28 Weeks Pregnant: Third Trimester Begins
Welcome to the third trimester! At 28 weeks, you're entering the home stretch of pregnancy. Your baby has reached an important viability milestone, and it's time to start preparing in earnest for their arrival.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique. Always consult your healthcare provider, OB-GYN, or midwife for personalized medical guidance. If you have concerns about your pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
In This Guide
Entering the Third Trimester
The third trimester spans weeks 28 through 40 and represents the final phase of your pregnancy journey. During these remaining 12 weeks, your baby will continue to grow and develop, gaining weight and preparing for life outside the womb. For you, this trimester brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and new physical changes.
What Changes at 28 Weeks
Prenatal Care Changes
- •Appointments become more frequent (every 2 weeks)
- •Glucose screening results reviewed
- •RhoGAM injection if Rh-negative
- •Tdap vaccine typically recommended
Your Body
- •Baby bump is prominently visible
- •Stronger, more frequent baby movements
- •Braxton Hicks contractions may begin
- •New symptoms like heartburn and back pain
The Home Stretch
While 12 weeks may seem like a long time, these final months often pass quickly as you prepare for baby's arrival. Use this time to complete your preparations, rest when you can, and savor the final stages of pregnancy.
Baby Viability Milestone
An Important Milestone
At 28 weeks, your baby has reached a significant viability milestone. If born now, babies have approximately a 90-95% survival rate with proper medical care. While every week in the womb is valuable for continued development, reaching this point provides reassurance about your baby's progress.
Baby's Size at 28 Weeks
- •About 14.5 inches long
- •Weighs approximately 2.25 pounds
- •About the size of an eggplant
Key Developments
- •Lungs are developing surfactant
- •Brain developing rapidly
- •Eyes can open and close
Baby Development at 28 Weeks
Brain Development
The brain is forming billions of neurons and developing the characteristic folds and grooves. Your baby can now dream during REM sleep.
Lung Maturation
Lungs are producing surfactant, a substance that helps them inflate properly after birth. Development continues through week 36.
Body Fat
Baby is starting to accumulate body fat, which will help regulate temperature after birth. The wrinkled skin is smoothing out.
Sensory Development
All senses are functioning. Baby responds to light, recognizes your voice, and can taste flavors from amniotic fluid.
Kick Counting
Starting at 28 weeks, your healthcare provider may recommend daily kick counting, also known as fetal movement counting. This simple practice helps you monitor your baby's wellbeing and become familiar with their normal activity patterns.
How to Count Kicks
The Basics
- 1.Choose the same time each day (ideally when baby is active)
- 2.Lie on your side or sit comfortably
- 3.Count any movements: kicks, rolls, jabs, or swishes
- 4.Note how long it takes to feel 10 movements
What to Expect
- •Most babies move 10 times within 2 hours
- •Many babies are more active in the evening
- •Patterns may vary day to day
- •Track patterns to know what's normal for your baby
When to Call Your Provider
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice a significant decrease in your baby's movements, if you don't feel 10 movements in 2 hours, or if movements feel different than usual. It's always better to check and be reassured than to wait if something feels off.
Final Preparations
With 12 weeks until your due date, it's time to start finalizing your preparations for baby's arrival. While you don't need everything done immediately, creating a plan helps ensure you're ready.
Baby Essentials Checklist
- Car seat (required for hospital discharge)
- Safe sleeping space (crib, bassinet)
- Diapers and wipes
- Basic clothing (onesies, sleepers)
- Feeding supplies (bottles or nursing supplies)
- Burp cloths and receiving blankets
Tasks to Complete
- Take a childbirth education class
- Tour the hospital or birth center
- Create or finalize birth plan
- Choose a pediatrician
- Install car seat properly
- Set up nursery basics
Don't Feel Rushed
While it's good to be prepared, you don't need everything perfect before baby arrives. Focus on safety essentials first (car seat, safe sleep space) and know that you can add other items as needed. Many parents find they need less than they initially thought.
What to Expect in the Third Trimester
Physical Changes
Common Symptoms
- •Backache: Growing belly shifts center of gravity
- •Heartburn: Baby pressing on stomach
- •Shortness of breath: Reduced lung capacity
- •Frequent urination: Baby pressing on bladder
- •Swelling: Especially in feet and ankles
Coping Tips
- ✓Sleep on your side with pillows for support
- ✓Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- ✓Take breaks and elevate your feet
- ✓Stay hydrated (ironically helps with swelling)
- ✓Gentle exercise like walking or swimming
Upcoming Appointments & Tests
Weeks 28-36
- • Prenatal visits every 2 weeks
- • Blood pressure and weight monitoring
- • Fundal height measurements
- • Baby's position checks
Weeks 36-40
- • Weekly prenatal visits
- • Group B strep test (35-37 weeks)
- • Cervical checks (if desired)
- • Non-stress tests (if indicated)
Common Concerns
Braxton Hicks Contractions
These "practice contractions" are common in the third trimester. They're typically irregular, don't increase in intensity, and stop with rest or hydration. Unlike true labor, they don't cause cervical changes.
Preterm Labor Signs
Know the difference between normal third trimester symptoms and preterm labor. Contact your provider if you experience regular contractions, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or vaginal bleeding.
Baby's Position
At 28 weeks, baby still has room to move and change positions. Most babies settle into a head-down position by 32-36 weeks. Your provider will monitor baby's position at prenatal visits.
Explore More Milestone Guides
Welcome to the Third Trimester!
You're in the home stretch now. Learn everything you need to know about these final weeks and preparing for birth.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Pregnancy information is general guidance and may not apply to your specific situation. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.