abdomen continues to expand, stretching your skin. Your belly button may protrude.
Weight gain: By this week, gaining around 10–13 kg is normal.
Breast growth: Your breasts continue to enlarge, and colostrum production increases.
Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or more visible veins on your skin.
Hair and nails: Hair may become thicker and shinier, and nails may grow faster.
Other changes: Varicose veins, swelling (edema), back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, forgetfulness, hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and back pain may occur.

Emotional Changes:

Emotional fluctuations: Hormonal changes can cause mood swings.
Anxiety and worry: You may feel concern about your baby’s health, birth, and parenting.
Nesting instinct: The nesting instinct may appear as a desire to organize and clean your home in preparation for your baby.
Maternal instinct: Maternal instincts continue to develop, increasing your desire to bond with your baby. Feeling your baby’s movements helps strengthen this connection.

Nutrition at 28 Weeks of Pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby’s development.

Essential Nutrients:

Protein: Adequate protein intake is important for your baby’s rapid growth. Sources include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
Calcium: Calcium is essential for your baby’s bone development. Sources include milk and dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods.
Iron: Your iron needs increase due to the higher blood volume in your body. Sources include red meat, dried legumes, leafy greens, and dried fruits.
Folic acid: Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Sources include leafy green vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s are important for your baby’s brain development. Sources include salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Fiber: Fiber-rich foods help prevent constipation. Sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Foods to Avoid:

Mercury-rich fish: Avoid swordfish, shark, mackerel, and other fish high in mercury.
Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: These increase the risk of food poisoning.
Unpasteurized milk and cheese: These may contain harmful bacteria.
Alcohol: Alcohol can harm your baby’s development.
Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
Excessive caffeine: High caffeine intake can lead to miscarriage.
Processed foods: Processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat and are unhealthy.

At the 28th week of your pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and support your baby’s development.

Signs of Preterm Labor:
The 28th week of pregnancy is still a period with a high risk of preterm labor. It is important to watch for the following signs and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of them:

Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Water breaking
Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
Abdominal pain or cramps
Back pain
Pelvic pressure
Changes in vaginal discharge

Braxton Hicks Contractions:
Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions of the uterine muscles. These contractions are generally irregular, painless, and short. They are not a sign of preterm labor, but if they become regular and painful, consult your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. It can pose risks to both mother and baby. Therefore, screening for gestational diabetes between weeks 24–28 is important. If diagnosed, blood sugar levels are managed through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. It is a serious condition for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include headache, visual disturbances, swelling in the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

Avoid lying on your back: The growing uterus can compress major blood vessels when lying on your back, causing dizziness or fainting. It is recommended to lie on your left side.
Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothes can restrict blood circulation and cause discomfort.
Pay attention to footwear: Choose comfortable, flat shoes instead of high heels or pointed shoes.
Moisturize your skin: Skin dryness and itching are common during pregnancy. Regular moisturizing is important.
Maintain dental hygiene: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive. Brush your teeth regularly and use dental floss.
Continue sexual activity: Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, sexual activity can continue during pregnancy.
Monitor your baby’s movements: Once you start feeling your baby move, it is important to track movements. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice a decrease or change.
Participate in pregnancy exercises: Pregnancy exercises help prepare for labor and keep you fit during pregnancy.
Take childbirth education: Childbirth education provides information about labor and helps you prepare.
Start purchasing baby items: Buying baby items is both exciting and contributes to preparation.
Prepare the baby’s room: Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your baby is important.
Make a birth plan: A birth plan helps you outline your preferences and communicate with your birth team.
Spend time with your partner: Spending time together helps you prepare for the baby and support each other.
Take time for yourself: Relaxation during pregnancy is important. You can read, listen to music, take a warm bath, or meditate.
Prepare your hospital bag: Keep items you may need at the hospital in your birth bag.