What does my pregnancy look like at 28 weeks?

Well, firstly, welcome to the third trimester; you’ve made it!

How does my baby grow at 28 weeks?

At 28 weeks, your baby is around 37.6cm long (the size of an aubergine) and weighs about 1kg (approximately the weight of a big bag of sugar).

Your baby’s heart can now be heard through a stethoscope or a sonicaid. Your baby’s heart rate will have slowed to around 140 beats per minute, which is still incredibly fast compared to your own!

Your baby is steadily growing, putting on weight as they develop more and more fat.

What are the pregnancy symptoms at 28 weeks?

As your body prepares itself for your birth, you might feel a bit more uncomfortable over the next few weeks. Tiredness will also come back, fortunately without the morning sickness!

You may also find yourself becoming itchy, usually around your bump and breasts. This can be really annoying and is usually caused by hormones or your skin stretching.

Scratching will only make it worse, so try to keep your skin well moisturised and turn down the temperature in the shower. Ice cubes on the itchy area work wonders, as does patting yourself with a damp, wet cloth.

If your itching becomes persistent or widespread, speak to your doctor, as it can be a symptom of obstetric cholestasis. This condition affects your liver and can affect your pregnancy, so mention it to your doctor, as you may need further tests.

What else do I need to know about being 28 weeks pregnant?

Increased blood flow can make you susceptible to varicose veins. This happens when blood collects in weak spots in the veins, causing them to bulge under the skin. Varicose veins are unlikely to cause you any problems, but do consult your doctor if they’re causing you serious discomfort.

If you find yourself feeling like a snack, reach for healthy options rather than biscuits! Opt for a boiled egg, hummus with carrot sticks, or wholemeal pitta bread with grated cheese.

Your doctor or midwife will review your blood type to see if you need anti-D injections at this stage or at 34 weeks, and in some cases, you may be asked to see the obstetrician.

If you haven’t already, start thinking about booking into antenatal classes so that you can start to prepare for labour and delivery. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other parents-to-be.

What Does My Pregnancy Look Like at 28 Weeks?

Your pregnancy at Week 28, including symptoms and baby development.