The 28th week of pregnancy is the 7th obstetric month, the very beginning of the third trimester. The baby actively moves in the stomach, tries to take a more comfortable position, sometimes causing discomfort to the mother.
Outwardly, he is already a fully formed little man, weighing about a kilogram and 38-39 centimeters tall. During this period the following happens:
- The eyes open. For now they are light blue, but by the time of birth the iris may change its color.
- The facial muscles are actively working. In response to external stimuli may make a grimace or portray a semblance of a smile.
- Bone tissue is actively strengthened.
- The skin acquires a mature structure.
- Eyelashes, eyebrows and hair are actively growing.
- The lungs and heart are fully formed, and in the case premature birth the newborn will be fully viable.
The child is already developing a daily routine, and the pregnant woman always feels when he is sleeping and when he is awake. If the child is not sleeping, then his movements occur approximately every 6 minutes. A woman needs to carefully monitor the movements of the fetus and if there is an increase or decrease in physical activity, consult a doctor.
What will an ultrasound show?
At 28 weeks ultrasonography carried out only when indicated, or the woman can undergo this procedure herself to make sure that the fetus is developing normally.
On an ultrasound you can see the following:
Necessary examinations
At 28 weeks, in addition to standard blood and urine tests, a woman’s blood is examined:
- For sugar. An increase in blood glucose, if it is not associated with sweets eaten in the evening, may be a sign of pregnancy diabetes. Excess blood sugar is harmful to the fetus and the woman.
- For hemoglobin. A low hemoglobin level will indicate a lack of iron in the body, leading to the development of anemia. Almost all pregnant women with twins experience anemia. This condition is dangerous and can cause fetal hypoxia.
A routine examination, measurement of the abdomen and pelvis, and weighing are carried out. There are no more examinations; a more detailed assessment of the condition will be carried out at 30-32 weeks.
What happens to a woman
The 28th week of pregnancy is accompanied by increased discomfort for the pregnant woman. Frequently concerned:
Besides discomfort, many pregnant women note that due to fetal movements it is difficult to rest and sleep well. Night activity the baby is associated with the fact that the pregnant woman moves during the day, the baby is rocked, and he falls asleep, and at night, on the contrary, he is awake.
What to pay attention to
At 28 weeks of pregnancy you need to monitor:
- for weight gain;
- for vaginal discharge.
Weight gain
In the seventh month, the fetus is actively growing, and if the pregnant woman does not have late toxicosis, then she feels an increased appetite. During this period, severe weight gain is possible, which will negatively affect labor.
Despite the constant desire to eat, a woman needs to carefully monitor her diet and control her weight - the daily increase should not be more than 50 g.
In general, by this time the pregnant woman’s weight should increase by 8-10 kg.
Vaginal discharge
Normally, a small amount of light whitish mucus with a slightly sour odor is released from the vagina. There are almost no inflammatory diseases of the genital area at week 28, but you should consult a doctor if the discharge becomes:
- curdled,
- purulent,
- bloody.
The appearance of blood in the discharge is especially dangerous: it can either indicate the beginning of placental abruption, or serve as a sign of premature birth. Even if your general health does not suffer, intense vaginal bleeding is a reason to call an ambulance.
You need to take into account not only the appearance and smell, but also the consistency of the discharge. If it has become too liquid, this indicates leakage of amniotic fluid.
Features of the daily routine
Those who are carrying twins have most likely already gone into maternity leave or finalize last days, and pregnant women with one fetus will have to work for a couple more weeks. At work, it is advisable to structure your schedule so that during the working day you have the opportunity to relax and have a snack.
If the position involves responsible decision-making or frequent travel, then it is better to “hand over matters” in advance to the person who will become a deputy during maternity leave, and deal only with simple duties.
Some women, wanting to get more maternity leave, try to take on a part-time job or work a night shift at this time, but this is strictly forbidden: the 28th week of pregnancy is dangerous because it is at this period that premature birth often occurs. It is worth determining what is more important – a small increase in maternity pay or the health of the child.
A pregnant woman at 28 weeks should have proper rest, not overwork and sleep at least 8 hours at night.
