Trimester 3
Week 28
Your baby is about the size of an eggplant.
Length: 37.6 cm · Weight: 1005 g
Common this week: Shortness of breath, Swelling, Back pain, Frequent urination, Braxton Hicks, Heartburn.
Baby development
- The baby now experiences REM sleep and may be dreaming.
- Eyelids can blink and the baby responds to light shining through the belly.
- About 1 kg — from here, rapid weight gain begins.
- Lungs are more mature; a baby born now has a good chance of survival with medical care.
Changes for you
- Welcome to the third trimester.
- Shortness of breath may increase as the baby takes up more space.
- Oedema (swelling) in feet, ankles, and hands is very common.
- Pelvic pressure increases as the baby grows and descends slightly.
Tips
- Begin monitoring fetal movements daily — note your baby's usual pattern.
- Your glucose tolerance test results should be back — review with your doctor.
- For Rh-negative women, Anti-D injection is typically given at 28 weeks.
- Begin researching pain relief options for labour.
Appointments
- Routine antenatal check — now every 2–4 weeks.
- Anti-D injection for Rh-negative women at 28 weeks (Medicare-covered, PBS-subsidised).
Warning signs
- Fewer than 10 fetal movements in 2 hours
- Sudden severe swelling
- Severe headache
- Visual disturbances
Australian notes
- RANZCOG recommends that all Rh-negative women receive Anti-D immunoglobulin at 28 weeks and again at 34 weeks, and after any sensitising event.
- Count Ten is an Australian fetal movement awareness campaign — learn the signs at countthekicks.com.au.