28 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & UltraSound

28 weeks pregnant is a milestone to celebrate and savor. Find out what to expect when you’re 28 weeks pregnant, find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 12-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 28 of pregnancy

Your baby has reached a very advanced developmental stage. Though she still has a ways to go in terms of developing her organs, tissues, and nerves, she already has everything she needs to stay alive once she is born.

Babies develop a sense of hearing and speech recognition throughout the latter months of pregnancy.

Take use of the increased rest time to bond with the baby by talking, singing, and reading to him or her before the labor begins.

28 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 28 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 7 months of your pregnancy, just another 2 months to go! Congratulations, you’ve already made great progress!

How big is your baby at 28 weeks pregnant?

At 28 weeks, the average fetus weighs around 2.5 pounds and measures about 10 inches from crown to rump, making it about the size of a head of lettuce or a coconut.

28 weeks pregnant baby position

At this stage, some babies favor the breech position, in which the babies head is above the pelvis and the bottom is on the ground. Don’t stress out too much over this for the time being; most babies flip over to their backs by the time they’re born.

28 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

26-29 weeks baby developments

By the time a woman is seven months along in her pregnancy, doctors have access to a wide range of diagnostic techniques that allow them to learn a great deal about the developing fetus. It is now possible to use neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography to detect brain activity in the fetus outside of the abdomen (MEG). These methods analyze neuronal electrical activity or blood flow to determine mental state.

Using these methods, scientists have learned that a fetus’s brain responds to sound and light at 28 weeks of gestation in a manner similar to an adult’s. Scientists studying preterm newborns at these ages might also evaluate how their brains reacted to touch and discomfort.

Ultrasound technology allows doctors to discriminate between REM sleep and non-REM sleep in fetuses as early as 28 weeks postconception. Eyelid movements are rapid during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Remembering things requires this amount of rest. As a general rule, people sleep more deeply during non-REM states. A baby’s REM sleep time increases with his gestational age.

Impressive brain growth

A fetus during 28 weeks of gestation has more neurons than he would ever have again. At this stage, the fetus is thought to have around 100 billion neurons. There are between 60 and 85 billion neurons in an adult’s brain since those that don’t make it into functional circuits die off.

Myelination starts at the seven month mark. The process of myelination encases neurons in a fatty sheath to enhance their signaling speed. Myelination improves the efficacy of each connection within a brain circuit, yet neural circuits can nonetheless function without myelination. Myelination occurs in three stages beginning around 9 months after birth, beginning with the sensory systems, progressing through the motor systems, and ending in the association areas. Before the age of 25, myelination continued.

Your body at 28 weeks pregnant

Remember that you and your baby still have a bit of growing to do as you enter the third trimester. At 28 weeks pregnant, your growing belly may get in the way at times, and you may become tired more easily throughout the remaining weeks.

The final trimester is a time when your body continues to do a fantastic (and challenging) job of providing a home for your growing child. Consume healthy, nutritious meals every day, paying attention to your diet. Keeping your energy levels up can also help if you’re feeling tired.

Prenatal vitamins and iron supplements may be recommended by your healthcare provider if you don’t get enough calcium and iron from your diet. Last but not least, you can boost your energy levels by exercising (moderately, as recommended by your healthcare provider).

Check in with your healthcare provider if you’re worried about your weight gain at 28 weeks pregnant.

28 Weeks pregnant: Choosing Your Baby’s Names

Here at all about mothering we take baby names seriously, check out our list:

Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names

Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names

Top Unisex Gender Neutral Baby Names

Top 1,000 African American Boy Names

Top 1,000 African American Girl Names

You are only a few weeks away from the big day. Have you been mulling over what you’re going to name your new addition? No doubt friends and relatives have been offering subtle—and sometimes not so subtle—suggestions, but when it comes to choosing a name for your baby you should take your time. Enjoy the process! Here are a few ways to track down original, meaningful, and timeless names:

Look to the government

There’s an easy way to figure out what the most popular baby names are—ask the government. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been tracking baby names since the 1880s. The SSA’s handy website allows you to search how popular your baby’s potential name may be. For instance, in the 1880s the most commonly used names were John and Mary. Contrast that with the 2000s where Jacob prevailed for boys and Emily for girls. Use this site to search names nationally or within your state. You can even find out the most popular names for twins.

Search your family genealogy

Looking for something more personal then the top 20 name choices for a given year? Consider a family name. Nothing will endear your grandmother to your newborn more than using her name for your new little one. You don’t need to stop with familiar relatives, either; explore your family history and you may dig up stories of pioneers, cowboys, generals, maybe even a gypsy or two. These names can give your child a connection to your family beyond his genes.

