Pregnancy Week 28
 |
 |
 |
|---|
Your Baby's Growth and Development
 |
|---|
By the time you reach pregnancy week 28 your baby is probably just under 16 inches long and weighs in at roughly 2.5 pounds. Up until this time your baby's brain was smooth and soft. By around 28 weeks pregnant however, this changes significantly as your baby's brain starts to form the characteristic grooves we associated with a normal human brain.
This change is sometimes also accompanied by more hair growth on your baby's head. Keep in mind however, that many babies' are born quite bald and remain that way for up to the first year of life. Some baby's born with a head of hair loose their lovely locks within the first few weeks of delivery, only to grow back hair that is a completely different color!
During pregnancy week 28 your baby is probably also growing eyelashes. Did you know your baby would blink if you shined a bright flashlight on your belly around pregnancy week 28?
Changes In Your Body
You are probably starting to feel very large by pregnancy week 28, as your uterus rises to about 3 inches above your navel. You should be steadily gaining weight from this point on during your pregnancy, even if your weight gain has been minimal until this point in time.
Around pregnancy week 28 women who tested Rh-negative will receive a medication called RhoGAM to help desensitize them from their baby's blood. This injection is vital to Rh-negative mothers and baby's as it will protect you and your baby until the time you deliver.
By pregnancy week 28 your baby is still very slim, carrying around only 2 to 3 percent body fat at most. Still, you may have gained as much as 24 or more pounds by now! Keep in mind pregnancy weight gain is important for your baby.
During my first two pregnancies I noticed around pregnancy week 28 I started to swell more than usual. I also experienced more abdominal itching than I had earlier in pregnancy. Both of these changes are perfectly normal. You can help relieve swelling by elevating your feet when possible and... if you can... by swimming. Swimming is the ideal exercise for pregnant women.
I know for a fact no matter how bad or miserable I felt during pregnancy, one dip in the pool later I always felt better. You don't even have to "work out" per se in the swimming pool. Just walking around or floating in the cool water of a swimming pool can do wonders for your aching back and swollen body. Just stay away from the hot tub until well after you deliver.
Aside from swimming, there are many activities you can engage in that will help you feel better about your growing body, and help reduce pregnancy-related swelling. For example, even if working, I found using a pregnancy pillow under my legs, around my neck and even behind my back extremely helpful for relaxing, becoming comfortable and reducing pregnancy edema. Now, by now you must know a little about full body pregnancy pillows, and if you do not pay attention.
One of the best investments you can make during your pregnancy is in a Snoozer pregnancy pillow. A full body pregnancy pillow is not a luxury… it is a must have accessory, one that will help you sleep, relax, may help reduce edema and help support your neck, back, legs, belly and any other body part you want before, during and after pregnancy. Snoozer pillows come in all multiple varieties, so you can pick and choose the own most likely to help you, whether you prefer synthetic premium Comforel® down or European Natural Goose Down. Why not try one today and see for yourself what all this fuss is really about?
After pregnancy week 28 your doctor will probably change your schedule from once monthly visits to visits every two weeks. By pregnancy week 36 your doctor will likely have you come in once a week to monitor any changes your body is making in preparation for labor and delivery.
Baby Showers and Baby Supplies
Many women start thinking about baby showers and baby nursery planning around this time. If no one has offered to throw you a baby shower by now, someone probably will in the very near future. Baby showers are a fun way to welcome a new baby in the world, whether this is your first, second or third pregnancy.
Many women wonder if having a baby shower after their first pregnancy is appropriate. Honestly this is a personal decision. If you are concerned people will think you want a shower for gifts only, you can always have a fun baby shower and simply ask guests not to bring gifts. Remind them your goals include welcoming your new baby into the world. To that effect, you might consider having guests help you set up your new baby nursery instead of having a traditional baby shower party.
Of course, many women prefer holding off on the nursery until after baby is born. Just make sure if you do this, you at least consider stocking up on essential baby supplies before your baby is born. You'll be surprised by how time consuming caring for a new baby is. You'll also find you are a bit sleep deprived, and may prefer sleeping to stocking up on diapers and wipes!
Read next about your baby's growth and development, as well as the changes in your body during pregnancy week 29.
