Pregnancy

Pregnancy Week 28

Baby Development

Congrats on making it to the third trimester. By this week, the baby had reached 15 inches if measured head to toe and weigh around one kilogram. The head tilts downward, And The baby is now getting into the position for birth. The baby can now make rapid eye movements or REM and blink. The baby has likely started dreaming and can stick the tongue out of the face.

Changes in mother

By this week, the mother would find herself very uncomfortable. There would be constant strong kicks that would keep you awake at night. There would be swollen feet, tiredness, and a headache. There would be a tingling sensation, sharp pain, and numbness in the bottom part of your body because the baby’s location puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. These sensations are collectively called sciatica, and they vary from mild to severe, subject to the position and movement of the baby. The skin also would feel very sensitive, particularly the skin in the belly. There would be dry patches, rashes, and irritation.

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Pregnancy Week 28 symptoms

A few symptoms from the last week, like dizziness, symphysis pubis dysfunction, gas, and a Stuffy nose, continue to linger. Some of the common symptoms this week include

Melasma, or the mask of pregnancy, is called due to skin Hyperpigmentation by the pregnancy hormones. It is more common in mothers who have dark skin. It can manifest as moles, linea nigra, and patches of different colors like brown, blue, and grey. It can be aggravated by the sun.
Sensitive skin, the pregnancy hormone, and the skin’s stretching due to the increased size of the uterus make you extra sensitive to external factors. These external factors include sun, heat, chemicals, or food items.
Bleeding gums is a common symptom of pregnancy where the hormones cause swelling to the gums and make them prone to the attack of bacteria. Hence, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential.

Important Tips

What to do

You should find out what your and your baby’s RH status is. It is to avoid any antibodies deadlock
Increase your uptake of iron and vitamin C. You can have food rich in them during your mealtime
Register for a childbirth class that will help you during your delivery
Go for a tour of the hospital and prepare for everything related to the birth.

What to avoid

Avoid fish oil supplements as they can cause you to Burp.
Avoid any sweet stuff that would cause your gums to inflame.

When to Consult a Doctor

To talk about circumcision for a boy if your religion requires it.
To talk about changes in your breast.
To be Prepared for birth.

Takeaway

This week, your baby will have reached 15 inches in length and around a kilogram in weight. Mother would have headaches, swollen feet, tiredness, pain, and numbness. She might also develop the mask of pregnancy, which is skin patches around the body. She should also have sensitive skin and bleeding gums. The mother should avoid any supplements and sweet stuff.

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