28weeks
pregnant

Highlights this week

Discover ways to soothe itchy skin.

What does it mean if you're measuring large for dates?

See how your baby is growing in our 3D video.

Baby development at 28 weeks

Your baby can now open their eyes and will turn their head towards the source of a continuous bright light. Their fingernails are budding, and fat layers are beginning to form as they get ready for life outside your uterus (womb).

If you like the thought of interacting with your baby while they're still inside you, then singing and reading to them is a good way to do it. The nerve pathways to your baby's ears are complete now. Don't worry if you feel uncomfortable communicating with your baby in this way. It's not for everyone, and your baby already hears everything you say anyway.

Read more about your baby's development this week.
See for yourself how your baby is growing in our 3D video.
See other BabyCenter mums' baby bumps at 28 to 30 weeks of pregnancy.

Your baby blinks in response to light filtering through your uterus
Billions of new nerve cells are being added to the brain
Your baby's eyelashes may be visible
The intestines are lengthening and coiling inside your baby's abdomen

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Your baby weighs as much as an eggplant

length

37.6

head to toe

weight

Pregnancy symptoms at 28 weeks

There's not long to go now. You're into your final trimester, which lasts until the end of your pregnancy, usually 40 weeks or beyond. You may see your doctor or midwife more often from now on. You don't have to wait for an appointment if you want to discuss anything - just ring.

You're probably torn over how you feel. You may be thinking, "I've been pregnant forever", and "Help, I'm not ready for this." You're certainly not the only one! Swapping experiences with other mums-to-be in your antenatal class can be reassuring.

Your baby will probably get into a head-down position between now and week 36
Your healthcare provider may recommend noticing your baby's pattern of movements

How your life is changing

If you're having your baby in hospital or a birth centre, find out if it offers a tour, so you know what to expect. You could also read some of our real-life birth stories to help you prepare for the big day.

If you're a birth partner, how do you feel about seeing your partner go through childbirth? Knowing what happens during labour is a good way to prepare yourself for this life-changing event. Then read tips from other people who've been a birth partner to find out more.

Sometimes, things don't go as expected during labour and birth. Your baby may need help to be born. Read up on assisted birth and caesarean section, so you're well-prepared.

What you need to know

Do you have stepchildren, and have you found your feelings towards them have changed now you're pregnant? This is a perfectly normal response.
Make a list of the things you need to put in your hospital bag just in case you need to go in early. And find out what should go in a partner's hospital bag, and how a caesarean hospital bag might be different.
How much do you know about breastfeeding? Check your know-how.
Feeling a strange bump inside? Find out if it's normal for your unborn baby to hiccup

Pregnancy tip: sleep easier

"Now that it's later in my pregnancy, I find that if I sleep on my side with a pillow tucked underneath my belly, I don't wake up at night."
Lotty

Danielle Townsend

Danielle Townsend is a content and communications specialist. She was an editor at BabyCenter for over a decade.

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