baby presentation 28 weeks

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Fetal presentation before birth

The way a baby is positioned in the uterus just before birth can have a big effect on labor and delivery. This positioning is called fetal presentation.

Babies twist, stretch and tumble quite a bit during pregnancy. Before labor starts, however, they usually come to rest in a way that allows them to be delivered through the birth canal headfirst. This position is called cephalic presentation. But there are other ways a baby may settle just before labor begins.

Following are some of the possible ways a baby may be positioned at the end of pregnancy.

Head down, face down

When a baby is head down, face down, the medical term for it is the cephalic occiput anterior position. This the most common position for a baby to be born in. With the face down and turned slightly to the side, the smallest part of the baby's head leads the way through the birth canal. It is the easiest way for a baby to be born.

Head down, face up

When a baby is head down, face up, the medical term for it is the cephalic occiput posterior position. In this position, it might be harder for a baby's head to go under the pubic bone during delivery. That can make labor take longer.

Most babies who begin labor in this position eventually turn to be face down. If that doesn't happen, and the second stage of labor is taking a long time, a member of the health care team may reach through the vagina to help the baby turn. This is called manual rotation.

In some cases, a baby can be born in the head-down, face-up position. Use of forceps or a vacuum device to help with delivery is more common when a baby is in this position than in the head-down, face-down position. In some cases, a C-section delivery may be needed.

Illustration of the head-down, face-up position

Frank breech

When a baby's feet or buttocks are in place to come out first during birth, it's called a breech presentation. This happens in about 3% to 4% of babies close to the time of birth. The baby shown below is in a frank breech presentation. That's when the knees aren't bent, and the feet are close to the baby's head. This is the most common type of breech presentation.

If you are more than 36 weeks into your pregnancy and your baby is in a frank breech presentation, your health care professional may try to move the baby into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. It involves one or two members of the health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

If the procedure isn't successful, or if the baby moves back into a breech position, talk with a member of your health care team about the choices you have for delivery. Most babies in a frank breech position are born by planned C-section.

Illustration of the frank breech position

Complete and incomplete breech

A complete breech presentation, as shown below, is when the baby has both knees bent and both legs pulled close to the body. In an incomplete breech, one or both of the legs are not pulled close to the body, and one or both of the feet or knees are below the baby's buttocks. If a baby is in either of these positions, you might feel kicking in the lower part of your belly.

If you are more than 36 weeks into your pregnancy and your baby is in a complete or incomplete breech presentation, your health care professional may try to move the baby into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. It involves one or two members of the health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

If the procedure isn't successful, or if the baby moves back into a breech position, talk with a member of your health care team about the choices you have for delivery. Many babies in a complete or incomplete breech position are born by planned C-section.

Illustration of a complete breech presentation

When a baby is sideways — lying horizontal across the uterus, rather than vertical — it's called a transverse lie. In this position, the baby's back might be:

Down, with the back facing the birth canal.
Sideways, with one shoulder pointing toward the birth canal.
Up, with the hands and feet facing the birth canal.

Although many babies are sideways early in pregnancy, few stay this way when labor begins.

If your baby is in a transverse lie during week 37 of your pregnancy, your health care professional may try to move the baby into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. External cephalic version involves one or two members of your health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

If the procedure isn't successful, or if the baby moves back into a transverse lie, talk with a member of your health care team about the choices you have for delivery. Many babies who are in a transverse lie are born by C-section.

If you're pregnant with twins and only the twin that's lower in the uterus is head down, as shown below, your health care provider may first deliver that baby vaginally.

Then, in some cases, your health care team may suggest delivering the second twin in the breech position. Or they may try to move the second twin into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. External cephalic version involves one or two members of the health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

Your health care team may suggest delivery by C-section for the second twin if:

An attempt to deliver the baby in the breech position is not successful.
You do not want to try to have the baby delivered vaginally in the breech position.
An attempt to move the baby into a head-down position is not successful.
You do not want to try to move the baby to a head-down position.