How to eat
A pregnant woman's diet should be structured in such a way that mother and child do not lack nutrients. Adequate nutrition in the third trimester will facilitate the process of bearing the fetus and ensure an easier birth. It is recommended to adhere to the following dietary rules:
Perhaps such a diet will seem boring and bland to some, but it’s worth opening a recipe book for a double boiler and making sure that you can prepare many tasty and healthy dishes from the allowed products. A positive attitude during meals is no less important for a pregnant woman than a balanced diet.
Possible risks
Under no circumstances should you prepare yourself for complications. However, to prevent Negative consequences, you need to know what to do in certain risky situations.
Receiving various injuries
Due to an increase in body weight and a change in the center of gravity, a woman becomes clumsy, and her coordination of movements is slightly impaired. If you look at pregnant women at this stage, you will notice a characteristic gait, slightly waddling, partially leveling the center of gravity. Injuries do not occur very often, mainly during icy conditions or on slippery floor. A fall is almost safe for the fetus (it is protected by amniotic fluid from minor traumatic effects), but can cause harm to the woman.
Tooth decay and brittle bones
If not enough calcium enters the female body with food, then to strengthen the bones of the fetus, the necessary elements will be washed out of the mother’s body. To prevent possible loss of calcium, it is recommended to take a vitamin-calcium complex after consultation with a doctor.
Hidden swelling
Most women experience only minor swelling. But in some cases, hidden swelling appears, which interferes with the work internal organs. Hidden swelling can be suspected when a large weight gain is observed while following a diet. This condition is very dangerous, and you should immediately visit a doctor to identify and eliminate the cause of the pathology.
Anemia
It is observed mainly due to insufficient iron in food. Iron supplements are used for treatment. It is recommended to include nuts, dried fruits, chicken liver and other iron-rich foods.
Fetal death
It happens very rarely, but if the child begins to move too actively or, conversely, almost stops moving, you should immediately visit a doctor. A change in the number of movements indicates a violation of intrauterine development.
At 28 weeks, twins are most often born, but even with a singleton pregnancy, the risk of premature birth is quite high. There are no significant risks for a newborn - all systems and organs are already formed and allow them to exist outside the mother’s body. Infant mortality at this stage is low.
Early labor is worse for a woman in labor - the body has not yet finished, and ruptures of the birth canal may occur, accompanied by bleeding.
But if at the very beginning of labor (the appearance of frequent irregular contractions, minor bleeding) you promptly seek obstetric help, then the process can be stopped.
Is it possible to have sex
It is possible and necessary - this is the answer of gynecologists, just avoid putting pressure on the stomach. If a woman feels well and there are no medical contraindications, then sexual intercourse will not harm the fetus and will give the pregnant woman positive emotions.
Note to men: at this stage of pregnancy, sexual intercourse has almost no meaning for a woman, the fact itself is important for her emotional intimacy, and you should pay more attention to your partner during sex.
There are almost no risks for the child at this stage, but the mother may develop various disorders. A woman at 28 weeks of pregnancy is recommended to:
At 28 weeks, expectant mothers should try to tune in to positive mood, don't think about possible complications and look forward to meeting your child soon.
Even if during this period an incorrect position or entanglement of the umbilical cord is noted, this is not a reason to be nervous and worry. There are still 2 months of gestation ahead, and by the time of birth everything can still return to normal. And if not, then after the necessary prenatal examinations, obstetricians will select the safest labor management tactics or perform a cesarean section.
Mom at 28 weeks pregnant
A few more rules that relate to the healthy development of the Baby and are related to the mother’s diet.
- To make your child comfortable, try to eat a little, but more often. The baby needs nutrients constantly, and only a limited amount of food can be absorbed at a time. By the way, newborn babies follow this principle without difficulty, demanding mother's milk every 2-3 hours, and sometimes more often.
There is one more point. The space for the Baby to move decreases every month, and in the second half of life before birth it becomes very small. And if mom’s stomach or intestines are full, he won’t like it. The movement of a tiny fist, knee or heel, especially in the last trimester, can be quite noticeable for a mother's overloaded stomach or intestines. - If you decide to eat a hearty meal before bed, remember: a “fed” Baby can be active - after all, how much strength has immediately increased! But this is not the best solution, since there is no time healthy sleep he needs more than you. Therefore, it is better to have dinner no later than 2 hours before bedtime.
