28 weeks pregnant
28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
Last week, your baby opened his or her eyes for the first time. This week, if you shine a bright light against your abdomen, baby may even open his or her eyes and turn away from the light.
Loud and clear. Your baby’s brain waves indicate that he or she is responding to sounds in the environment. The patterns are also starting to show differences during sleep. These sleep cycles will become clearer and more distinct closer to your due date.
Breathe easy. This is a vital stage in your baby's lung development. When he or she takes that first breath, the lungs will send oxygen to the blood vessels, which then circulate it throughout the body. Your baby is also manufacturing surfactant to keep the air sacs from sticking together, which will allow him or her to breathe properly after birth. The bronchial tubes are maturing, dividing into smaller and smaller branches.
28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms
Rh follow-up. If preliminary blood tests showed that you're Rh negative, you'll be given an injection of Rhogam this week, just in case your baby is Rh positive. This shot will keep your body from producing antibodies to any of your baby's blood cells that may have crept into your circulation. Your little one’s Rh will be tested straight after birth; if positive, you'll be given another injection of Rhogam to protect future pregnancies.
The mark of pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, stretch marks may appear on your abdomen, breasts, hips and thighs. Most experts agree that there's not much you can do to avoid it, but applying cream or oil can’t hurt. Chalk it up to genetics–if your mother got them, you’ll probably get them too. The good news? Stretch marks usually fade after birth.
Two left feet. Your shifting centre of gravity, along with your loosened joints, can make for a lot of bumping into tables and tripping over your own toes. Try and limit the spills by wearing flat shoes and slowing down.
Did you know? Your baby’s eyes are beginning to open and can even blink! If you shine a torch close to your abdomen, baby may even respond by kicking.
Quick tip for moms. Seeing stretch marks? You can’t make them go away, but you can minimise them by moderating your weight gain, eating a healthy diet, drinking lots of water, exercising regularly and applying a cream to decrease the dryness or itching of your skin. After your pregnancy is over, the stretch marks will fade from red to a silver colour.
28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Apply cream or lotion to help with itching skin
Ditch the heels and stick with flats to help prevent tripping and falling
Decide who you would like to be with you for support during labor
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