In some cases, your health care team may advise that you have both twins delivered by C-section. That might happen if the lower twin is not head down, the second twin has low or high birth weight as compared to the first twin, or if preterm labor starts.

Landon MB, et al., eds. Normal labor and delivery. In: Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 19, 2023.
Holcroft Argani C, et al. Occiput posterior position. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 19, 2023.
Frequently asked questions: If your baby is breech. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/if-your-baby-is-breech. Accessed May 22, 2023.
Hofmeyr GJ. Overview of breech presentation. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 22, 2023.
Strauss RA, et al. Transverse fetal lie. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 22, 2023.
Chasen ST, et al. Twin pregnancy: Labor and delivery. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 22, 2023.
Cohen R, et al. Is vaginal delivery of a breech second twin safe? A comparison between delivery of vertex and non-vertex second twins. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. 2021; doi:10.1080/14767058.2021.2005569.
Marnach ML (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 31, 2023.

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Pregnancy /
Pregnancy Week by Week /
Third Trimester

28 Weeks Pregnant

At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby's brain is developing—which means your fatigue may return., by babylist staff.

At 28 weeks pregnant, there are many exciting developments happening with your baby. Baby may be able to tell the difference between light and dark and even move around in the womb in reaction to bright lights. What else? Read on to find out.

What To Expect at 28 Weeks Pregnant

How many months is 28 weeks pregnant, your baby at 28 weeks, your body at 28 weeks pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Life at 28 Weeks Pregnant

28 Weeks Pregnant Checklist

28 weeks pregnant in months is six months pregnant, which is part of the third trimester .

The third trimester happens somewhere between weeks 27 and 28 of pregnancy, so by now you are firmly in your third trimester. With the third trimester comes a lot of big development, like the brain and senses. See what’s happening with your baby this week.

Brain power: We’ve been talking a lot about your baby’s bones and organs, but in the third trimester , brain neuron development explodes, according to the New York Times .
Senses develop: Your baby’s ears are making better connections, and they’re understanding some of the sounds around them. Their eyes now may even be able to see some light shining through your belly.
Sleep cycles: Your baby’s sleep cycles now include dreaming. Yep, rapid eye movement (REM) can be detected in babies by this stage. Maybe they’re dreaming of you.
Plumping up: As your baby puts on many finishing touches for their entrance into the world, they’re also putting on more body fat.

How Big Is a Baby at 28 Weeks?

Your baby is around 14.8 inches long and weighs 2.2 pounds this week. That’s about the size of a Kit-Cat Klock.

💛 Congratulations 💛

You made it to the third trimester !

28 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

28 Weeks Baby Movement

Your baby is starting to take up more and more space, and will soon settle into a head-down position (or cephalic presentation) for labor and birth. Most babies are fully head-down between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. But others may take a little longer, need some coaxing by your healthcare provider to get there or never end up head-down, in which case, a c-section is likely.

Now that you’re in the third trimester, you’re about to lose more of your precious energy. It’s no wonder—your baby is getting bigger, and it can be tough to get comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep.

28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

The third trimester is here! And while that means you’re getting closer to baby’s arrival, it also means you might be starting to feel less comfortable. Here’s what you can expect.

Frequent urination

The need to pee all the time may return now that baby’s big enough to crowd your bladder.

Your growing baby is also putting pressure on your stomach and intestines, making heartburn a strong possibility. Try to prevent it by avoiding spicy and greasy foods, and other foods you notice bother you. “Keep a food journal to pinpoint which foods trigger you the most,” says Al Bradlea, a lactation consultant and birth and postpartum doula. “Some usual culprits are spicy and fried foods, coffee and chocolate.” Also avoid lying down within an hour of eating, and try to eat smaller meals more often—five or six mini meals, instead of three big meals, for example. “Sleep on a slight incline,” adds Bradlea. But think twice before popping an OTC remedy. “If it gets to the point where you’re in pain after every meal despite your best efforts, talk to your doctor—especially before trying antacids, some of which aren’t safe for pregnancy,” says Bradlea.

