28 Weeks Pregnant

This week marks the beginning of the third trimester. You are two thirds of the way through with your pregnancy. You and your baby will grow and change drastically during this period.

Planning for Baby’s Arrival

This is a good time to plan for the arrival of your baby. If it is your first pregnancy it is not unusually for it to arrive at or past it’s due date, but each pregnancy is different and you will need to be prepared in case it arrives earlier than expected. Either way, you will have to have the essentials ready for your baby. Talking to other moms will help you decide exactly what you will need to get started. Some of the basics include a bassinet or crib, bedding, layette, baby bath, burp clothes, diapers, bottles and formula if you are bottle-feeding.

Testing

If you haven’t already, you will begin to see your doctor every two weeks. You will have an iron and RH antibody test this week. You will also have a blood glucose test. Your blood will be drawn, you will drink a sweet, sugary soda-type drink and then your blood will be drawn again an hour later to test for gestational diabetes. Continue to take in plenty of calcium as your baby needs it to grow more bone.

The Finer Points

Your baby starts to grow dramatically in size this week. It is roughly 10 inches long from head to bottom and weighs approximately 2 lbs 7 ounces. Fat deposits form quickly during this stage of development. Brain tissue also grows at an alarming rate. The finer touches are being put on your baby as well. The hair on its head grows longer, the eyelashes emerge and if it’s a boy, the testes will descend. Your baby may also take comfort by sucking its thumb in the womb at this time.