This article helps those expectant mothers who are 28 weeks pregnant. It provides some information on what should be expected at this stage with respect to changes in their body and the development of their baby.
This is the stage when an expectant mother has just stepped into the 7th month of pregnancy or the third trimester. The long wait and crucial days are finally going to be over for her. It is the time when the much anticipated feelings of giving birth overwhelm one and simultaneously the pain of labor frightens her a bit. Soft kicks with tiny legs and perception of sudden movement from inside the womb are not the only signs that are felt. One would start fantasizing the baby developing inside, until the day of labor arrives.
Symptoms
There are certain strange observations during the final trimester. One need not worry if she is perceiving some of the symptoms mentioned below. Frequent mood swings and sudden pain at different body parts often make one restless. Whatever each pregnant women experiences may not be the same as it differs in each case. Here are some of the symptoms:
Pain and Cramps
Gripping cramps are very common during this period. Cramping during pregnancy is very normal unless the pain is beyond toleration. Cramps at the back and the abdomen make one feel tired and restless.
Secretion of Colostrum
The activity of hormones estrogen and progesterone get triggered, that causes secretion of a pale fluid known as colostrum. One observes this symptom as soon as the second trimester gets over and she enters the third trimester, i.e. 7 months of pregnancy. It is a positive sign for the breasts to prepare for lactation.
Weight Gain and Heaviness
The baby is in the final stage of development and the uterus expands to accommodate the baby. So if one is wondering whether weight gain and a heavy feel is normal enough, then that is the true feeling of carrying a baby inside and a genuine feeling of pre-labor period.
Increased Rate of Urination
Frequent urination occurs due to increase in the size of uterus that puts much stress over urinary bladder. This is normally felt during the onset of the third trimester.
Bleeding from Gums
The rate of blood flow increases during pregnancy. Bleeding gums is often observed during the entire phase while some women experience it only during this trimester. Intermittent nose bleeding is also one of the symptoms.
How’s the Baby?
What one should expect from the baby is good health and adequate growth. At 28th week, all the vital organs of the baby have formed and they are capable of functioning perfectly. He/she weighs approximately 2.5 pounds and is almost 16 inches long. The baby is also capable of all involuntary actions like coughing, sneezing, hiccuping, and sucking. One of the most interesting aspect is that the baby can perform rapid eye movements.
During this time, the uterus further expands and the baby’s head gets positioned close to the uterus opening. It’s very normal for you to experience a sharp numbing pain as the baby sits into the sciatica nerve, that runs from the back, hips, and legs. One is most likely to have a similar experience when they become 36 weeks pregnant. Apart from all these experiences and expectations, a healthy diet during pregnancy is vital not only for the proper growth and development of the baby but also for the pregnant woman. Moreover, one should stay cheerful and active and set their mind for a successful delivery.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.