- The other extreme is diet. A “hungry” baby can also be active, but for a different reason - his anxiety is caused by a lack of nutrients and building materials- proteins. In general, it will be better if you discuss all issues related to dietary restrictions or food choices with your doctor. The main thing is to remember that with chronic malnutrition, the Baby runs the risk of being born with low weight - a consequence of the fact that cell division in his body stopped too early, and the developing organs turned out to be small.
- A good solution would be the principle “Eat only fresh food,” that is, cook for one meal. Yes, it takes time - but this is what you will be doing after the baby is born, so it makes sense to practice now. Needless to say, only fresh food contains useful substances and there are no processes of rotting and fermentation, which inevitably occur in products undergoing storage. In other words, with fresh food, your Baby gets nutrients without toxins.
- Positive emotions during meals is also a good habit. Now it contributes to the fact that digestive juices are better secreted in your body, intestinal motor activity increases, food is better absorbed, and in the end it reaches the Baby large quantity nutrients.
In the future, after childbirth, positive emotions will contribute to milk production and greater sucking activity of the child, which means better weight gain. And remember that mother’s milk is the key to a child’s strong immune system.
28th week of pregnancy: Video "Partner birth"
Pregnancy is gradually reaching the finish line. Anxieties and fears about future births appear. Back pain, an enlarged belly and weight make you feel uncomfortable. But everything is outweighed by the joyful anticipation of the baby. Expectant mothers come up with a name and prepare a trousseau for the newborn.
Pregnancy 28 weeks - how many months is it, how long until birth? The third trimester is the most intense in terms of experiences. the appearance of colostrum, absent-mindedness and clumsiness of a woman are not a cause for concern. and confidence in a happy outcome of childbirth will help overcome unpleasant sensations.
Fetus at 28 weeks
The 3rd trimester of pregnancy has arrived. It's time to visit the antenatal clinic more often. The baby takes up almost all the space in the mother's belly. It becomes increasingly difficult for a woman to endure pregnancy. 28 weeks - the baby’s weight is already about 1 kg; his height is approximately 35 cm. These are average figures. Individual characteristics may vary. Both weight and height may be slightly more or less.
If you are 28 weeks pregnant, what happens to the baby? The brain begins to actively develop. Up to this point it was smooth. After 28 weeks, convolutions begin to form in it. The heart beats at a frequency of 150 beats per minute.
The baby's lungs are still weak and underdeveloped. However, at this stage the child is quite capable of surviving with medical help. Of course, they take care of babies for more early stages. But it is from the 3rd trimester that the child is legally considered a newborn.
Pregnancy 28 weeks - how many months? Considering that the obstetric month is 28 days, then at this stage the 7th month begins. The child’s facial features become clearer and the cheeks are rounded. He begins to yawn much more often. Hair accumulates pigment and begins to darken.
Fetal location
The baby already knows how to hear, he begins to distinguish the voices of his parents. He opens his eyes and reacts emotionally to what he likes or doesn’t like. If pregnancy is 28 weeks - what happens to the fetus? When will it roll over into the correct position?
There are only 3 types of fetal presentation:
- The main thing. The baby is head down, adjacent to the cervix.
- Transverse. The fetus is located across the mother's abdomen.
- Pelvic. The baby is head up, the fetal legs and buttocks are adjacent to the cervix.
Doesn't have up to 3 of great importance. The baby's activity increases, he moves regularly and can be in any of the three presentations. If the pregnancy has reached 28-29 weeks, then the fetus is in the most convenient position for childbirth. Most often this is a cephalic presentation. It is optimal for childbirth.
During childbirth, the baby's buttocks and legs appear first. It may be difficult to remove the head, since it is the largest part of the body. Therefore, the prospect of a caesarean section is possible.
With a transverse presentation, the baby will not be able to be born on its own, without medical assistance. It is during this period, when the pregnancy is 28-29 weeks old, that the official diagnosis of fetal presentation is made. However, there is no need to worry ahead of time. It also happens that just before birth the baby finds himself in a cephalic presentation.
