Pregnancy Calendar at Week 28

What's Happening with the Baby

At 28 weeks pregnant, the baby continues to grow and gain weight. The baby is about 35 cm long and weighs between 1200-1300 grams. Subcutaneous fat is forming, and the fat layer is increasing. A protective coating is developing on the skin. Muscle and bone tissue continue to form, and the bones are starting to store calcium. The formation of the cerebral cortex is nearing completion.

The sucking and grasping reflexes are developing, and facial movements like blinking and smiling are appearing. The baby is very active and frequently changes position. In boys, the testes are descending from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum. The pancreas is beginning to produce enzymes, and the liver is producing bile. Blood cells are now being produced by the bone marrow.

What's Happening with Mom

At 28 weeks pregnant, a woman's body continues to undergo changes. Now, these changes are focused on preparing for childbirth. The belly is even more noticeable, so the woman fully feels her pregnancy. There is a natural anxiety and concern about the upcoming birth.

Uterus Enlargement

The height of the uterus, which is the distance from the top of the belly to the pubic bone, is about 28-30 cm. By this time, the uterus has increased fourfold. Periodically, there are pulling sensations in the abdomen.

Frequent Urination

The growing uterus presses on the bladder, so the pregnant woman often needs to go to the bathroom. At 28 weeks, the frequency of urination can reach 8-10 times a day.

Headaches and Dizziness

A lack of oxygen can cause dizziness. Some pregnant women experience moderate headaches in the evenings. These headaches usually go away on their own without the need for painkillers.

Lower Back Discomfort

Due to the enlarging uterus, the body's center of gravity continues to shift, increasing the load on the spine. The woman walks with a sway in the lower back, which can cause moderate pulling sensations by the evening.

Changes in the Breasts

The breasts swell and become more sensitive, indicating that they are preparing to produce milk. Some women may notice the first drops of colostrum at this stage.

Age Spots and Stretch Marks

Brownish spots may appear on the skin—usually on the face, forearms, and chest. Stretch marks form on the sides of the abdomen due to its expansion. They look like faint red streaks, and sometimes these areas can itch.

Swelling

Compression of the pelvic veins and increased fluid intake contribute to swelling in the legs. These are minor, persist throughout the day, and are not accompanied by pain.

Vaginal Discharge

Discharge continues and can be quite abundant. It is white or yellowish in color with a slightly sour smell. This is due to hormonal activity.

Spotting. There should be no bloody discharge at 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Changes in Smell and Taste Preferences

Most pregnant women at 28 weeks do not experience drastic changes in taste preferences or aversions to certain smells. However, sudden cravings for specific foods or scents may occur.

Weight Gain

By the 28th week of pregnancy, a woman should have gained no more than 20 pounds. The weekly weight gain is about 0.88 pounds (400 grams).

Medical Examination

Starting from the 28th week of pregnancy, a woman visits the gynecologist twice a month. She needs to bring the results of previous tests to the appointment, where the doctor evaluates them and conducts an external examination.

The examination includes:

General urine test — to rule out kidney or bladder inflammation;
Blood sugar test — if indicated, especially if the woman is gaining a lot of weight;
Complete blood count — if indicated, to check for anemia or to monitor treatment for existing anemia;
Measurement of abdominal circumference and uterine height — to assess fetal growth;
Weight measurement — to determine weight gain;
Vaginal examination — to assess the condition of the cervix and rule out the risk of preterm labor;
Blood pressure measurement on both arms — to rule out hypertension, which is associated with gestosis or preeclampsia;
Listening to the fetal heartbeat — to assess its condition and check for oxygen deprivation.

Challenges of Pregnancy

At 28 weeks, there is a risk of preterm labor, and during an examination, a doctor may detect developmental abnormalities in the fetus or complications in the pregnancy.

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor can be caused by cervical insufficiency, genetic abnormalities in the fetus, or infections. Labor may also start if the woman has been lifting heavy objects or has experienced significant stress. This can lead to the rupture of the amniotic sac and the onset of contractions. By the 28th week, the baby is almost fully developed, so with prompt medical attention and proper care, the outcome is generally positive.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

This condition is identified by the low weight and insufficient length of the fetus. It can be suspected if the pregnant woman has not gained enough weight or if the circumference of her abdomen does not match the gestational age. Causes of IUGR include anemia, the mother's harmful habits, strict dieting during pregnancy, and heart or liver diseases. Babies are often underweight in cases of multiple pregnancies.

Intrauterine Hypoxia

This condition arises when there is insufficient oxygen supply to the fetus. The main causes are anemia, the mother's harmful habits, lung and heart diseases in the woman, and placental formation disorders. A woman might suspect hypoxia if the baby starts moving too actively and then becomes quiet after a few days.

