28 weeks of pregnancy: all information on the 7th month
You have finally entered the third and final trimester of pregnancy! Can you believe it? There are only three months left for you to hold the baby that has grown inside your belly in the last 9 months. A whirlwind of conflicting emotions overwhelms you, but you try to focus only on the beautiful things and to live the final part of this incredible journey serenely. But what exactly happens during the 28th week of pregnancy? At what point is the fetus growing? Read this article and find out all the information you need!
But before reading, watch this video and find out how to pamper your baby when it's still in the belly.
How many months are 28 weeks pregnant?
If you have been pregnant for 28 weeks it means that you have recently entered the seventh month. The last trimester has begun and delivery is getting closer every day. Soon you will finally be able to hold your little baby in your arms!
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Mother's health
One of the typical symptoms of this period is the urge to dine more often than usual. Due to the filtration of more blood, more water is expelled and the need to drink increases. However, do not underestimate these needs and talk to your doctor, who will eventually undergo tests to verify the onset or not of gestational diabetes.
As for the weight, in this last quarter you should gain about 3 kg more. Obviously, this is a subjective fact, even if the kilos gained during pregnancy should not exceed 12.
Lower back pain will be your faithful companions in recent months, given the increasingly bulky size of the belly, which weighs on the rest of the body. Don't worry, below you will find some useful tips to deal with this annoyance.
In addition, during the 28th week, the breasts may begin to secrete colostrum, a substance rich in proteins, fats and carbohydrates. This eventuality is not a necessary condition, so if it doesn't happen to you, don't panic at all!
If you wish, you can take a childbirth preparation course during this time. Generally, these are 5-8 sessions, which you can carry out in the maternity ward of the hospital where you have decided to give birth. By attending these courses, lasting 1-2 hours, you will learn specific breathing and muscle relaxation exercises. and you will be able to get answers to all your questions about childbirth.
The development of the child
By the twenty-eighth week, your little one's growth goes on at a brisk pace. It is now 40 centimeters long and weighs around 1100 grams. To get a clearer picture of its size, we could say that it is almost as big as a pepper.
Brain development is unstoppable as are the nerve impulses that the fetus begins to receive.
The eyes are now open and the baby in your belly can see the lights coming from outside. In this period, the iris begins to color, but this color is not definitive and can change in the months following birth.
During the twenty-eighth week, the baby is increasingly active and continues to wriggle inside the amniotic fluid, especially in the evening. You perceive these movements clearly and, at times, a little painful, but they are there to remind you that your child is fine and can't wait to go out to hold you tight.
It is at this juncture of time that the lanugo, or the layer of hair that covers the fetus in the first months to keep it warm, begins to fall. From now on, it will be up to the body fat to protect it from the cold.
Have you already chosen the name to give to your little boy or girl? If you haven't done so yet or you and your partner are too undecided, click here and help us find the perfect name!
The role of the partner in pregnancy: some tips
The person who supports the pregnant woman is a figure of fundamental importance. The partner, in fact, is called to give constant support to the future mother, standing next to her in times of need as well as in carefree ones. Furthermore, its presence is absolutely essential during gynecological visits and the pre-birth course, useful for the training of both parents and not just mothers. The partner or the partner of the pregnant woman may think of even starting to keep a diary, in which to fix emotions and sensations and collect photos and thoughts of these special months. Another thing that the future parent can do during the months of gestation of the partner or wife is to inquire through books on neonatology and pedagogy. Also, if you find yourself in this position, remember to show off your more romantic side, surprising the future mother of the children. your children with loving gestures and even more caring attention, especially now that your baby is very close to the birth. In this regard, make sure that everything is ready to welcome the little one, otherwise take action immediately to make up for any shortcomings.
How to take care of the belly
During pregnancy, your body undergoes major hormonal changes. Expectant mothers secrete a hormone, cortisol, which tends to atrophy collagen, the main cause of tissue elasticity. This could lead to the appearance of stretch marks, which appear especially during the last trimester. To remedy the problem, it is all about prevention. Moisturize and soften the skin, applying an anti-stretch mark moisturizer in the morning and in the evening with circular massages: first of all on the stomach (don't forget the lower abdomen and the navel!) And then on the hips, breasts and buttocks.
Breast in pregnancy: how to take care of it
This part of the body, which is subject to enormous changes during pregnancy, has no muscles, but it is important to ensure that it is maintained by working the pectorals. To do this, extend your arms to the side and make small circular movements (15 in one direction and 15 in the other). Then, with your elbows raised and parallel to the ground, push your palms against each other for 10 seconds. Relax and start over. (Repeat 10 times).
Back pain during the 28th week? Here's how to relieve it:
The weight of the belly leads to an increase in lordosis, that is, the curvature of the lumbar spine towards the front. This phenomenon, associated with weight gain and changes in hormonal balance, can lead to compression of the intervertebral discs (the elastic pads that separate the vertebrae) and of the nerves that, starting from the spinal cord, exit the vertebral column. one of the symptoms most often encountered by pregnant women is back pain, associated with lower back pain and pain in the back of the legs and buttocks, due to compression of the sciatic nerve.