Baby moving
Third trimester, 28 weeks pregnant - how many months are left before giving birth? If the baby is not requested ahead of time, then the expectant mother has another 3 obstetric months left. This is an opportunity to set yourself up for a positive outcome, pack your bag for the maternity hospital, prepare Required documents. If suddenly there is a need to suddenly leave for the maternity ward, all things will already be collected.
At the 7th month of pregnancy, fetal movements are most active. They must occur at least 10 times in one hour. Here you should be careful when counting. Because the baby can sleep during the day. And at night, waking up, begin your motor activity, movements.
We should not forget that the belly at 28 weeks of pregnancy is quite large. Sometimes it turns to stone - this means that the uterus is in good shape and is preparing for future contractions. The baby is also growing and there is not enough room for him in his mother’s tummy. Therefore, movements may not be as frequent.
During daytime or nighttime rest, the uterus relaxes, and the baby's activity increases. Therefore, when counting, you can detect at least 4 movements per 1 hour of mother’s rest.
Pay attention to fetal movements. If there is less movement than expected, you should tell your doctor about it.
Tests at 28 weeks
The time to go on maternity leave begins at 27-28 weeks of pregnancy. From this moment on, it is necessary to visit the gynecologist more often. Ultrasounds are often not done at this stage. During the appointment, the doctor listens, notes the woman’s pressure and weight on the chart, and measures the circumference of the abdomen and pelvis. You should still take standard pregnancy tests - urine and blood. But there are some other indicators, the values of which need to be clarified in the 3rd trimester.
Blood tests that should be taken:
- for sugar;
- for antibodies.
During pregnancy there may be diabetes. This is why blood sugar levels are so necessary. To prevent anemia from developing, the level of iron in the body is monitored.
An antibody test will reveal the Rh factor. And also the presence or absence of Rh conflict with the child, which can affect the outcome of the birth. If necessary, a special medicine is administered that will prevent the formation of antibodies to the child’s blood in the mother’s body.
Changes in the mother's body
Pregnancy 28 weeks - how many months have passed since the beginning of conception? The baby has been developing in the mother’s womb for 7 months. The woman's shape is rounded. The belly becomes much larger. It is at this time that gynecologists advise wearing a bandage.
The skin on the abdomen stretches more and more and begins to itch. Whitish stripes - stretch marks - may cover part of the abdomen. To prevent this, it is necessary to apply special gels and creams to the skin 1-2 times a day. Even simple oil or baby cream will help prevent stretch marks. In the morning and evening, rub the selected cosmetic product clockwise into the abdominal area.
Pain in the back and lower back begins around 27-28 weeks of pregnancy. Increased height, weight of the child, and a shift in the center of gravity are the causes of these pains. It is necessary to distinguish them. can lead to premature birth. With them, the tone of the uterus also increases. Radiculitis pain is associated with an enlarged abdomen and softening of the supporting ligaments and joints.
Edema
The appearance of edema is a sign that it is time to think about weight control, time to adjust your diet, and reduce fluid intake. It should be 1.5 liters per day. Liquids include not only drinks, but also soups, fruits, and milk.
Smoked, salty, fried, spicy foods cause thirst. Therefore, it is necessary to abandon such products. You should pay attention to the amount of urine excreted per day. There should be more of it than the liquid consumed.
At 28 weeks, the fetus may be affected by intense swelling and the appearance of dropsy. Late gestosis is a serious complication, so you need to be careful about your health and nutrition.
Discharge
Light, milky shades of discharge are considered normal. They should be homogeneous and have a slightly sour smell. If the discharge changes sharply, becomes yellow, gray, with clots of pus or mucus, you should immediately consult a doctor. If itching occurs and Strong smell- It is necessary to conduct a series of tests to detect infection.
Watery discharge means leakage of amniotic fluid. They can be minor or abundant. In any case, watery discharge indicates a violation of the integrity of the fetal bladder. It is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.
If you are 28 weeks pregnant, what happens when you have spotting? This means previa, placental abruption. You should definitely call an ambulance in this case. Bloody discharge may be slight and spotting. Or profuse, with sharp pain. In any case, they disrupt the normal course of pregnancy and can lead to premature contractions and childbirth.
