28 weeks pregnant
At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of an aubergine: around 37.6 cm head to heel and 1.00 kg. Baby can blink. Welcome to the third trimester.
Your baby at 28 weeks
Baby can blink. Welcome to the third trimester.
| Size | About the size of an aubergine |
|---|---|
| Length | 37.6 cm head to heel |
| Weight | 1.00 kg |
Your baby can now blink, and has eyelashes. The brain is developing deep folds and grooves to make room for more brain cells, and your baby may be having periods of REM sleep, the stage linked with dreaming. Your baby weighs about 1 kg. Babies born at 28 weeks have a good chance of survival with neonatal care.
How far along are you at 28 weeks?
At 28 weeks pregnant you are in the seventh month of your pregnancy and the third trimester. You have about 12 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 28 weeks your baby has been growing for about 26 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 28 weeks
Breathlessness and practice contractions (Braxton Hicks) are common. Sleep on your side and get to know your baby's pattern of movements.
Common symptoms at 28 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Breathlessness. Your womb is pressing on your diaphragm.
- Braxton Hicks. More frequent and stronger than before.
- Needing to wee often. Your baby is pressing on your bladder again.
- Leaking colostrum. Your breasts may leak a little yellowish early milk.
- Restless legs. Common in the third trimester; ask for an iron check.
- Back pain. Supportive shoes and good posture help.
Your checklist for week 28
- Go to your 28-week check-up. It often includes blood tests for anaemia and, if you are Rhesus negative, anti-D.
- Go to sleep on your side from now, for every sleep, including daytime naps.
- Have the whooping cough and RSV vaccines if they are offered and you haven't had them.
- Keep track of your baby's pattern of movements every day.
- Expect check-ups every two to three weeks from now.
Tip of the week: Go to sleep on your side
Research shows that going to sleep on your back after 28 weeks is linked with a higher risk of stillbirth, because lying on your back can reduce blood flow to your baby. Settle down to sleep on your side, either side, for night-time sleep and naps. If you wake up on your back, don't worry; just turn onto your side. A pillow behind your back can help you stay there.
For your partner
Third trimester. Time to learn the tools.
- Learn the warning signs and when to call
- Install the car seat
- Join an antenatal class together
When to call your doctor at 28 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Your baby is moving less or the pattern has changed. Call the same day; don't wait.
- Intense itching, especially of the hands and feet, bleeding, fluid leaking or a severe headache.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes, or fewer baby movements.
Questions about 28 weeks pregnant
Why should I sleep on my side in the third trimester?
Large studies have found that going to sleep on your back after 28 weeks more than doubles the risk of stillbirth compared with side sleeping. Lying on your back can press on major blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your baby. Either side is fine.
Is leaking colostrum normal at 28 weeks?
Yes. Some women leak small amounts of colostrum, the first milk, from the third trimester. Others don't leak at all, and that doesn't affect breastfeeding later. Breast pads can help.
How often are check-ups in the third trimester?
Usually every two to three weeks until 36 weeks, then every week until birth. Your doctor may see you more often if you have conditions such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes.