Pregnancy Week 28

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself. --Anna Quindlen

What happens to you?

You will probably begin to see your healthcare practitioner every two weeks now. Some women really like the added visits, because they can watch their progress more closely. If you haven't discussed your labor and delivery plan with your practitioner, now is a good time to start.

If you have taken childbirth classes you have a good idea of the pain and delivery interventions and alternatives associated in childbirth. If you haven't, please do some reading on the subject. The most common things that people have questions about are: episiotomy, fetal monitoring, and pain relief.

Some women will want to use a birth plan to convey their wishes for their labor, birth and postpartum. This is a good communication tool between you, your labor coach and your doctor.

Your breasts may leak colostrum (a clear fluid) now, although if they do not leak, this is not an indication that something is wrong. You may also find out what your blood type is. Some women, if Rh negative, may need a shot called Rhogam to prevent complications. If you know the birthfather's blood type, and he is also negative, then you are safe.

What happens to the baby?

The baby's eyelashes are developing. Subcutaneous (under the skin) fat is being deposited. If the baby is a boy, his testes will probably begin descending. The baby is about 13.8 inches long (35 cms) and weighs about 2 pounds 4 ounces (1 kilogram).

A baby born at this time has a good chance of survival with the help of medical technology.

Return to Pregnancy Calendar or continue to Week 29