Here are some positions to adopt to relieve back pain:
- To relax your back, kneel down and, a little at a time, rest your forehead on the floor. Put your arms behind your body, palms facing the ceiling. Stay in this position for a few minutes, breathing deeply.
- To stretch your back and perineum, you can sit with your legs crossed, keeping your hands folded in front of your chest: keep your back straight, raising your arms upwards, above your head. Inhale deeply and slowly. Exhale, relaxing your arms. arms Repeat this exercise until your back feels well "stretched".
- To relieve lower back pain, squat down and place your hands on the inside of your thighs. Avoid squeezing your belly. Inhale deeply, as if you want to let air into your belly and lower back. Drop your head forward and breathe through your nose at your own pace.
Toning the perineum: here's how
Another part of your body that you must not neglect? The perineum! The muscles that make it up, being particularly stressed during pregnancy, will be put to the test during childbirth. Here are some tips to tone it up and prepare you for postpartum re-education.
Standing, with your back straight, put your hands under your belly, as if to support it. Contract and relax the perineum (as if holding your pee) and the muscles of the buttocks. Relax for a few seconds, then repeat the exercise 10 times.
Acne in pregnancy
The appearance of some pimples is one of the most common symptoms when expecting a baby, due to the hormonal changes related to pregnancy. Some women (the lucky ones) have gorgeous skin and a glowing complexion, while others see small acne-like pimples appear. This acne is due to an increase in the rate of progesterone, but do not worry because it will gradually disappear after giving birth, when the rate of this hormone decreases. Absolutely avoid aggressive soaps, opt instead for dermatologically tested products and, above all, do not touch your fruncles, otherwise they will ignite further. Finally, if you want to get rid of this discomfort as soon as possible, avoid do-it-yourself treatments and talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
Making love in pregnancy: yes or no?
Even if you are pregnant, do not stifle your sexual desire, but live it in full freedom. The libido, in fact, turns out to be very strong in pregnancy, especially after the first three months and, therefore, starting from the second trimester. Unfortunately, it often happens that, with the discovery of pregnancy, many couples progressively stop having sex for fear that this activity could harm the fetus. However, being sexually fulfilled while waiting for the baby to be born is legitimate and recommended. There is no danger in having sex while pregnant: the fetus is protected by the amniotic fluid and you must absolutely not fear that the penis may tear the membrane and touch the baby because between the bottom of the vagina and the baby's head there are 5 cm apart. As for microbes, however, the cervix is perfectly blocked by a mucus that blocks their passage. Furthermore, the child will in no way witness sexual activity between the parents. Obviously, if, by now in the twenty-eighth week, you feel that your body is struggling to make certain movements due to the increasingly bulky belly, do not force yourself and avoid too risky moves.
Click here if you want to find out which are the best positions for having sex during pregnancy
The visits
In this period of pregnancy, it is essential to keep weight, blood pressure, urine composition and, in particular, the presence of sugar in the urine under control.
Find out all the visits and checks that you should carry out during the twenty-eighth week to monitor the state of health, both yours and the baby, and the growth rate of the latter:
- Control of blood count and ferritin
- Complete urine tests
- Third trimester ultrasound
Useful tips for pregnancy:
Here are some tips to better face the last trimester of your pregnancy and be ready at the time of delivery:
- Practice regular physical activity: prefer free body gymnastics and postural exercises for the back. Exercising will help you feel more energetic and supple, making you ready for delivery. In addition, motor activity stimulates blood circulation throughout the body, preventing the swelling episodes that characterize pregnancy. If, on the other hand, you have problems with digestion, we recommend that you take short walks following a meal.
- Do not get too tired and, between one errand and another, try to rest and take some time for yourself. Too much stress, in fact, is not good for either mother or baby!
- Limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible, especially in the hottest hours. The combination of sun rays + hormonal changes could lead to the appearance of some unpleasant spots on the skin. If your pregnancy affects the summer period, remember to wear wide-brimmed hats and to apply a very high index (50+) protective cream several times over the whole body.
- Follow a rich and varied diet, eating healthy and balanced. Enjoying very different foods will prepare the baby's taste buds to welcome ever new flavors during the meal. In particular, try to eat foods rich in magnesium (almonds, lentils and wholemeal bread), calcium (vegetables and fish) and iron (apples, parsley and nuts). Also, stock up on folic acid, a vitamin essential for your baby's regular development, found mostly in green leafy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
- Avoid excessively fatty, spicy, fried foods and, in addition to alcoholic beverages, do without coffee. These foods, in fact, can cause irritation and consequent heartburn.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and facilitate the formation of teeth in the fetus. Plus, drinking heavily throughout the day will help prevent urinary infections, one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. In this regard, be sure to always drink both before and after sexual intercourse and to practice proper intimate hygiene.
