Baby is the size of a eggplant
👶 Baby's development
Third trimester begins! Baby weighs 1 kg. The brain is forming folds. Hiccups may occur.
💛 How mom feels
Doctor visits every 2 weeks. Blood tests, antibodies. Start preparing your hospital bag.
📖 Tip of the week
The third trimester begins! The baby can blink, cough, and hiccup — you've probably felt that already. Iron needs increase — anemia at this stage is common; check your hemoglobin levels. Doctor visits become more frequent — every 2 weeks.
🔬 Detailed baby development
- The third trimester begins — the final stretch of pregnancy
- The fetus can blink, and the eyes can detect light filtering through the abdominal wall
- Brain development accelerates with billions of neurons forming connections
- The fetus develops a regular pattern of movement with defined active and rest periods
- The lungs continue to produce surfactant, though they still need several more weeks to mature fully
- The fetus is about 37.6 cm long and weighs approximately 1,000 grams (1 kg), roughly the size of a large eggplant
🤱 What mom may feel
- Shortness of breath increases as the uterus takes up more space
- Braxton Hicks contractions become more frequent and noticeable
- Difficulty sleeping due to the belly size, frequent urination, and general discomfort
- Leaking colostrum (early breast milk) from the nipples may begin
- Fatigue returns as the body works harder to support the growing baby
- Sciatic nerve pain (shooting pain down the buttock and leg) may develop
🏥 Tests and check-ups
The glucose tolerance test must be completed by now. If Rh-negative, you will receive the first Rh immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) injection this week to prevent Rh sensitization. A complete blood count (CBC) checks for anemia. Your provider may recommend Tdap vaccination (whooping cough) between weeks 27-36 to pass protective antibodies to the baby.
💡 Tips for this week
- Begin formal kick counting: count 10 movements within 2 hours at the same time each day
- Get the Tdap vaccine (pertussis/whooping cough) to protect your newborn
- Encourage close family members who will be around the baby to get Tdap and flu vaccines
- Address any fears or concerns about labor and delivery with your provider or a prenatal counselor
- Ensure your car seat is properly installed — many fire stations offer free inspections
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the RhoGAM shot?
RhoGAM is an injection of Rh immunoglobulin given to Rh-negative mothers to prevent their immune system from attacking the baby's Rh-positive blood cells. It is given at 28 weeks and again within 72 hours of delivery if the baby is Rh-positive.
Why is the Tdap vaccine recommended during pregnancy?
Getting Tdap between 27-36 weeks allows your body to produce antibodies that pass to the baby through the placenta. This protects the newborn from whooping cough (pertussis) during the first months of life before the baby receives their own vaccinations.
How do I do kick counts?
Choose a time when your baby is usually active. Lie on your side or sit comfortably and count each movement (kicks, rolls, punches). You should feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours. If you notice a significant decrease, contact your provider.
Is it normal to feel tired again?
Yes, third-trimester fatigue is very common. Your body is working hard to support significant fetal growth, your blood volume is near its peak, and sleep quality often decreases. Rest when possible and accept help from others.
📝 Week 28 of pregnancy: preparing for birth
At 28 weeks, your baby has reached a major milestone — they are now considered to have entered the third trimester and have an excellent chance of survival if born prematurely. Your baby measures approximately 37 cm from crown to heel and weighs around 1 kg — roughly the size of a large aubergine. The brain is developing rapidly, forming the characteristic folds and grooves that increase its surface area, while the lungs are maturing and beginning to produce surfactant, the substance that allows them to inflate after birth. Your baby’s eyes can now open and close, and they can distinguish between light and dark through the uterine wall.
You may be feeling noticeably more tired as your bump grows and your body works harder to support your baby. Braxton Hicks contractions — irregular, painless tightenings of the uterus — are common from this point and are simply your body practising for labour. Heartburn, shortness of breath, and backache are all typical third-trimester complaints as the growing uterus puts pressure on surrounding organs. Many women also experience swelling in the ankles and feet, especially towards the end of the day; rest with your legs elevated when possible.
Your midwife will now see you more frequently — typically every 2 to 4 weeks until 36 weeks. At your 28-week appointment, you will be offered a glucose tolerance test if you have risk factors for gestational diabetes, as well as a blood test to check your iron levels and blood group. If you are Rhesus negative, you will be offered an anti-D injection at around 28 weeks to protect future pregnancies. This is also an important time to discuss your birth plan with your midwife and ask any questions about your options for labour and birth.
Begin practising kick counting regularly now — you should feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours during your baby’s active periods, though the pattern matters more than the exact number. If you notice a significant reduction in your baby’s movements, contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away — never wait until the next day. Ensure you are eating iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals to protect against anaemia. Begin thinking about your hospital bag and start gathering items you will need for the birth and the first days with your newborn.
⚠️ When to see a doctor
- Vaginal bleeding
- Sudden decrease in baby movements (fewer than 10 in 2 hours)
- Severe headache or seeing spots
- Swelling of face, hands, or sudden leg swelling
- Leaking or gushing of amniotic fluid
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks (every 10 minutes)
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
Sources
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care (2016)
- ACOG Practice Bulletins
- Williams Obstetrics, 26th Edition
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