Over two thirds of pregnant people experience back pain , and with good reason: a bigger baby changes your posture and strains your spine. Not to mention the fact that hormonal changes are relaxing your ligaments, which can make you less stable while on the move.

Even worse than run-of-the-mill back pain? Feeling tingling, numbness or shooting pain through your lower back, butt and thighs. These are symptoms of sciatica —it gets its weird name from the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back and branches down both legs. It can happen during pregnancy because the growing uterus puts pressure on the nerve—and bloating, weight gain and posture changes don’t help either. Try a warm compress wherever you feel pain, remember to rest and add pelvic tilts to your Kegels routine to help strengthen your core. “When in doubt, get into child’s pose —and then, seek extra help to build strength and show your body some love,” says Bradlea.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Look out for sporadic tightening of your belly as your body preps for labor and birth. Braxton Hicks contractions are different from true labor contractions because they’re not regular and go away fairly quickly. The real deal would intensify in frequency, coming more and more often and more intensely.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS)

About 16 percent of pregnant people simply can’t keep their legs still at night. “People are sometimes surprised that after another exhausting day of pregnancy, they can get into bed and have Restless Leg Syndrome!” says Bradlea. RLS can make you antsy and really mess with your ability to get sleep. Talk to your doctor about taking a supplement if you have RLS—magnesium, iron, B12 or folate could help. Stretch and massage your legs, using a heating pad or warm bath or try ice to relieve symptoms. “Incorporating some movement into your routine is the first step. You don’t need hours of intense aerobics—an evening stroll for a half hour can provide immense relief,” says Bradlea.

More appointments

This technically isn’t a symptom, but it is a fact of pregnancy at this stage: In the third trimester, your OB or midwife is going to become your new best friend (if they aren’t already). At 28 weeks, you’ll have two appointments per month (every other week), and by 36 weeks pregnant , you’ll be going weekly.

Pregnancy Symptoms Coming Up In Week 29:

In week 29 of pregnancy, some common symptoms can include constipation, lightheadedness or UTIs.

Only 4% of babies are born on their predicted due date. But about 90% are born within two weeks before or after—which means baby’s birthday is narrowed down to about a full month.

Real Baby Bumps at 28 Weeks Pregnant

28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not To Ignore

If something feels off, run it by your doctor. Some symptoms you don’t want to ignore include running a high fever or noticing a significant increase in your vaginal discharge.

Commonly Asked Questions About 28 Weeks Pregnant

Once you hit the third trimester, the final countdown is on. Give your growing belly a rub and check out these commonly asked questions with month seven just around the corner.

How can I sneak in some fun before baby arrives?

Sometime in the next 14 weeks, life is about to get a lot more hectic. Use your final trimester to sneak in some extra fun. Schedule a few date nights, plan some visits with friends, get your nails done and head to your favorite coffee shop for a leisurely latte as often as you can.

What are the benefits of red raspberry leaf tea?

The purported benefits of red raspberry leaf tea are many, but studies have shown that the herb can actually help reduce the length of labor and help birthing parents avoid extra interventions. Check with your healthcare provider, then start with a cup a day of 100% red raspberry leaf rather than a blend. FYI: The tea doesn’t actually taste like raspberries—sorry!—but you won’t have to hold your nose to get it down.

What’s a good way to pass the time while 28 weeks pregnant?

For some people, pregnancy is a race to the finish line. For others, the weeks can really drag. If you fall into the latter camp, now’s a great time to start binging a long-running series. Try Friends or The Office for laughs, and Scandal or The Sopranos for drama and suspense. For feel-good vibes, you can’t go wrong with The Great British Baking Show . Don’t worry if you’ve already seen it before; what matters is it keeps your mind occupied and the hours flying by.

How can I prep for postpartum chaos?