Taking care of your health
When the 28th week of pregnancy has arrived, fetal movements are so active that they can cause pain to the mother. In this case, it is recommended to calm the baby, stroke the belly or change the position of the body.
Walking and bending are becoming more and more difficult. However, weight gain accelerates in the last trimester. Therefore, doctors advise not to engage in vigorous activity (especially if there are cramping pains), but to devote more time to leisurely walks. It is important to monitor the smoothness of your movements and not allow yourself sudden jumps or bends.
You should establish contact with the child - communicate more, stroking the belly. Sing songs, read fairy tales. The child does not yet understand words, but he is well versed in the intonations of his parents. Therefore, it is better not to swear or raise your voice. Speak calmly, softly.
Nutrition
It is better to distribute meals 5-6 times during the day. Preference should be given to small portions. Changes in taste and the appearance of unpleasant sensations often accompany pregnancy. 28 weeks - what happens in the last trimester?
The appearance of heartburn is due to the fact that as the uterus enlarges, the diaphragm also rises. It puts pressure on my stomach. Therefore, heartburn and nausea are quite acceptable.
A pregnant woman simply needs to take foods containing calcium: cheese, cottage cheese, milk. The child’s inert system continues to form, and calcium is needed by both mother and baby. But it is better to limit the intake of potatoes, flour products, and white rice - these products will contribute to fat accumulation in a woman’s body. It is better to prefer cereals. For baking, use coarse flour.
Woman's feelings
It's 28 weeks of pregnancy. The baby's movements are so noticeable that they cause inconvenience to the expectant mother. Need more rest. At this moment, your legs should be kept elevated more often to prevent varicose veins veins
It is important to monitor your posture. Back pain due to a shifted center of gravity will continue until the end of pregnancy. To prevent the spine from bending, you need to keep your back straight.
The veins on the chest become more prominent and colostrum appears. But a pregnant woman needs to remember that it is undesirable to squeeze fluid out of the glands. It is better to wash your breasts with cool water and wear special pads so as not to spoil your underwear.
Insomnia is possible in the last trimester. This is associated with frequent urination, heartburn, and thoughts about future childbirth. It's better not to focus on anxious thoughts, do not take sedatives without a doctor’s recommendation. Walking before bed, a peaceful mood, and an evening shower will help overcome night vigils.
Causes of premature birth
Premature birth is promoted by an unhealthy lifestyle - smoking, alcohol, taking drugs. But even for women who have been monitoring their health throughout pregnancy, some complications are possible (they, in turn, can lead to premature birth):
- Rubella disease during pregnancy.
- Genital infections.
- Immune incompatibility of parents and child.
- Cervical incompetence.
- Polyhydramnios, fetal development abnormalities.
- Detachment, placenta previa.
Childbirth at 28 weeks of pregnancy
During Taken measures can stop the complications that have begun. To do this, you need to see a doctor or call an ambulance. A child at 28 weeks will survive only in special conditions that the obstetrics facility can provide.
In some cases, a threat to the mother's life leads to the initiation of premature labor. Rupture of the membranes and possible infection is also a reason to start artificial labor.
It doesn't matter whether it's a caesarean section or natural childbirth, it is important to preserve the life and health of mother and child. If doctors have made a decision about surgery or artificial stimulation of activity, then the situation should be accepted without controversy.
The postpartum period proceeds in most cases in the same way as in women who give birth at term. Minor complications can keep mother and child in the hospital for some time.
By the 28th week of pregnancy, a woman’s weight gain should be 9 kg. Slightly more or slightly less weight gain is allowed. However, it is necessary to monitor the increase and adjust the diet. It’s bad if the weight is significantly higher - it will affect your overall well-being and the birth process.
The raised diaphragm props up the stomach and causes mild nausea. Therefore, it is better to sleep on a high pillow at this time. It will be most comfortable to lie on your left side - this is the position that is optimal for mother and child.
To avoid anxiety and fears before childbirth, you should add positive emotions to your life.
- Spend time with friends and relatives more often.
- Light scented candles.
- Read positive books, watch kind or funny films.
- Go to interesting exhibitions and concerts.
- Wear comfortable shoes, clothes.
- Play relaxing music.
- Choose a name for the child, talk to the baby.