Consider favorite characters

Favorite books, television shows, rock bands, and movies can also be sources for names. You might want to pass on Han Solo, but Luke (minus the Skywalker) might be your way to pay tribute to your favorite film. Jane Austen fan? Consider using a character’s name from one of Austen’s books for your own baby.

Agreeing on a Name

It can be hard to decide on a name. You and your partner may struggle to come up with that perfect choice. Instead of settling on one name, try making a list of names instead. Many couples wait until their baby is born before they decide, while others are naming their baby-to-be in utero. Whether you select a name before or after your baby arrives, don’t be surprised if friends and relatives don’t agree with your choice (unless, of course, you name the baby after one of them!).

Making Your Baby’s Name Permanent

After your baby’s birth, the hospital will give you several documents to fill out that will declare, amongst other things, your child’s name. You’ll be asked to provide your baby’s name for a birth certificate and to submit paperwork toward obtaining your newborn’s Social Security card. While your baby isn’t required to have a Social Security number, it’s much easier to get one by filing the information at the hospital versus waiting—the process can take much longer if you apply at a local Social Security office. Your child’s social security card won’t cost you anything and will be mailed to your home address a few weeks after you turn in the paperwork.

Once you have your child’s social security card, make sure to keep the number private. Thieves can steal your baby’s identity if they get their hands on your child’s number. Keep the card in a safe at home versus carrying it in your wallet.

28 weeks pregnant tips and advice

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important. Your body uses more water during your pregnancy to fuel your increased blood supply (necessary to get your baby-to-be plenty of nutrients) and other body functions. Taken to extremes, dehydration can lead to preterm labor pains. So bring a water bottle to work with you—and drink it.

Use the bathroom—often

Drinking more water means more trips to the bathroom. Add to that, your kidneys are working overtime to filter impurities from your increased blood supply. To avoid stares from coworkers, plan discrete potty breaks. Go when you first get to the office and take a break on the way from meetings or other times when you’re already up so your trips will be less noticeable. Putting off a trip to the bathroom is a bad idea—it makes you uncomfortable and puts stress on your bladder, which can lead to bladder infections.

Bring light snacks

Food may not be appealing, especially if you’re experiencing nausea. Skip a full-blown lunch and opt for lighter fare throughout the day. Keep in mind that some pregnancy comfort foods are dead giveaways, such as crackers. If you’re trying to keep your pregnancy a secret, try less notorious foods that still comfort nausea but that don’t shout, “I’m pregnant!” Opt for foods high in protein, such as string cheese, almonds, or milk.

Wear comfortable clothes

You’ve probably packed away your tight-fitting pants already. If you haven’t, now’s probably the time to say goodbye to your hip-hugging ensembles until after your baby’s arrival. Avoiding tight clothes isn’t just about hiding your baby bump. Your body may be retaining water to fuel your increased blood supply, and constricting clothes are not only tight on your skin, but the blood that’s trying to flow underneath.

Watch your posture

Take time to get off your feet and walk around. Staying in the same position for too long allows the blood to pool in the lower part of your body, potentially making you light-headed. Put your feet up whenever possible to keep your blood flowing properly.

Having Trouble Sleeping at 28 weeks Pregnant

Having difficulties sleeping is a common pregnant symptom, and it’s especially common in the second and third trimesters, when other pregnancy symptoms peak and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

When you’re 28 weeks pregnant, it could hurt to sleep on your stomach, but studies indicates that lying on your back puts more strain on the vena cava, the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.

Your blood circulation will increase if you sleep on your left side, which will also be good for your uterus, kidneys, and fetus. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try placing a pillow between your knees and another under your stomach. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.

28 weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly
Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)

Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)
Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)
Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.
Saunas and hot tubs
Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

28 weeks pregnancy symptoms

Your body undergoes many changes to give your baby-to-be enough room to grow. Some of these changes are comforting—your rounded belly and your full breasts, for example—while other signs can be troubling. Keep in mind that many of these physical changes will last only until your baby arrives.

Upper abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly, putting pressure on organs like the bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause mild pain in the upper abdomen that may extend to the lower abdomen or sides of your stomach. The pressure on your abdomen can also cause pain when you cough or sneeze.

Lower abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly and putting pressure on your bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause lower abdominal pain that may feel like mild cramping or a dull ache in the pelvic region. Back pain. The growing weight of your uterus on your spine can cause back pain that typically becomes worse as pregnancy progresses.