If your budget allows, consider a night nurse to help in those first few weeks. These experienced individuals, also called postpartum doulas or night nannies, come to your home at the end of the day and care for your baby all night long, so you can, you know, sleep like a baby. If you’re nursing, they’ll wake you for a feeding, but afterward, the baby goes straight back into their care. Some night nurses even do your laundry and wash your dishes. The downside is that this extra help comes at a cost. Do your research to compare rates—and remember, even one night a week can make a noticeable difference. You could also add it to your baby registry—it could make a great baby shower group gift.

Managing Multiple Registries?

We can link or transfer items to your Babylist (you won’t lose your hard work!) Everything will be in one place and you’ll only have to share one registry link with gift-givers in your life.

Recommended Products for Week 28 of Pregnancy

Your body and belly are growing, so you might need help getting a little more comfortable. And you might need to size up your clothes. These products can help you with that.

Storq Sleep Etc. Nursing Dress

Boppy Pregnancy Total Body Pillow with Removable Pillow Cover

Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe

Go to your 28 week prenatal visit, and if you can, schedule your remaining appointments while you’re there. As the number of visits ramp up, choosing a regular time and day will help you remember when you’re due back.
Decorate the nursery . Now’s the time to check off all the major needs from the list. Finishing touches can come later, but you should have a safe crib or bassinet .
Shop for a few nursing bras for the hospital and postpartum.
Make plans! Schedule a third trimester pedicure, prenatal massage, lunch with friends and a few date nights before the baby comes and you’re super busy.
Al Bradlea, IBCLC, Birth & Postpartum Doula
Fetal Brain Said to Live at 28 Weeks
Fetal Positions for Birth
Back Pain During Pregnancy
How accurate are ‘due dates’?
Herbal Tea and Pregnancy

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and the Babylist Health Advisory Board.

Babylist Staff

Babylist editors and writers are parents themselves and have years of experience writing and researching, coming from media outlets like Motherly, the SF Chronicle, the New York Times and the Daily Beast, and the fields of early childhood education and publishing. We research and test hundreds of products, survey real Babylist parents and consult reviews in order to recommend the best products and gear for your growing family.

How to Write a Birth Plan (Template Included!).

28 Weeks Pregnant

Medical review policy, latest update:, your baby at week 28, at a glance, 28 weeks pregnant is how many months, how big is my baby at 28 weeks , baby's getting into position, baby might be dreaming, your body at week 28.

Sciatica (tingling leg pain)

Feeling sensitive (skin), pregnancy symptoms week 28, tips for you this week.

What to Expect When You're Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Finding a Breast Lump During Pregnancy , December 2022. WhatToExpect.com, How to Relieve Breast Pain and Sore Nipples During Pregnancy , March 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Rh Factor Testing and Pregnancy , December 2022. WhatToExpect.com, RhoGAM Shot for Rh Negative Moms During Pregnancy , December 2022. WhatToExpect.com, How Much Iron Do You Need During Pregnancy? , June 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Your Guide to Birthing Classes , June 2021. American Academy of Dermatology, MELASMA: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT , February 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics, Where We Stand: Circumcision , July 2014. American Cancer Society, Finding Breast Cancer During Pregnancy , January 2022. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy , December 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, The Rh Factor: How It Can Affect Your Pregnancy , November 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery (VBAC) , August 2022. National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Omega-3 Supplements: In Depth , May 2018. PLOS One, Eye Movement Activity in Normal Human Fetuses Between 24 and 39 Weeks of Gestation , July 2017. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Rh Incompatibility , January 2023. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Sciatica , March 2016. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Your Baby in the Birth Canal , November 2022. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health, Stages of Pregnancy , February 2021. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health, Birthing, Breastfeeding, and Parenting Classes , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Your Guide to the Third Trimester of Pregnancy , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Sciatica During Pregnancy , November 2022. WhatToExpect.com, How Many Weeks, Months and Trimesters in a Pregnancy? , May 2022. WhatToExpect.com, When Does Baby's Vision Develop in the Womb? , June 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Complementary and Alternative Medicines During Pregnancy , August 2021. WhatToExpect.com, How to Do Kick Counts , February 2023. WhatToExpect.com, When Can You Feel Your Baby Move and Kick? , February 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Tdap Vaccine During Pregnancy , October 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Should You Get the Flu Shot During Pregnancy? , February 2023. WhatToExpect.com, CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver on Babies and Toddlers , December 2022. WhatToExpect.com, What to Know About Newborn Circumcision , August 2021.