At the 28th week of pregnancy, the baby’s height is already about 36-38 cm, and the toddler weighs approximately 1.3 kg. Every day the long-awaited meeting with the baby is getting closer, which is why mommy experiences a whole range of emotions. In the article we will look at what happens to the woman and baby at this stage.
28 weeks is how many months?
If you look at it, 28 obstetric weeks- what month is it, then it turns out that we're talking about exactly about 7 months. Accordingly, the seventh month is the first month of the third trimester, which means that the meeting with the baby is approaching. If we talk about the embryonic period, it differs from the obstetric period by about 10-14 days, which depends on the length of the girl’s cycle. 28 obstetric weeks are 26 embryonic weeks.
At 28 weeks of pregnancy, babies acquire personality traits. Some experts believe that it is already possible to find a child’s similarity with his mother or father. The weight of the fetus is about 1100-1300 g. If a girl is pregnant with twins, the babies will weigh a little less at this stage, approximately 100-160 g.
Important changes in the baby at 28 weeks of pregnancy:
- The brain is developing rapidly. At this stage, the hemispheres have clear outlines, and the number of convolutions increases.
- The liver produces bile, the pancreas synthesizes enzymes. Every day, intestinal motility improves. All digestive system fully functioning.
- By this time, the baby’s skeleton is fully formed and bone tissue and ligaments are now being strengthened.
- The baby's skin becomes lighter and smoother. This happens due to the accumulation of fat pads. Baby folds appear on the arms and legs, which persist even after birth.
- The child's eyes are already slightly open, he clearly sees the bright light and can react to it by squinting. It is believed that the baby is already able to focus his gaze on one point for a short time.
- At week 28, the development of the bronchial tubes is completed. The respiratory system is almost completely ready for the birth of a little person.
- Hematopoiesis now mainly occurs in the bone marrow, and not in the liver and spleen, as was the case in earlier periods.
- The kidneys are actively functioning. Paired organ removes about 1500 ml of fluid from the body.
- The child's body is covered with a special protective lubricant. It performs a protective function and also prevents the baby’s body from swelling in the amniotic fluid.
As already mentioned, the little person in the womb hears well. The little one has already learned to distinguish the mother’s voice from strangers, he is lulled by the woman’s heartbeat, bowel sounds, and with loud and harsh music the child experiences discomfort.
At 28 weeks of pregnancy, a girl is advised to talk to her little one as often as possible. You can tell fairy tales or read poetry. Positive emotions arise in babies in the womb when listening to calm, pleasant music. It is also important at this stage to exclude scandals in the family, screams, and clarified relationships. Such emotions have a negative impact on psychological state baby.
At 28 weeks of pregnancy, the mother’s hormonal levels stabilize. Now the baby’s body independently produces some hormones. In this regard, the connection between mother and baby is no longer so strong.
How does a girl feel at this time:
- The tummy reaches quite large sizes. It becomes more and more difficult for a pregnant woman to move. In particular, this applies to performing everyday housework.
- The baby's movements are becoming more and more distinct. Mommy feels tremors in various parts belly. Most of the time the child is still sleeping, but during periods of wakefulness he turns, moves his legs and arms, hiccups, plays with the umbilical cord, which the girl cannot help but feel.
- At week 28, the uterus puts pressure on all internal organs. Because of this, heartburn, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea or, conversely, constipation often occur. Indigestion does not require special treatment at this stage. Proper nutrition will help get rid of discomfort.
- Sometimes mothers experience dizziness. This condition is usually explained by anemia, which often occurs during pregnancy. For physiological anemia, no special treatment is required. If hemoglobin decreases significantly, the girl is prescribed iron supplements.
- The breasts increase significantly in size. Colostrum is secreted from the mammary glands. Now it is important to choose a high-quality and comfortable bra.
- Often at this stage, pregnant women are bothered by insomnia. If you can’t sleep, you need to try to relax and think about good things. You can take a glass of warm milk.
At week 28, mommy begins to feel chronic fatigue. This happens due to the fact that the body, including all internal organs and systems, is subjected to enormous stress. The woman is advised to exclude physical exercise, rest more often in the third trimester and visit daily fresh air. This will help improve your overall well-being.
