Week 28
(counting
from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 26
Weeks After Conception
 Fetal
Development:
Our little miracle is growing
and developing at an astonishing rate! Eyebrows and
eyelashes are now present, and the hair on the head is
growing. The eyelids open, and the eyes are completely
formed. The body is getting plumper and rounder (weighs
about 2 pounds) and is composed of around 2 to 3% body
fat. Muscle tone is gradually improving. The lungs are
capable of breathing air but if the baby is born now, it
would struggle to properly breathe. Be sure to talk to
your baby a lot because s/he can recognize your voice
now!
Multiples: If born now,
your babies have a 90% chance for survival. Let's hope
they stay put for awhile though!
Maternal
Changes:
Welcome to the third trimester ~
the period of leg cramps, hemorrhoids, varicose veins,
itchy skin, aches and pains, swelling, heartburn,
indigestion and . . . your baby's arrival!
Your
uterus is around 3 inches above your navel; average
weight gain is between 17 and 24 pounds at this point.
If you haven't had a glucose tolerance test yet to test
for gestational diabetes, your care provider may order
one this week.
Multiples: You're
probably feeling really heavy now with lots of pelvic
pressure and backaches. It probably feels like the
babies are sitting on your rectum and bladder - and they
are! Warm baths can help. Be good to yourself and gets
lots of help.
Third Trimester
Careprovider Appointments:
In routine
pregnancies, your health-care provider appointments may
be every two weeks from week 28 to 36, with weekly
appointments from week 36 until delivery.
During
these appointments, your doctor/midwife will check the
size and height of your uterus to be certain your baby
is growing appropriately. Your weight and blood pressure
will be checked as well as your urine for signs of
infection, sugar, and protein. As the due date
approaches, the baby's position is checked and vaginal
exams are performed to check for cervical dilatation.
If any high-risk situations are noted (pre-eclampsia,
PIH - Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension, gestational
diabetes, placenta previa), care provider visits will be
more frequent and more tests may be advised.
Be
sure to take a list of questions and concerns to your
appointments. It's normal to have questions and worries
about labor this trimester so don't be shy! Ask! Ask!
Ask!
Ideas for Dad:
It's the
last trimester! Go out and celebrate with a special date
to shop for something for the baby or a few maternity
outfits for Mom. Treat Mom to an olive oil tummy massage
or foot massage.
This isn't an easy trimester for
Mom. Dad's support can go a long way to make it easier.
Stay involved Dad! You're needed more than ever now.
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