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Pregnancy Week by Week

28 Weeks Pregnant

Key Takeaways at 28 Weeks Pregnant

Welcome to your third trimester! You’re in the home stretch—panic and excitement may be setting in. You’ll be visiting your ob-gyn or midwife more often now that you’re heading toward the finish line. Expect to have a regular appointment every two weeks.
Baby is not leaving you a lot of room. Their cramped quarters may result in you experiencing some unpleasantness: shortness of breath, occasional incontinence and general discomfort.
You’ve been feeling baby move and groove for a few weeks. Now is the time to start doing kick counts . Basically, you want to feel at least 10 movements in a two-hour span. (More on that, below!)

Moms-to-be who are 28 weeks pregnant and beyond are known for their lack of sleep. If you find yourself up in the middle of the night, do something relaxing. (This is not the time to vacuum the house from top to bottom.) Instead, read a book, drink a pregnancy safe herbal tea or listen to soothing music. Then get back to bed and try to get some rest!

Video Recap at 28 Weeks

3d views: my baby, my body.

See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.

Baby at Week 28

Inside your 28 weeks pregnant belly, baby is starting to develop more fat, so their once-wrinkly skin is starting to get smoother. In pretty amazing news, baby is practicing breathing, and their lungs are getting more mature every day.

Baby will keep getting bigger—and smarter—after week 28 of pregnancy, and then baby will just need a few more finishing touches before they’re ready to meet you.

How big is baby at 28 weeks?

At 28 weeks, baby is the size of an eggplant. Putting on layers of fat, baby now measures about 14.8 inches from head to toe and weighs in around 2.2 pounds.

What does baby look like at 28 weeks in the womb?

At 28 weeks, baby’s size is getting serious, with baby now over 2 pounds! If you could peek inside your 28 week pregnant belly, you’d see baby going through periods of activity (hello, tap dancing on your bladder!) and periods of rest. In fact, baby can now experience REM sleep, which means baby is having dreams! That rapid eye movement continues when baby’s awake, though, because now they can blink too.

28 weeks pregnant is how many months?

How many months are you pregnant? Have you found yourself wondering, “how many months are you pregnant for again?” Not to worry, the combination of pregnancy brain and the seemingly endless last seven months might have teamed up to make you forget. Technically, pregnancy is 40 weeks. That doesn’t break so cleanly into months, but if we had to say, pregnancy is a little shy of 10 months long. If you’re trying to figure out 28 weeks in months, we’ve got you. When you hit the 28-week mark, you're seven months pregnant. So what trimester is 28 weeks? This week, you’re embarking on your third trimester. Can you believe you’ve made it this far?!

28 week ultrasound

Now that you’re 28 weeks pregnant, you’ll start seeing your OB twice per month (or every two weeks). If your pregnancy has been uncomplicated, don’t expect to get a 28-week ultrasound at this appointment. Even though you’d probably love to get a peek inside that 28 weeks pregnant belly, it’s simply not necessary to have more than a couple ultrasounds throughout your pregnancy, unless the doctor has a reason to monitor you extra carefully. Try to be patient! Soon baby will be here and you’ll get to gaze at them as much as you want.

14 Postpartum Essentials You’ll Need for Recovery

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 28

As your body gets more and more crowded by your growing 28-week fetus and starts prepping for their arrival, you might be noticing some new pregnancy symptoms. These are common at this stage of the game:

Trouble sleeping

As you get closer to your due date, you'll likely have more and more trouble getting ZZZ’s (which stinks, because you’re beat!). It could be hormones or nerves—or both!—causing your inability to snooze.

