This patient support community is for discussions relating to pregnancy concerns for teens, ages 13-17. Please note, this community is not intended to discuss how to conceive. Questions regarding this will be removed.
Week 28
What Is Happening To Your Body
As your uterus grows, it is not uncommon to experience round ligament pain. This is usually a sharp pain in the pelvic area and is a normal symptom of pregnancy.
Other normal symptoms of the third semester may include heartburn, hemorrhoids, constipation, urinary incontinence, swelling and itchy skin. Your breasts may also begin leaking colostrum, your baby’s first milk.
Your doctor probably sent for some blood tests early in your pregnancy. One of these blood tests screens for Rh factor, a substance found in blood cells. If your Rh factor doesn’t match your baby’s, your doctor may provide a vaccine this week and again after delivery to prevent any potential problems.
What Is Happening To Your Baby
Your baby now measures about 14.8 inches (37.6 cm) long from head to heel, or roughly the length of a Chinese cabbage. At this point your baby weighs roughly 2.2 pounds (997.9g).
Your baby’s brain is now developing its folds and grooves (called gyri and sulci, respectively), and he or she continues to add layers of fat to its body. Your baby’s muscle tone is also improving. This means increased movement, which might wake you up at night.
If your baby is a male, his testes will likely begin descending this week.
Your healthcare provider might tell you if your baby is head down (where the head is closest to your vagina, the proper birth position), feet first or bottom first, also known as the breech position. If your baby is in the breech position, you might need a cesarean section, or C-section, to deliver. However, your baby still has a few weeks to move into its final birth position.
Ultrasound images courtesy of GE Healthcare
The clinical images and information presented in this application represent normal fetal growth during a typical pregnancy. The images and information are to be used for educational purposes only and not for diagnostic purposes. Please consult a licensed physician regarding any specific questions pertaining to your pregnancy.