At 28 weeks pregnant, you’ve entered the third trimester, a period marked by rapid growth for your baby and increased physical demands on your body. As you prepare for labour, attending regular antenatal appointments and keeping up with your antenatal care is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know at 28 weeks, including what happens at your antenatal clinic appointments, the changes happening to your body, and how to stay comfortable as you prepare for the final stretch of pregnancy.
Your Baby’s Development at 28 Weeks
At 28 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of an aubergine, measuring around 37 cm long and weighing about 1 kg. This stage is vital for your baby’s brain and sensory development, and their lungs are continuing to mature in preparation for life outside the womb.
Key Developmental Milestones:
Brain growth: The surface of your baby’s brain is developing folds and grooves, allowing for greater capacity and activity.
Sensory abilities: Your baby’s eyesight is developing, and they are starting to recognise light and sound from outside the womb.
Lung function: Your baby is practising breathing movements, although their lungs won’t fully mature until closer to birth.
Sleep cycles: Your baby will have more regular sleep patterns, including REM sleep, which is essential for brain development.
As you approach your due date, your baby will continue to gain weight and develop layers of fat, which help regulate body temperature after birth.
For more information on your baby’s growth, check the NHS Pregnancy Week-by-Week Guide.
Your Body at 28 Weeks
Entering the third trimester, you may feel more physically challenged than in previous weeks, as your baby’s growth puts more pressure on your body.
Common Symptoms at 28 Weeks:
Braxton Hicks Contractions: You may start feeling irregular, painless contractions. These are often referred to as “practice contractions” and are your body’s way of preparing for labour. Learn more about Braxton Hicks from the NHS.
Back Pain: With the baby’s increasing size, back pain is common, especially in the lower back. Maintaining good posture and staying active with gentle exercises, like prenatal yoga, can help alleviate discomfort.
Shortness of Breath: As your uterus expands, it can push against your diaphragm, causing breathlessness. Staying upright and practising breathing techniques can help. If you’re concerned, discuss this during your antenatal appointment.
Fatigue: The third trimester often brings a resurgence of tiredness. Ensure you rest as much as possible, and stay hydrated while maintaining a nutritious diet. You should continue taking antenatal vitamins to support your health and energy levels.
Antenatal Care at 28 Weeks: What to Expect
At 28 weeks, your antenatal appointments will become more frequent. You’ll typically see your midwife or doctor every two weeks. These appointments are vital for monitoring both your health and your baby’s development.
Your Antenatal Appointment Checklist:
Blood Pressure and Urine Tests: Your healthcare provider will check for any signs of preeclampsia or other complications.
Glucose Screening: You may be tested for gestational diabetes at this stage, a common test offered by the NHS.
Fundal Height Measurement: Your midwife will measure your bump to ensure your baby is growing as expected.
Baby’s Position and Heartbeat: Your baby’s position in the womb will be checked, and you’ll listen to their heartbeat.
Discussion of Birth Plan: It’s a good time to begin discussing your birth plan and preferences for labour.
For detailed information about antenatal care, visit the NHS Antenatal Appointments Guide.
Preparing for Labour: Antenatal Classes
Attending antenatal classes is highly recommended during this stage of pregnancy. These classes provide essential information on what to expect during labour, delivery, and early parenthood. Many classes cover relaxation techniques, pain management, and newborn care, ensuring you feel well-prepared for the big day.
Why Attend Antenatal Classes?
Understanding labour stages: Learn what happens in each stage of labour and how to manage contractions.
Pain relief options: Explore different pain management techniques, including breathing exercises, antenatal yoga, and medical options like epidurals.
Breastfeeding support: Get advice on breastfeeding and bonding with your baby.
Search for antenatal classes near you using the NHS Choices tool.
Staying Active with Antenatal Yoga and Fitness
Staying physically active in your third trimester can help reduce discomfort and prepare your body for labour. Many women find antenatal yoga to be an excellent way to stay flexible, relieve stress, and strengthen muscles needed for childbirth.
Benefits of Antenatal Yoga:
Improved posture: Helps alleviate back pain by encouraging good posture and flexibility.
Breathing techniques: Learn how to control your breath, which can be helpful during labour.
Relaxation: Yoga promotes relaxation, which can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
If you’re new to yoga or unsure where to start, look for pregnancy yoga classes led by certified instructors who specialise in prenatal fitness. These classes are tailored to the changing needs of your body during pregnancy.
To find local antenatal yoga classes, visit the NHS pregnancy exercise guide or enquire with your antenatal clinic.
Relaxation and Self-Care: The Benefits of Antenatal Massage
Taking care of your mental and physical health is important during your third trimester. Many women find antenatal massage to be a relaxing and soothing way to manage discomfort. A prenatal massage can help relieve back pain, improve circulation, and promote overall relaxation.
Benefits of Antenatal Massage:
Relieves muscle tension: Especially useful for lower back pain and leg cramps.
Reduces stress and anxiety: Promotes relaxation and better sleep.
Improves circulation: Helps reduce swelling in the legs and feet.
Make sure to choose a therapist who is trained in pregnancy massage, as they will understand how to provide a safe and beneficial experience for you and your baby. If you’re interested in booking a prenatal massage, check with your antenatal clinic or search for local practitioners using the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Your 32-Week Antenatal Checkup
At 28 weeks, it’s a good time to start thinking ahead to your next set of antenatal checkups and preparing for labour. Your antenatal clinic will provide more frequent monitoring as you approach your due date. You’ll continue to have your blood pressure checked, and your baby’s growth will be closely monitored.
As you progress, consider taking a tour of your local antenatal clinic or hospital to get familiar with the birthing facilities. Some private hospitals also offer birthing suites with additional amenities. If you’re considering private healthcare for your delivery, it’s worth researching options in your area. Private antenatal care offers services like consultant-led care and private rooms for recovery.
For a list of private healthcare providers, you can explore Private Healthcare UK to compare costs and services.
Conclusion
At 28 weeks pregnant, you’re well into your third trimester and approaching the final stages of pregnancy. Staying on top of your antenatal care, attending antenatal appointments, and preparing for birth through antenatal classes and pregnancy yoga are all essential to ensure a smooth and healthy transition into motherhood.
Take time to rest, stay active with gentle exercises, and enjoy the final months of pregnancy while preparing for the exciting moment when you’ll meet your baby.
For more information on preparing for labour and delivery, visit the NHS Pregnancy Hub.
References
- The Ultimate Antenatal Classes
Prepare for labour, birth, and baby care with nine experts, including senior NHS midwives and an award-winning obstetrician!
https://unii.com/en/journey/ultimate-antenatal-classes