Pain in the third trimester
There is hardly a mother who would not experience pain at 28 weeks of pregnancy. At the same time, the back, pubic bone, bones between the legs, and lower back hurt. This is due to the growth and stretching of the uterus, a shift in the center of gravity, and an increase in the load on the spine.
Many expectant mothers complain that their lower back hurts and their lower abdomen pulls, while the uterus seems to turn to stone. Such sensations arise when increased tone uterus or during training contractions. Such contractions are not a sign of the onset of labor. Most girls experience discomfort in the lower abdomen. They indicate the body’s preparation for the upcoming birth.
Read more about false contractions and the rules of behavior during them.
Ultrasound at 28-29 weeks of pregnancy
At this time, routine ultrasound examination is usually not performed. The technique is used if there are certain indications, among which are the appearance of complaints from the mother or questionable results of a previous study.
What an ultrasound can reveal at 28 weeks of pregnancy:
- location of the placenta and position of the fetus in the uterus;
- placenta previa;
- cephalic or pelvic presentation of the child;
- condition of the placenta;
- blood flow through the vessels of the umbilical cord;
- baby parameters;
- short or normal cervix;
- amount of amniotic fluid (normal, polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios).
In the picture you can see normal fetometric indicators in the fetus at 28 weeks of pregnancy.
A regular ultrasound allows you to evaluate the baby’s basic parameters, determine the gender, and listen to the heartbeat. With the help of 3D and 4D ultrasound, parents can see a real portrait of their baby and even take a photo as a keepsake.
Photo of the fetus
In this photo you can see what a baby looks like in his mother's womb.
At twenty-eight weeks, girls and boys look fully formed, and their body proportions are the same as those of newborns.
Analyzes
At the 28th week of pregnancy, the mother needs to undergo a blood test (general and biochemical), a urine test (to detect protein), and may also need a study to determine whether a Rh conflict is developing between mother and child. If a Rh conflict occurs, the woman is prescribed treatment using special drugs to prevent the synthesis of antibodies to the baby’s blood in the mother’s body.
At week 28 you will have to visit the gynecologist twice a month. During the appointment, the doctor measures blood pressure, the height of the uterine fundus, the volume of the tummy, and weight gain. On gynecological chair As a rule, no inspection is carried out.
Uterus and tummy
Despite the fact that the uterus is growing rapidly, there is less and less space for the baby in the mother’s tummy. After all, the baby is also actively gaining weight in the third trimester. It becomes harder for the baby to move. By this time, most children are in cephalic presentation. They remain in this position until childbirth.
At the 28th week of pregnancy, the fundus of the uterus rises higher, resulting in compression of the diaphragm. It becomes harder for a young mother to take a breath. Doctors determine the gestational age based on the height of the uterine fundus. This parameter is measured from the top of the uterus to the top of the pubic bone. Normally, at week 28, the height of the uterine fundus is approximately 28 cm.
Sometimes it is not possible to measure this indicator. This applies to the situation when the mother is pregnant with twins or the baby is located transversely in the tummy.
Photos of bellies
Some have round bellies, others have sharp ones. Some people have a larger circumference, while others, on the contrary, have a smaller circumference. Here, a lot depends on the constitution of the pregnant woman’s body, the number of fetuses and many other nuances.
These photographs show the bellies of mothers at 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Fetal movements
When visiting a gynecologist, the doctor will tell the woman that at 28 weeks it is already necessary to count the baby’s movements. The little one should push about 8-10 times per hour. Of course, this does not apply to the period when he is sleeping. Many girls even keep a special diary. This makes it easier to monitor your baby’s movements over time. If there are fewer tremors or the child begins to move less, you should inform your doctor about this.
The danger of premature birth
Premature birth at 27-28 weeks of gestation is considered very early. However, premature babies born at this stage often survive. If a seven-month-old baby is born without any pathologies, he has every chance of full development. Of course, for this the child needs to create the necessary conditions. But even with the right medical care many babies die.
Causes of premature birth:
- short cervix (less than 20-24 mm);
- multiple pregnancy;
- genital infections;
- rubella during pregnancy;
- polyhydramnios;
- child is too large;
- placental abruption as a result of injury;
- hormonal imbalances in the body;
- pathologies of the reproductive organs in the mother.
