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What Can I Expect Pregnancy Week 28?

How Far along/How Far to Go

At 28 weeks into your pregnancy, you have 12 to go.

40 weeks is the standard average for the length of a pregnancy. The countdown begins on the first day of your last normal period. March of Dimes recently released findings that the average length of pregnancy for women in the US is 39 weeks.

What Trimester?

You are currently in your third trimester.

During the third trimester, most of the changes your body will undergo will be a result of carrying the extra weight of the baby including backaches and swollen ankles. The baby will open its eyes and begin to gain weight rapidly. The baby is considered full term by the end of week 37.

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience

Trimester 3

The sometimes not so pleasant symptoms of pregnancy during week 28 may include frequent urination, shortness of breath, hemorrhoids, heartburn, swelling of the ankles, tender breasts, difficulty sleeping, contractions.

Changes in Your Body

Weight Gain

You can expect to gain about one pound per week during your third trimester.

You can expect to gain 25-35 pounds total during your pregnancy.

The weight you will gain will depend on how much you weighed prior to pregnancy. Those who were overweight will need to gain less weight, those who were underweight will need to gain slightly more, and those carrying multiple births will require additional weight gain.

Your Baby

Baby Size

At 28 weeks, your baby is about 15.75 inches from head to toe, and weighs about 2.4 pounds.

Baby Development

Branches of lungs are developing increasing your baby's chance of survival if born prematurely. She has opened her eyes and experiences rapid eye movement (REM).