Gestational Diabetes

A rare pregnancy complication associated with elevated blood glucose levels. Placental hormones interfere with insulin's ability to utilize glucose, causing it to accumulate in tissues and blood. Risk factors for developing diabetes include being overweight before pregnancy, rapid weight gain, and a family history of diabetes. A pregnant woman might suspect this condition if she experiences excessive thirst and swelling in her legs. The diagnosis is confirmed through blood tests.

Cervical Insufficiency

This is a premature dilation of the cervix. Normally, the cervix remains closed throughout the entire pregnancy, acting as a barrier against infections and keeping the fetus inside the uterus. It only opens right before labor. If this happens at the 28th week of pregnancy, there's a high risk of preterm labor. The causes include frequent abortions, cervical erosion, surgeries on the cervix, and hormonal imbalances. It's hard to detect this insufficiency in advance; a gynecologist can see it during a vaginal exam. If the diagnosis is confirmed, hospitalization is required to preserve the pregnancy.

Placental Insufficiency

In this condition, the placenta stops performing its functions of nourishing and providing oxygen to the fetus. Risk factors include the mother being over 35 years old, endocrine and heart diseases, multiple scars on the uterus, harmful habits, and sexually transmitted infections. In mild cases of insufficiency, there are no symptoms. In severe cases, signs of fetal oxygen deprivation appear—initially frequent, then infrequent fetal movements. During a check-up, the doctor will hear a rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, a slow heartbeat.

Gestosis, Preeclampsia, Eclampsia

A rare complication that occurs in 12-16% of pregnant women. The causes include internal organ diseases, bad habits, and sexually transmitted infections. It is more commonly observed in women over the age of 35. The main symptoms are high blood pressure, significant swelling in the legs, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. In such cases, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

What You Can and Can't Do

At 28 weeks pregnant, it's important for the mom-to-be to focus more on herself—eat right, get plenty of rest, and spend time outdoors. Don't forget about the future dad either—attending parenting classes together and shopping for baby items can be great activities to do as a couple.

What the Mom-to-Be CAN Do:

Take walks in the forest or park — your body gets the necessary amount of oxygen;
Rest more often in a lying position — it reduces the load on your spine and legs;
Do aqua aerobics or prenatal yoga — it strengthens your muscles and prepares your body for childbirth;
Perform Kegel exercises — it increases the elasticity of your pelvic muscles;
Take prenatal vitamins — both you and your baby get essential nutrients;
Apply moisturizing cream or special stretch mark products to your belly — it makes your skin more elastic and helps it bounce back faster after childbirth;
Listen to calming music and read classic literature — it improves your mood and eases anxious thoughts;
Read pregnancy-specific literature — it has answers to important questions for expectant moms;
Have sex in safe positions;
Attend parenting classes — they teach you how to care for your newborn;
Spend time with friends and family — these interactions boost your mood;
Buy baby items and care products.

What an expectant mom should NOT do:

Smoking and drinking alcohol — this negatively affects the development of the fetus, especially its brain;
Eating fatty, spicy foods, fast food, overindulging in sweets and pastries — excessive weight gain leads to the development of diabetes, and spicy foods can harm the stomach;
Lifting heavy objects, engaging in strength sports — increased intra-abdominal pressure can trigger premature labor;
Taking medications without a doctor's prescription — many drugs have toxic effects on the fetus;
Getting nervous and stressed — emotional instability is transmitted to the baby;
Wearing tight clothing — compressing the abdomen leads to increased uterine tone, which raises the risk of premature labor;
Getting too cold or visiting a bathhouse or sauna — getting too cold can lead to colds, and overheating can cause premature labor;
Frequently visiting crowded public places — there's a high risk of contracting chickenpox, rubella, or measles;
Contacting street animals — they carry toxoplasmosis, which is dangerous for the fetus.

Proper Nutrition

It's especially important to watch your diet during the 28th week of pregnancy because your rapidly growing baby is taking a large portion of nutrients from your body. Your diet should be enriched with fresh fruits and vegetables, and you should consume an adequate amount of meat and grains.

During the 28th week of pregnancy, it is recommended to:

eat freshly prepared food — this reduces the risk of food poisoning;
avoid fatty, canned, and spicy foods — this reduces the load on your liver and stomach;
limit the intake of peas, beans, cabbage, and baked goods — this reduces gas formation;
drink up to two liters of water per day, if there is no significant swelling — this maintains normal blood circulation in the placenta;
eat more vegetables and fruits — they contain vitamins and trace elements necessary for the baby;
eat veal and beef — they contain iron, which prevents the development of anemia;
eat buckwheat porridge — it contains iron, manganese, and zinc, which are important for healthy blood formation.

