At week 28, your baby measures approximately 37–38 cm from head to toe and weighs around 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg), with bones nearly fully developed, eyelashes grown, and the ability to detect light from outside the womb. The baby is likely beginning to move into the head-down position in preparation for birth, while mothers can expect new physical symptoms including increased breathlessness, higher vaginal discharge, and possible pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Nutrition remains a key focus at this stage, particularly vitamin D — found in eggs, salmon, milk, orange juice, and fortified cereals — to support the baby's ongoing bone development. Gentle exercise and prompt medical attention for any concerning symptoms are both encouraged as the third trimester progresses.
- At week 28, a baby measures approximately 37 to 38cm from head to toe.
- By week 28, a baby weighs in the region of 2 and a half pounds, or approximately 1.1kg.
- At week 28, a baby's eyelashes have grown and the baby has begun to blink and can detect bright light from the outside world.
- One egg provides 25 IU of vitamin D, which is found in the yolk and supports the baby's bone development during pregnancy.
- Good dietary sources of vitamin D recommended during week 28 of pregnancy include orange juice, milk, cereal, salmon, and eggs.
- Pelvic girdle pain (PGP), also known as symphysis pubis dysfunction, is a condition some women experience by week 28, and a GP or midwife can help treat it effectively.
- Asparagus is noted as a vitamin D-compatible ingredient rich in folate, which supports the baby's nervous system development during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Diary Week 28
Discover your pregnancy journey
Pregnancy Diary Week 28
Getting the feeling that you’ve been pregnant forever now? By week 28 many women oscillate between that feeling of it’s been like forever, and then the feeling of being concerned about the big, anticipated moment of baby’s birth. It’s so natural to feel like this now. Are you managing to keep up some healthy form of exercise, this will help to balance everything, so if you’ve become lax remember it isn’t too late to start some gentle exercise now.
Discover
How your baby is growing
What you can expect at this time
A beneficial food for your pregnancy nutrition
Pregnancy Diary Week 28: How Is Your Baby Growing?
Baby is quite possibly moving into the head-down position, in readiness for the big day. If you’re feeling this, be prepared for the turning to continue over the coming weeks.
Baby is now also getting more used to his or her eyes, which by now should have eyelashes which have grown since last week.
Imagine that by week 28 that baby has also managed to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel (excuse the pun) as he can actually see the bright light coming in from the outside world at this time. Baby is getting used to blinking.
Baby’s fat layers are continuing to form, and baby’s bones are close to being fully developed by now.
From head to toe, baby is around 37 to 38cm by now. Weight should be in the region of 2 and a half pounds or 1.1 kg.
What you can expect
At this stage, you may be experiencing a bit more breathlessness as your diaphragm becomes increasingly compressed as your uterus continues to grow.
As well as this you may start to notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This is normal, however, if it smells offensive or is yellow it is best to seek medical advice.
Some of you could be experiencing PGP (pelvic girdle pain) or symphysis pubis dysfunction when walking up the stairs or moving around in bed – if this is the case you may want to visit your GP or midwife, to get the pain treated effectively.
Vitamin D For Pregnancy Nutrition
To help with baby’s bone development, it is important to pay special attention to Ca, vitamin D, protein and P. Now as Irish women get less vitamin D than their counterparts in sunnier climes, let’s look at some foods that will help you and baby get more vitamin D.
Good sources of vitamin D are orange juice, milk, cereal, salmon and eggs. Drink freshly squeezed orange juice – it almost feels like you are drinking sunshine! Choose nutritious cereals, such as porridge which is natural and should be cooked slowly for the best results.
Eggs are a great source of vitamin D, as one egg can provide 25 IU of it. You need to use the whole egg, as vitamin D is found in the yolk. You can either make omelettes, scrambled eggs or revuelto.
Revuelto (scrambled eggs mixed with other ingredients) is a particular favourite of mine. It is easy and quick to make, and can incorporate other nutrition, such as spinach, garlic, onions, mushrooms and many other ingredients can be used. A very nutritious revuelto is with asparagus. Did you know that asparagus is a powerful aphrodisiac? It helps combat depression, puts you in a good mood and is excellent for your heart. It is rich in folate and helps the baby’s nervous system develop well. It helps to cleanse and detox. It stimulates milk production also, for when you reach that stage!
It is anti-fungal, anti-viral and a powerful antioxidant. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. It also stimulates hair production.
Here’s a recipe from The Happy Foodie – ordinary asparagus works fine in this recipe, and of course whatever olive oil you have in your kitchen is absolutely fine.
“Revueltos” are scrambled eggs and you will find them listed on menus in bars and restaurants with a wide variety of ingredients mixed into the eggs.
Pregnancy Diary Week 28
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DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.
How big is a baby at 28 weeks pregnant?
At week 28, a baby measures approximately 37 to 38 cm from head to toe and weighs in the region of 2 and a half pounds, or 1.1 kg. Fat layers are continuing to form and bones are close to being fully developed.
What position does a baby move into at 28 weeks?
At week 28, a baby may begin moving into the head-down position in readiness for birth. This turning process typically continues over the coming weeks.
Can a baby see at 28 weeks in the womb?
By week 28, a baby has developed eyelashes and is beginning to blink. The baby can also perceive bright light coming in from the outside world at this stage.
What symptoms should I expect at 28 weeks pregnant?
At week 28, increased breathlessness is common as the growing uterus compresses the diaphragm. Women may also notice increased vaginal discharge and some may experience pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction.
When should I seek medical advice about vaginal discharge during pregnancy?
Increased vaginal discharge at week 28 is normal, but if it smells offensive or appears yellow, it is best to seek medical advice promptly.
What is PGP in pregnancy and how is it treated?
PGP, or pelvic girdle pain, also called symphysis pubis dysfunction, can cause pain when walking up stairs or moving in bed during pregnancy. Women experiencing this are advised to visit their GP or midwife to get the pain treated effectively.
What foods are good sources of vitamin D during pregnancy?
Good sources of vitamin D during pregnancy include orange juice, milk, cereal, salmon, and eggs. Because eggs contain vitamin D in the yolk, the whole egg should be used, with one egg providing 25 IU of vitamin D.
Why is asparagus recommended during pregnancy?
Asparagus is rich in folate, which supports the baby's nervous system development, and also helps combat depression and supports heart health. It is additionally described as anti-fungal, anti-viral, a powerful antioxidant, and can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Is it safe to start gentle exercise at 28 weeks pregnant?
It is not too late to begin gentle exercise at week 28, and doing so can help balance the emotional highs and lows that are common at this stage of pregnancy.