7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 28
Now that you're in the third trimester you can look forward to leg cramps, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, itchy skin, aches and pains, swelling, heartburn, indigestion and . . . your baby's arrival! Fortunately baby's arrival will make enduring all the other "symptoms" of pregnancy easier. Don't lose heart, baby will be here before you know it. But for now, use our Pregnancy Timeline to help you prepare for the final leg of your pregnancy.
Week Overview
Baby continues to grow and change rapidly as he prepares for life outside the womb. Baby's body is becoming plumper and rounder because of the increased fat underneath the skin. Most of the lanugo has disappeared and your baby may have a full head hair of hair by now. Baby's eyebrows and eyelashes are also now present. The eyes open and close, and baby sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. Baby can even recognize your voice now.
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures almost 10 inches long and weighs 2.4 pounds
- Organ systems continue to develop and to grow
- Brain grows indentions and grooves on the surface
- Brain tissue increases
- Baby has 2 to 3% body fat
- Muscle tone improving
- Lungs are capable of breathing air
- Eyes are completely formed
You uterus is now about 3.2 inches above your bellybutton. You have probably gained between 17 and 24 pounds. You may be feeling a little grumpy or emotional during the final trimester - you can thank your hormones for that. Additionally, you may begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions. These "practice" contractions are light and usually do not cause discomfort.
During this time, if your blood type is Rh negative, and Dad's blood type is Rh positive, you will need to get a shot of Rhogam. The above combination can cause the production of antibodies that probably won't affect your first pregnancy, but can affect subsequent pregnancies. Your doctor will monitor this closely. Also, you may have to endure additional tests this week, including a glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes.
Time to Start Thinking About
Generally, your health-care provider appointments may be every two weeks from week 28 to 36. Weekly appointments begin at week 36 until delivery. During these appointments, your physician will check the size and height of your uterus to be certain your baby is growing appropriately. Your weight and blood pressure will be checked as well as your urine for signs of infection, sugar, and protein. As the due date approaches, the baby's position is checked and vaginal exams are performed to check for cervical dilatation.
Physician visits may become more frequent and more tests may be performed if any high-risk situations are noted (pre-clampsia, PIH - Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension, gestational diabetes, placenta previa).
It's important to take a list of questions and concerns to your appointments. It's normal to have concerns about labor so don't be shy!
Tips for Mom
Pregnancy may bring about physical conditions, such as hemorrhoids, that you never had to worry about before. Eat a high-fiber diet and avoid sitting or standing for long stretches of time to relieve symptoms.
You may also be experiencing varicose veins. Varicose veins are weakened veins that have enlarged as they work harder to circulate the blood. They may occur in the vulva and legs if the pressure created by the baby cuts off some circulation. Varicose veins cannot be prevented entirely, but you can relieve their painful throbbing. Walking and moving keeps the blood circulating; standing for long periods may aggravate them. When you sit, elevate your legs to increase the return of blood from your feet to the body. Support hosiery also helps; put them on before you get out of bed.
Tips for Dad
Mom may be experiencing the common "pains of pregnancy" by now. Or maybe she is one of the lucky ones and will not have the leg cramps and/or varicose veins. If she does, help her out by insisting that she rest often. Have Mom elevate her legs, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid elastic-top socks or stockings. If you really want to help Mom out, why not offer to do the dishes or the laundry, or give the kids a bath? Mom will appreciate any help she can get at this point.
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
Prenatal Care Checklist
- Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
- Try a body pillow.
- Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
- Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
- You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
- Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
- Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
- Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
- Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505