28 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy Body Changes

When you are 28 weeks pregnant, you have probably gained between 15 and 25 pounds. You may be experiencing leg cramps and mild swelling of ankles and feet, shortness of breath, lower abdominal pain, varicose veins, heartburn and indigestion. You may also be feeling Braxton Hicks contractions in preparation for labor. Hemorrhoids may develop around this time.

You will probably begin seeing your health care provider every two weeks at this point. He or she probably sent you for some blood tests early in your pregnancy. One thing blood tests measure is the Rh factor, a substance found in the red blood cells of most people. If you don't have it (if you're Rh negative) but your baby does (is Rh positive), there is potential for your baby to have health problems, such as jaundice and anemia. Your doctor can prevent these problems by giving you a vaccine called Rh immune globulin at 28 weeks and again after delivery. Your doctor may also schedule a glucose tolerance test.

Your Baby's Growth and Development

During week 28 of pregnancy, your baby now weighs about 2 to 3 pounds and measures about 15 inches from head to toe. During this week, your baby will grow another one-half inch in size.

At your next prenatal appointment, your health care provider may tell you whether your baby is headfirst or feet- or bottom-first (called breech position) in the womb. Babies who are in the breech position may need to be delivered by cesarean section. Your baby still has 2 months to change position, though, so don't worry if your baby is in the breech position right now. Most babies will switch positions on their own.

The folds and grooves of your baby's brain continue to develop and expand. In addition, your baby continues to add layers of fat and has continued hair growth. The baby's eyes can now open and close and their muscle tone is increasing.

Although lungs are still immature, they are capable of sustaining life in the event of a premature birth (with some medical help).

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