The above factors lead to stretching of the uterus and loss of elasticity of the organ. As a result, it contracts and tries to expel the fetus. Signs of premature birth differ little from the birth process at term. In this case, contractions, bleeding, and water discharge are observed. But if a woman gives birth at such an early stage, the injuries to the uterus and vagina are usually more serious. Sometimes it is possible to stop the process of premature birth of a baby. Mom is prescribed immunoglobulin and some other drugs.
Weight gain at 28 weeks of pregnancy
Weight gain in the third trimester depends on the woman's body mass index. This indicator can be calculated using a special table.
The results obtained are compared with the norm at 28 weeks.
With a normal body type and a BMI of 19.8 to 26, a woman should gain approximately 8.2 kg. If mommy's BMI is lower, such weight gain will be considered underweight. If, on the contrary, it is above 26, then such a weight will be considered too much.
Discharge
With a successful pregnancy at 28 weeks, there should be no discharge unpleasant odor, and their consistency should be transparent and slimy. White, brown, yellow or green secretion is considered pathological and its causes should be determined.
Another dangerous condition is leakage of amniotic fluid. This sign indicates depressurization of the placenta, which can provoke infection into the womb. If you find wet spots on your underwear, it is important to inform your gynecologist about it.
You should go to the hospital immediately if you notice bloody discharge. Even the slightest presence of blood indicates serious problems at 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Late toxicosis
Preeclampsia or late toxicosis is a dangerous complication of pregnancy in the last stages of gestation. Symptoms of this condition include:
- general disturbance of health;
- the appearance of spots before the eyes;
- diarrhea, vomiting;
- swelling;
- extrasystoles;
- confusion;
- memory impairment;
- lethargy, apathy;
- irritability.
There are several stages of the disease. The first of them is dropsy. In this case, the pregnant woman experiences swelling, which can spread to the limbs or the whole body. The second is nephropathy. This stage is characterized by the appearance of protein in the urine, increased blood pressure, and edema. The third is preeclampsia. It is characterized by pain in the abdomen and head, swelling, indigestion, and lethargy. Eclampsia is considered the final and most dangerous. It poses a threat to the life of mother and baby.
Treatment of late toxicosis is carried out using the following methods:
- absolute physical and moral peace for the pregnant woman;
- proper nutrition, enriched with all necessary vitamins and minerals;
- physiotherapeutic procedures that have a relaxing effect;
- treatment with medications to normalize the functioning of internal organs and systems.
If treatment does not give the desired effect and the pathology is constantly progressing, a decision is made to carry out an early birth. This is due to the fact that with this condition of the mother, it is more dangerous for the child to be in the womb than to be born at this time.
Nutrition
At the 28th week of pregnancy, proper nutrition is the most important aspect healthy baby development. Of course, you shouldn’t go on a strict diet and limit yourself in everything. The daily menu should be saturated with vitamins and minerals. The basis of the diet should be cereals, proteins, dairy and fermented milk products, and greens. But from the new ones exotic fruits It's better to refuse. The body's reaction to them can be unpredictable.
Often, mothers experience heartburn in the third trimester. Many are accustomed to dealing with this unpleasant condition with the help of soda, but this method of treatment cannot be used. Let's figure out how soda can be harmful. An overdose of this product causes the following consequences:
- violation of acid-base balance;
- disruption of the heart and blood vessels;
- the woman feels nauseous and may even develop vomiting.
Due to such a number side effects, you need to take soda correctly. It is recommended to drink it exclusively on an empty stomach and not with water, but with warm milk. In addition, you can take the so-called fizzy drink no more than once per day.
Cold treatment
At twenty-eight weeks of pregnancy, a cold does not pose such a threat to the baby as in earlier stages, but this only applies to ordinary ARVI. If cough, nasal congestion and fever appear due to diseases such as rubella or chickenpox, the woman needs urgent medical attention.
What to do if you have a common cold:
- It is recommended to treat a runny nose by rinsing the nose with saline solution;
- Mint candies or warm tea with honey will help with a sore throat;
- For fever you can take Paracetamol.
A pregnant woman needs to rest more and drink plenty of fluids. If your temperature rises to high levels or other alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