Leg cramps

The weight of your uterus can put pressure on your veins and cause leg cramps or swelling. You may also experience varicose veins in your legs due to increased blood flow. Neck pain. As the baby grows, it puts more pressure on the spinal cord, which runs down through your neck and back. This can cause mild pain in the neck area that may extend into your shoulders and arms.

Back pain

Your growing uterus can put pressure on your spine and cause back pain. The weight of the baby can also cause sciatica, which is when pain shoots down the back of one leg due to compression in the spinal cord. Backache. Your growing uterus may cause you to experience mild to moderate lower back pain or stiffness in your lower abdomen around this time.

Sleeping difficulties

You may find it harder to get comfortable when you’re pregnant. Your growing abdomen can make it more difficult for you to find a position that feels good, and your joints may be sore from carrying extra weight. You might also experience restless leg syndrome, which is when you feel like your legs are moving even though they aren’t. This happens because the joints in the body release chemicals that cause itching or tingling sensations when they are irritated by things like pregnancy hormones.

Swollen Ankels

You may be experiencing swollen ankles, which is common during pregnancy. This happens because the increased levels of hormones in your body cause fluid to accumulate in your tissues, including those that line the walls of your veins and arteries. It’s usually not a cause for concern unless you have swelling in both legs or it lasts longer than two weeks.

Breast changes and tenderness

Tenderness and slight alterations in the shape of your breasts are common pregnancy symptoms around the 28th week. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for these alterations, which help your body get ready for breastfeeding after giving birth. You might find that your breasts are more sensitive to touch and feel fuller than usual.

Fatigue (constant tiredness or weakness)

One of the most typical symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which frequently starts at this point. Although there are many causes of exhaustion during pregnancy (including changes in hormone levels), some research indicates that inadequate sleep brought on by nighttime awakenings from unpleasant sleeping positions may also be a role.

Heartburn or gas

There may be a rise in heartburn and flatulence during the 28th week of pregnancy. This is because progesterone produces a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and discomfort by allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Try spreading your meals out more, staying away from items that are known to cause heartburn (such spicy foods), and drinking lots of water.

Mood swings and crying spells

The 28th week of pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, when they are more likely to experience mood swings and crying spells. Until your hormone levels settle, this will have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This is a common occurrence for pregnant women; one study indicated that 75% of women felt emotional shifts like irritability or depression in the first trimester.

Pregnant stretch marks

In the 28th week of pregnancy, stretch marks, sometimes called striae gravidarum, may occur on the belly. Stretch marks form when the skin is forced apart and then stretched beyond its natural elasticity, as happens during rapid growth or weight gain (like pregnancy)

Indigestion, or constipation

During the 28th week of pregnancy, you may suffer gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or constipation. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen might increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues including indigestion. These hormones slow down digestion by relaxing the digestive tract, preventing food from being swallowed whole. You can reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion during pregnancy by cutting out on high-fat and sugary foods and eating more often, smaller meals (like sweets or fried foods).

Swelling (edema)

Your body retains water to provide the necessary fluids for your growing baby-to-be. You can prevent much of this swelling from drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your legs up. You may also want to purchase socks designed to improve the circulation in your feet.

Skin spots

The skin’s pigmentation may deepen around certain parts of your body during pregnancy, such as your nipples and freckles. You may also notice spots of color on your face, called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. These pigmentation changes will fade after your baby’s born.

28 weeks pregnant belly

At 28 weeks, Your ribs and upper stomach may be feeling more pressure than usual, which could be causing further pain. As a result, you can experience an internal rib straining sensation. Do not be concerned; this sensation cannot cause any harm.

Have more frequent, smaller meals to prevent further difficulty. You don’t need to overstuff your stomach with meals when you’re already uncomfortable.

28 weeks pregnant belly size

This week, fundal height—the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus—should be about 26 to 30 centimeters.

Braxton Hicks at 28 weeks Pregnant

At 28 weeks pregnant, you may find that your Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more frequent and intense. You may feel them in your back or lower abdomen, and they may last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. If you’re having regular contractions, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any pain or discomfort you experience during them.

Braxton Hicks are common during the third trimester. You may not even notice them because they feel like mild discomfort or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. They’re also called practice contractions because they prepare your body for real labor by getting it ready to push out a baby when the time comes.

28 weeks pregnant ultrasound

An ultrasound of your baby at 28 weeks shows a head that is relatively large; a human baby’s brain weighs 12 percent of his body weight at birth. It’s likely that your baby already has 100 billion or so brain cells at birth.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.