Welcome to 28 weeks pregnant. This week marks the beginning of the third trimester, a phase of rapid growth, intensifying physical sensations, and heightened preparation for birth. Your baby is getting stronger, your body is working harder, and your role as caregiver and self-advocate becomes even more important. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fifth, week 28 brings new developments worth knowing.
Here’s what to expect this week, including what’s new with your baby, how you might be feeling, and a practical to-do list to help you stay grounded, nourished, and supported.
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What’s New With Baby at 28 Weeks
At 28 weeks, your baby is growing fast and entering a new phase of development. This is often described as the point where baby looks more and more like a newborn—with distinct features, smoother skin, and active movement patterns.
Developmental Highlights This Week
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Third trimester begins. At 28 weeks, you’re now officially in the final stretch of pregnancy.
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Weight and size: Your baby measures around 9.7 inches from head to heel and weighs approximately 2.2–2.7 pounds.
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Brain development: The brain is growing rapidly, forming connections that support sleep cycles, sensory awareness, and early learning patterns.
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Fat accumulation: Baby is putting on layers of fat, which helps with temperature regulation after birth and gives them that full-cheeked look.
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Lung maturation: Lung tissue and muscles are continuing to develop. Babies this age practice breathing movements, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.
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Sensory refinement: Senses like hearing and sight continue developing—your baby may blink, react to bright light through your belly, or recognize familiar voices.
At this stage, your baby is preparing for life outside the womb, strengthening muscles, refining movement, and filling out with supportive fat stores.
How You’re Feeling at 28 Weeks
As your baby grows, so do the ways your own body feels the change. Third-trimester sensations can be both physical and emotional.
Common Physical Symptoms
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Increased pressure and fullness: Your uterus is expanding upward, which can create a sense of heaviness, stretching, or tugging around your abdomen and lower back.
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Heartburn and indigestion: The pressure of your growing uterus on the stomach, combined with hormonal relaxation of digestive muscles, can make acid reflux and indigestion more noticeable.
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Frequent urination: The bladder’s reduced space may mean more trips to the bathroom — especially when lying down or after meals.
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Sleep challenges: Because of discomfort, body size, and pressure on internal organs, sleep can be disrupted more frequently. Third-trimester sleep rhythm changes are widely reported.
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Swelling or fluid retention: Mild swelling in feet, ankles, or hands is common in the third trimester. Keeping feet elevated and avoiding long periods of standing may help.
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Fatigue: Energy levels can dip again as your body works harder to support your baby’s growth.
Emotional and Cognitive Experiences
Many parents notice mood fluctuations, heightened anticipation, or anxiety as due date thoughts become more real. Prenatal hormones can also contribute to shifts in emotional regulation and focus.
It’s important to acknowledge these feelings without judgment and prioritize rest, connection, and support.
Safety Signals to Watch For
While many symptoms are normal, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
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Severe or persistent headaches
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Vision changes
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Sudden or severe swelling of the face, hands, or feet
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Abdominal pain that doesn’t go away
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A significant change in baby movement
These could be signs of conditions like pre-eclampsia or other concerns that deserve prompt attention.
Your To-Do List at 28 Weeks
Week 28 is a meaningful moment to pause, reassess, and take intentional action — both for your comfort and preparation for the months ahead.
1. Prenatal Appointments & Vaccines
Now that you are in the third trimester, prenatal visits typically increase in frequency (often every two weeks). Use your appointment to:
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Discuss any new symptoms.
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Review blood pressure and weight gain.
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Check baby’s position and heartbeat.
In some regions, providers may recommend the TDAP vaccine around this time to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) for both you and your baby after birth; ask your clinician about this if it hasn’t been discussed.
2. Monitor Baby’s Movement
At this stage, it’s common to start paying more deliberate attention to fetal movement patterns. Some providers suggest regular “kick counting"—noting how long it takes to feel a set number of movements at around the same time each day. This can help you and your provider track trends in activity.
3. Sleep Strategy
Sleep may feel elusive now. Ideas to support better rest include:
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Side-sleeping (especially on your left side to improve circulation).
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Using pregnancy pillows for back and belly support.
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Short daytime rest breaks if nighttime sleep is interrupted.
4. Nutrition & Hydration
Your nutritional needs remain important; focus on balanced meals with:
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Protein to support fetal growth and maternal tissues.
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Iron and folate for blood volume and oxygen transport.
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Calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
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Healthy fats like DHA for brain development.
Staying hydrated also supports circulation and helps reduce swelling.
5. Comfort and Movement
Gentle activity like walking or prenatal yoga can support circulation, ease muscle tension, and help with sleep. Always check with your provider if you’re uncertain about exercise choices.
6. Start Thinking About Birth Logistics
It’s a good time to revisit or begin planning:
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Birth preferences or a birth plan.
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Hospital bag checklist.
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Childcare or postpartum support.
The Takeaway
Reaching 28 weeks pregnant is a milestone worth celebrating; it marks both the start of the third trimester and a phase of growing anticipation. Your baby is continuing to develop in remarkable ways, and your body is adapting to meet ever-changing demands.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. 3rd trimester pregnancy: what to expect.
2. What to Expect. 28 Weeks Pregnant.
3. Babylist. 28 Weeks.
4. The Bump. 28 Weeks.