The food that a mom-to-be eats should be as fresh and high-quality as possible. It's important for digestion to be optimal, and to avoid food poisoning and intestinal issues. Therefore, special attention should be given to the selection of products. It's best to avoid eating out; instead, the expectant mother should prepare meals at home. This ensures that all the food is of good quality and won't cause any poisoning. At 28 weeks of pregnancy, it's important to eat veal, beef, and buckwheat porridge to prevent anemia.

Need for Vitamins and Minerals

At the 28th week of pregnancy, the baby takes a significant amount of vitamins, microelements, and nutrients from the mother's body. It's crucial that all of these are present in the food consumed and in vitamin supplements.

Vitamin A (Retinol)

Daily amount — 2500 IU. It participates in the formation of visual rods and cones, preventing congenital blindness in the baby. It supports the function of the placenta. It's beneficial for the mother — it improves skin condition and prevents brittle nails. A deficiency in retinol can be identified by excessive skin dryness, cracks at the corners of the mouth, and decreased visual acuity. Sources include cod liver, chicken eggs, butter, cottage cheese, and carrots.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Daily amount — 1 mg. It plays a role in protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. It ensures the proper functioning of the nervous system and heart. It prevents the development of polyneuropathy. A deficiency is indicated by weakness and irritability in the expectant mother. Severe deficiency can lead to digestive disorders. Sources include rye and wheat bread, spinach, and potatoes.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Daily amount — 2 mg. An important player in metabolism. Essential for proper blood formation in the fetus, participates in the formation of protective antibodies. Deficiency is indicated by cracks on the lips, dry mouth, and skin rashes. Sources — beef liver, mushrooms, chicken eggs, buckwheat.

Vitamin B3

Daily amount — 25 mg. Part of enzymes, improves blood microcirculation. Prevents intrauterine hypoxia. Deficiency is indicated by digestive disorders, brittle hair and nails. Sources — rye bread, potatoes, beets, buckwheat, beef.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Daily amount — 2.5 mg. Important for the formation of fetal blood cells. Beneficial for the expectant mother — improves mood, eases falling asleep, reduces nausea. Deficiency is indicated by sleep disorders, poor mood, muscle spasms. Sources — potatoes, carrots, nuts, apples, oranges.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Daily amount — 400 mcg. Supports the nervous system, part of hormones and nucleic acids. Reduces the risk of eclampsia. Deficiency is indicated by excessive irritability, insomnia, and appetite disturbances. Sources — bran, whole grain bread, chicken eggs, yeast, greens.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

Daily amount — 4 mcg. Prevents the development of anemia in both the mother and the fetus, supports blood pressure in women. Normalizes nerve activity and emotional state. Deficiency is identified by burning and redness of the tongue, tingling sensations on the body, and prickling in the fingertips. Foods — beef liver and kidneys, egg yolk, sea fish, cottage cheese, kefir.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Daily amount — 75 mg. Strengthens the immune system, protects against colds. Prevents blood vessel fragility, reduces the risk of uterine bleeding. Improves iron absorption. Deficiency is identified by dry skin, hair loss, and bleeding gums. Foods — potatoes, gooseberries, oranges, lemons.

Vitamin D (calciferol)

Daily amount — 400 IU. Ensures the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, participates in the formation of bone tissue. Deficiency is identified by joint and bone pain. Foods — cod liver, egg yolk, cottage cheese, milk.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Daily amount — 10 IU. Prevents cell damage, stimulates antibody production. It is part of hormones, skin collagen, and cartilage. Supports placental blood flow. Deficiency is identified by muscle weakness, dry skin, and the appearance of skin rashes. Foods — beef liver and kidneys, sea fish, potatoes.

Vitamin H

Daily amount — 50 mcg. Supports the functioning of the fetal nervous system. Regulates glucose utilization, reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. Deficiency is identified by oily skin, acne, and dandruff. Sources — beef liver, nuts, sunflower seeds.

Iron

Daily amount — 3 mg. Main component of hemoglobin, prevents the development of anemia and intrauterine hypoxia. Lowers the risk of premature birth. Deficiency is identified by weakness, dizziness, and bleeding. Sources — meat, apples, buckwheat, pomegranates.

Iodine

Daily amount — 200 mcg. Supports thyroid function. Prevents the development of congenital cretinism. Deficiency is identified by weakness, fatigue, swelling, and decreased mental activity. Sources — sea fish and seaweed.

Calcium

Daily amount — 1000 mg. Main component of bone tissue. Ensures bone hardness, reduces the risk of fractures. Deficiency is identified by brittle hair and nails, bone pain. Sources — milk, cottage cheese, kefir, greens.

