My Pregnancy Week 28
Baby
Your baby continues to grow and develop inside of you. Measuring 14.8 inches long, she weighs 2
1/4 lbs. She will continue to gain body fat in the coming weeks to prepare her for life outside of your womb.
At 28 weeks, your baby can recognize your voice! Her eyes continue to develop this week and her brain is developing millions of neurons. The hair on her head continues to grow. Muscle tone in her body steadily develops, and even though her lungs are now capable of breathing air, it would be difficult for her if she were born now.
Mom
Congratulations! You made it to the third trimester!
How are you feeling? The average weight gain by week 28 is 17-24 lbs. Don't worry if yours is a little more or less. If you have any concerns, as always, speak to your healthcare provider. In your last trimester, you should be seeing your healthcare provider every two weeks so there should be plenty of opportunities to raise any concerns that you might have. In fact, it's a good idea to keep a pad and pen with you to jot down any questions. Having a list of questions at your appointment is a great way to make sure all of your concerns are addressed.
If any high-risk situations are detected on a routine visit, like preeclampsia, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes or placenta previa, you may be asked to visit your physician more often.
Are you thinking of using a Birth Plan? No matter what kind of birth you are planning, a written birth plan, or a written statement about you and your partner's preferences for your labor and birth, may be a good idea.
Bringing a copy of this plan with you to the hospital is a simple way to inform the people who will come in to contact with you of your preferences for the birth. There is no "one way" or "correct" way to compose a birth plan. Some can be several pages long, and address every aspect of the birth; other mothers simply compose a short paragraph.
Below you will find some questions that your birth plan may address:
- Do you want a routine IV, a heparin/saline lock, or nothing at all?
- Do you want to listen to music? Did you bring any music?
- Do you want access to a tub or shower?
- Do you want pain medications? Do you have a preference for which pain medications you want?
- Do you want an episiotomy?
- Is there a position in which you would prefer to give birth?
Some mother's find that composing a birth plan helps to relieve some stress or anxiety that may be surrounding the big day. So, if you can, set aside some time to discuss your needs with your partner and familiarize yourself with the many options available to you for the birth.
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