You are now in the third and final trimester of your pregnancy. The most weight gain and the most rapid fetal development take place during this time. You can probably feel your baby change position (rolling) and may even be able to ‘see’ your abdomen move along with baby.
Fears about labor and delivery can be natural at this time. If you are apprehensive about being able to take the pain, find out about pain relief options. There are epidurals or spinal blocks that prevent a woman feeling the labor pain. Then there are short and long acting narcotics – they are safe for baby, but will cause baby to be a bit groggy after birth. Learning breathing techniques can also help manage pain.
Changes in the baby
Improved muscle, eye and brain function means more activity within the womb and this could mean that you’re being kept up all hours by baby’s gymnastics.
- The baby is gaining about 28 grams each day now.
- Baby weighs well over 2 pounds now, and is about 14 inches in length.
- He or she is developing eyelashes.
- Baby is now blinking quite a bit and is probably responding to the light he or she senses through the abdominal wall.
- The fine hair (lanugo) that covered your baby may be disappearing now, but the hair on the head may be flourishing.
Changes in the mom to be
Many of the problems of later pregnancy that you feel now, will probably make you wish dearly for the delivery date to arrive.
- As in the early part of your pregnancy you may have to rush to the bathroom rather more frequently again. Bladder control can be a problem as the uterus puts more pressure on the bladder.
- Pronounced backache could be a problem now as the belly grows even larger and heavier.
Tips for the 28th Week
As you strive to keep fit and continue to be active, here’s what to keep in mind:
- If you do weights, you may want to lighten up now. Lifting heavy weights could mean lesser blood flow to the uterus because you may hold your breath. Also loosened ligaments increase the chances of injury.
- Keep an eye on your heart rate and don’t let it accelerate too much. It is best to keep exercise steady and moderate with emphasis on prenatal stretches.
- Practice Kegels for sure. This helps strengthen pelvic floor muscles in preparation for labor and delivery, and will also keep incontinence at bay.