Potassium

Daily amount — 5000 mg. Ensures the body is saturated with oxygen, prevents intrauterine hypoxia. Regulates heart function and maintains blood pressure. Deficiency is indicated by a feeling of rapid heartbeat and unstable blood pressure. Foods — tomatoes, dried apricots, greens, bananas.

Cobalt

Daily amount — 3 mcg. Reduces the risk of developing anemia, regulates nervous system activity. Improves sleep and mood. Deficiency is indicated by irritability and skin rashes. Foods — seafood.

Magnesium

Daily amount — 300 mg. Part of hormone composition, supports heart function. Prevents muscle cramps. Deficiency is indicated by irritability and insomnia. Foods — cheese, nuts, rye and wheat bread, greens.

Copper

Daily amount — 1.5 mg. Necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, certain hormones, and enzymes. Involved in metabolism. Deficiency is indicated by weakness and pale skin. Foods — beef liver, buckwheat, seaweed.

Sodium

Daily amount — 1500 mg. Responsible for water balance in the body, regulates heart function. Deficiency is indicated by dry mouth, thirst, and muscle cramps. Foods — salt.

Chromium

Daily amount — 25 mcg. Reduces cravings for sweets, lowers the risk of gestational diabetes. Chromium deficiency is rare. Sources include milk and nuts.

Important! You should choose a multivitamin complex based on your doctor's recommendation – your obstetrician-gynecologist and/or therapist.

Helpful Tips

At 28 weeks pregnant, it's important to reduce the strain on your spine. To do this, you should rest lying down for at least 1.5 hours during the day. A light massage can help relax the lower back muscles. You can use almond or peach oil for this.

A woman at 28 weeks pregnant might feel uncomfortable due to her rounded, less agile figure. To lift her spirits and boost her confidence, the future dad should give her a few compliments, bring her flowers, or cook her a delicious dinner.

Exercises for Expecting Moms

Engaging in fitness at 28 weeks pregnant is essential for relieving spinal pressure, strengthening the abdominal muscles, and the pelvic floor. The number of strength exercises is reduced, with a focus on stretching and breathing exercises. Exercises with a gym ball are beneficial. They work the thigh and lower back muscles. Abdominal exercises should be done cautiously to avoid increasing intra-abdominal pressure. Optimal exercises include:

Cat-cow — on all fours, arching the back;
Bringing together and spreading apart arms bent at the elbows;
Forward lunges with bent legs alternately;
Shallow squats.

The workout duration is half an hour, performed every other day. Aqua aerobics is beneficial for strengthening muscles and improving blood flow. Swimming from the 28th week of pregnancy should be avoided as it requires significant abdominal muscle tension.

Discomforts During Pregnancy

Common Cold

About a third of pregnant women experience a common cold if they don't protect themselves from getting too cold. It manifests as a runny nose and general malaise. In more serious cases, it can cause a fever, headache, and cough. For a mild cold, home remedies are usually sufficient—rinsing the nose with salt water, drinking tea with lemon, or cranberry juice. If you develop a fever and cough, you should see a doctor.

Lower Back Pain

By the 28th week, almost all pregnant women experience lower back pain due to the increased load on the spine. It has a pulling or aching nature and usually occurs in the evening. If it is accompanied by frequent or painful urination, you should see a doctor to rule out kidney issues.

Nausea

Nausea is not typical for the 28th week of pregnancy. If it does occur and is accompanied by vomiting and headache, you should see a doctor. These symptoms could be a sign of complications such as gestosis or preeclampsia.

Lower Abdominal Pain

Mild pulling pain in the suprapubic area is normal for the 28th week. It is associated with muscle stretching. If a woman has been regularly exercising, the pain may not occur. A supportive band can help reduce discomfort.

Headache

Every pregnant woman occasionally experiences a heavy feeling in her head. This discomfort is related to changes in blood flow and the action of hormones. Such pain usually resolves on its own and occurs no more than once a week. Persistent and intense headaches require a visit to the doctor.

Breast Tenderness

The sensation of breast swelling and pulling discomfort is associated with the maturation of milk ducts and the preparation of the breasts for breastfeeding. To alleviate the discomfort, it is recommended to wear a supportive bra.

Checklist

Attend a parenting class with your spouse;
Buy some baby care item or product;
Go to an aqua aerobics class;
Read a book for new moms;
Get a lower back massage;
Purchase a beautiful photo album for the baby's first year;
Go for a doctor's appointment;
Wear a support band daily;
Eat a bowl of cottage cheese and an apple every day;
Take an evening walk every day;
Finish work tasks before going on maternity leave.