Week Twenty Eight Of Pregnancy
Week 28 Of Your Baby’s Development!
Your baby is the size of a kabocha squash
About 15 inches long now and over two pounds (about the size of a kabocha squash) , baby’s major move this week is to move into a vertical position, so either head down or bum down. Head down is the ideal position for birth, however your baby still has time to take on and settle into this position and he may choose to do it later.
He is ‘breathing’ more efficiently now, sucking his fingers, hiccuping and also blinking and coughing now.
Studies show that baby may be dreaming too- brainwave mapping indicates the REM (rapid eye movement) you see when a deep sleeper is having a dream.
Week 28 Of Your Health, Mind & Body Changes
This is a stage when you may actually start losing sleep because of baby’s kicking and turning as he takes up more room.
Sciatica is common now (particularly in moms who have pre-existing back conditions) because baby’s new position may put his head right over your sciatic nerve. Tender breasts and sometimes lumps in your breasts, are common but should not be ignored.
Pregnancy is drawing to its last leg but it is not really accurate to say that you are probably enjoying it. Chances are the oversized belly, the aches and pains, cramping and anxiety are getting on your nerves this trimester. Light headed-ness, swollen ankles and hands plus fainting spells are all common symptoms. Stay as active as you can without straining your muscles and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
Pre-eclampsia is pregnancy related condition to be aware of as it’s serious and affects about 5% of pregnant women. It’s most common if it’s your first pregnancy, but you are also at more risk of developing it second time around if you get it the first time. If it’s an issue it may be discovered at one of your routine antenatal check ups, however if you experience any of the following be sure to contact your caregiver immediately for assessment:
Signs of Pre-eclampsia
-Sudden or excessive swelling in your feet or ankles
-vision disturbances such as blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, loss of vision or seeing double
-Headaches that are severe or persist
-Nausea or vomiting
-Abdominal pain
Week 28 Of Your Next Steps!
- Heating pads help deal with sciatic pain and so do stretching exercises.
Try This: the ‘child pose’, ‘table top’ and ‘knees rocking’ stretch for 2 mins, several times a day are stretches that can help with sciatica. Just be sure to check with your caregiver first that they have no problem with you doing these.
- Rest up when you are feeling the pains really badly and don’t forget to keep yourself rested and calm as much as possible. It might sound cliche but a positive mindset really helps you deal better with the discomforts you are facing.
- If you haven’t done so already, this is a good time to start exploring childbirth classes and even join one so that you are somewhat prepared for all that childbirth may throw at you.
