You’re 28 weeks pregnant!
The third trimester has finally settled in, and now, you can finally say you're 28 weeks pregnant. Things might be getting even more uncomfortable than they were previously, but it'll all be over soon — and it ends in a baby!
Pregnancy symptoms at 28 weeks
Your ultrasound
It’s likely you won’t get an ultrasound this week, but that doesn’t mean your baby isn’t as busy as ever in there. At this point, baby is weighing between two to three pounds and beginning to open their eyes — and they’re likely practicing all those adorable facial expressions you’ll fall in love with in just a couple of months when you finally meet. Baby may also be head down already, but if they’re not, don’t worry — they have plenty of time to make it there.
Your pregnant belly at 28 weeks
If it feels like your bump is getting bigger by the day, that’s because it probably is. You may have gained around 20 pounds, more or less, and you’re probably feeling baby move around in there quite a bit. There’s nothing like those kicks straight to the bladder to wake us up in the middle of the night!
Pregnancy tips at 28 weeks
If you haven’t already started packing your hospital bag, it’s a good time to begin getting things together. Make a list of everything you want to bring, and start researching what other moms recommend. Comfortable clothes with elastic waist band, a robe, slippers, and a long phone cord are all good ideas — and maybe even your own pillow for extra comfort.
Your pregnancy checklist at 28 weeks
At 28 weeks pregnant, you might want to be doing the following:
- Make sure your maternity leave is finalized
- Book a newborn photographer
- Find a pediatrician
- Begin packing your hospital bag
What are you eating for you and your baby?
Since this week, you’ll likely be tested for anemia, week 28 is a good time to make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron, as well as keeping your immunity up. You should aim to get about 85 mg of Vitamin C a day, which would can be found in foods like:
- Citrus fruits
- Strawberries
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Pineapple
- Red peppers
When to call your doctor
While you should definitely call your OB-GYN anytime you feel something might be amiss, any unusual bleeding or cramping are both reasons to get a visit in ASAP, as well as experiencing symptoms like painful urination. And if that lightheadness you might be feeling leads to actual fainting or passing out, it’s important to call or stop into your emergency room, too.
Keep an eye out for any unusual swelling, since that could be a sign of preeclampsia, and it’s important to call your doctor if you have itchy palms or feet, which might mean that you’re experiencing cholestasis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and death compared to non-pregnant women. Furthermore, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of delivering a baby before 37 weeks (preterm birth) and other adverse ramifications.
Note: If you are visiting a medical professional during COVID, make sure to ask about the facility’s safety measures and confirm that they are following COVID protocols as indicated by the CDC.
