You’re one week into the third trimester. Only 12 or so weeks left until you meet your baby. If you haven’t done so, you might want to schedule a childbirth class and a tour of the facilities where you’ll be delivering your baby. Some hospitals offer birthing classes during which you may receive a hospital tour. These information sessions can also help you develop a birth plan.

On your radar this week: Your doctor will likely talk to you about your Rh status. The Rh factor is a protein found in most people’s red blood cells, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). If you have this protein, you’re Rh positive, and if you don’t have it, you’re Rh negative. 

Your status usually doesn’t matter much until you're pregnant. Problems can occur, for example, if you’re Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive. This incompatibility might cause your immune system to view your baby’s blood cells as “foreign” substances and mobilize antibodies to attack them.

If you’re Rh negative, you’ll likely need an injection of Rh-immune globulin this week to prevent the development of those antibodies. 

At 28 weeks, your baby is as big as a head of lettuce. They’re putting on more layers of fat, which are smoothing out their once-wrinkled skin. 

You likely see your doctor or midwife every two weeks at this point in your pregnancy. At your next visit, your health care provider may suggest starting “kick counts” – a catchy phrase for tracking your baby’s movements. 

A good time to start kick counts is when your baby is more active, like after you eat a meal. Get comfortable on the couch and place your hands on your abdomen. The ACOG recommends that you keep track of how long it takes you to feel 10 kicks, rolls, or other strong movements. Ideally, you want to feel 10 baby movements in a 2-hour window, but if you don’t, it’s okay. If you’re concerned about your baby’s movements, contact your health care provider. They’ll be able to let you know what numbers are right for you and your baby.

28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Leaky Breasts

By now you’re probably no stranger to pregnancy changing your breasts. But what about leaky boobs? It’s totally normal for your breasts to leak before your baby is born and also normal if they don’t. Your breasts are producing a yellowish substance called colostrum, which will be your baby’s first food if you breastfeed. 

Colostrum, also known as liquid gold, is special milk that’s great for newborns because it’s full of nutrients and easy to digest. If your breasts are leaking during pregnancy, you can use a syringe to collect and store colostrum.

If the leaking liquid is bothering you, make sure to buy some reusable breast pads (like our Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads) to pop into your bra.

Sciatica

As you get closer to the end of your pregnancy, your baby’s head and your growing uterus may rest on the sciatic nerve in the lower part of your spine.

You may feel sharp, shooting pain, tingling, or numbness that starts in your butt and radiates down the back of your legs. This is known as sciatica. 

The pain of sciatica can be quite severe. However, the pain may come and go as your baby shifts positions. It can also persist until you’ve delivered your baby. 

Try a pregnancy belly band, heating pad, warm bath, or bed rest to help with the discomfort. Having good posture while sitting can also help reduce irritation. Check out our guide to maintaining good posture during pregnancy for more information.  

Baby on Board

Your baby at 28 weeks is between 14 inches and 15 inches long. They weigh about 2.25 pounds. Your baby might begin shifting and settling into the proper position for birth, but don’t panic if they aren’t head down yet. Most babies settle into this position between 32 weeks and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Under Construction: Sweet Dreams 

Your baby’s brain has been busy developing different sleep cycles, including the stage when dreaming occurs.

Under Construction: Blinking 

Your baby’s eyes have been shut, but now they can open and shut. There’s not much to look at in your growing uterus, but your baby will have plenty of new things to look at and discover when they’re born. 

Under Construction: Nervous System

By week 28, your baby’s autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary movements) is taking on more responsibility for your baby’s body temperature and rhythmic breathing movements.

What to Wear This Week

Looking for something as comfortable as it is cozy? Our Classic Nursing & Maternity Sweater has the look and feel of a non-nursing sweater while being functional for pumping and nursing. A must for pregnant moms who love looking cute, this streamlined nursing staple is a perfect work-to-play addition to your maternity wardrobe.

Treat yourself (and your pregnant boobs) to something nice this week, like our Minimalist Maternity & Nursing Plunge Bra. This ultra-comfy nursing bra looks and feels like your favorite non-maternity bra. The modern plunging neckline means this T-shirt nursing bra can be worn with a variety of nursing tops and maternity dresses. Did we mention the no-fuss, built-in padding? 

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice that has been medically reviewed. Please reach out to your doctor or midwife with any questions.