Week 28: Beginning of the Third Trimester
The twenty‑eighth week marks the start of the third trimester. The final stage of pregnancy begins!
Baby size: Eggplant (110-115 mm)
Baby development
Little Dreamer Gaining Weight
Your baby is actively accumulating subcutaneous fat, smoothing his wrinkled skin. He can already blink, and his eyelashes have become longer.
What’s happening this week:
- Brain: Continues to develop rapidly, forming billions of neurons.
- Lungs: They can breathe air, but still need time to fully mature.
- Sleep: The baby sleeps most of the day, and likely dreams, as indicated by rapid eye movement phases.
- Position: He may start turning head‑down, preparing for birth, although the final position will be achieved later.
Your fetus weighs about 1 kg, and its length is over 37 centimeters.
Changes for mom
More Frequent Doctor Visits and New Symptoms
With the start of the third trimester, your medical care becomes more intensive. This is necessary to monitor your condition and the baby’s health.
What you may notice:
- Shortness of breath: The enlarged uterus presses on the diaphragm, making deep breaths more difficult.
- Back pain: Remains a common issue due to the shift in the center of gravity.
- Heartburn and constipation: May worsen due to uterine pressure on the digestive system.
- Practice contractions: You may feel them more often.
Regular doctor visits are the key to your peace of mind. Learn more about what happens during them in the article "Prenatal Care: Your Guide to Doctor Visits".
Overview
Week 28: Start of the Third Trimester!
Welcome to the start of the third trimester! Ahead are the final three months, filled with active growth, preparation, and sweet anticipation of meeting your baby.
He is now the size of a large eggplant and already weighs about 1 kilogram. His chances of survival in case of preterm birth are very high, although he still needs significant medical support for lung development.
For you, this is a time when doctor visits become more frequent (usually every two weeks). You may feel more fatigued, and the rapidly growing belly brings new comfort challenges. This is normal—your body is doing a monumental job.
The third trimester is a marathon distance before the finish line. Focus on rest, a positive mood, and preparing your "nest" for the arrival of the new family member.
To know what to expect during this final stage, read our detailed overview "Third Trimester: What You Need to Know".
Tips for mom
Counting Movements and Preparing the “Nest”
This is a great time to start monitoring your baby’s activity more closely and finish preparing the home.
What to do:
- Start counting your baby’s movements. Your doctor may recommend doing this daily. It’s a simple way to ensure the baby is fine.
- Sleep semi‑upright. If you’re bothered by heartburn or shortness of breath, try sleeping with a few pillows under your back.
- Discuss pain relief options for labor with your doctor. Learn about all available options, their pros and cons.
- Start washing and preparing baby items. It’s a pleasant and soothing “nesting” process.
Knowing about pain‑relief methods will help you feel more confident. Read about it in the article "Pain Relief During Labor".
Tips for partner
Safety Lead and Big Purchases
Your role becomes increasingly practical. Now you can take several very important tasks that will ensure safety and comfort.
Your contribution to joint preparation:
- Install the car seat. Don’t postpone this to the last minute. Read the instructions carefully and ensure the seat is installed correctly.
- Help her with “nesting”. Assemble the crib, hang shelves, help lay out baby items.
- Be her advocate. Discuss the birth plan together so you can support her wishes in the delivery room.
- Watch her comfort. Remind her to rest, bring water, give massages.
Proper installation of the car seat is critically important. Avoiding mistakes is helped by our article "Common Mistakes When Using a Car Seat".
Checklist
Your Action Plan for Week 28
We enter the third trimester prepared.
- ✅ Learn from your doctor how to correctly count your baby’s movements.
- 🚗 Install the baby car seat in the car.
- 🧺 Wash the first set of baby items with a hypoallergenic detergent.
- 💊 Discuss pain‑relief options for labor with your doctor.
- 📝 Finalize your birth plan.
- 📚 Get inspired for preparation by reading the article "Preparing the Home and Room".