Shortness of breath

Baby continues to crowd your lungs and diaphragm, making it tougher to catch your breath . Give yourself permission not to push too hard and to take breaks.

Aches and pains

The third trimester can be really uncomfortable due to hormone fluctuations and the toll pregnancy is taking on your body. (We’re especially talking to you mamas who are 28 weeks pregnant with twins!) To deal, do yoga, stretch, swim, walk and/or convince your partner to give you a prenatal massage. Try wearing a maternity support belt if you’re on your feet a lot. Not sexy, we know, but it can relieve some of the pressure that’s making you so achy.

Braxton Hicks contractions

These practice contractions might be getting stronger, more noticeable or more frequent as your body gets ready for labor. Keep an eye out and be sure that the contractions are only occasional. If they’re regular and continue getting closer together, and don’t stop when you switch positions, you could be in preterm labor and should call the OB ASAP.

Leaky boobs

Your breasts may already be producing baby's first food, a yellowish substance called colostrum. And surprise—some of it might actually come out before baby does!

What to expect at 28 weeks pregnant

Now that you’ve reached your third trimester (yay!), you’re about to start getting truly uncomfortable (boo!). As your 28 weeks pregnant belly continues to grow, it’ll get harder and harder to get (and stay) comfortable. This will be frustrating at times, but just remember—all this discomfort will bring baby to you, so as annoying as it is, it’s worth it.

Your Pregnant Belly at 28 Weeks

Your OB will probably measure your 28 weeks pregnant belly at your prenatal appointment. This week, fundal height—the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus—should be about 26 to 30 centimeters. Knowing you’re measuring within that normal range is reassurance that baby’s growth is on track and that baby is in the right position, since a breech or sideways position could affect the measurement. For women who are 28 weeks pregnant with twins, don’t stress too much over your fundal height measurements, as it’s harder for doctors to estimate an “average” for twin pregnancies.

Doctors recommend you start doing kick counts at 28 weeks. You’ll be keeping tabs on how often baby is moving and whether their movements are consistent from day to day. Here’s how you do it: Pick a time of day and set a timer. See how long it takes to get to 10 fetal movements—it should be less than two hours. The next day at the same approximate time, do the same thing. Record the times each day, and you’ll start to find an average range for your baby. It’s great reassurance that they’re doing well in there. If anything seems inconsistent, let your doctor know.

Yes, as the baby gets larger and larger and takes up more room, heartburn sets in easily! Definitely talk to your doctor; generally you can start with Tums or Pepcid. Also avoid foods that may trigger it… Regarding hemorrhoids, try to make sure that you're not also constipated. If you’re constipated, talk to your doctor about it and introduce a stool softener and more fiber and hydration into your diet. Certain over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams are okay to use.

Christine Greves

MD, an ob-gyn at Winnie Palmer Hopsital for Women & Babies in Orlando, Florida

Tips for 28 Weeks Pregnant

Here’s how to take charge of your physical and mental health during the third trimester (aka home stretch) of pregnancy.

Time to start counting kicks

Kick counts can be both super fun (you get to interact with baby!) and sometimes anxiety-inducing (why has it been so long between kicks?!). Try doing your kick counts at the same time every day and at a time that baby is typically the most active, and try not to freak out about every period without kicks. Wiggles, bladder stomps, tumbles and pokes count too. Plus, remember that baby sleeps, so you might have to wake them up!

Time to make some decisions

Who knew that having a baby came with so many decisions! What kind of birth to have, what to name baby, whether or not to circumcise and on and on and on. Some decisions will be easier than others, and some are yours and yours alone, but it can be helpful to talk any decisions over with trusted friends, a partner or your doctor to help you arrive at an answer.

Get your pediatrician lined up

If you haven’t yet, it’s important to choose a pediatrician (yet another choice to make!) and make sure they know to expect a new patient in the next 12 weeks. The pediatrician will need to see baby within a few days of being born (exactly how soon depends on several factors), so it’s important to have everything lined up before baby arrives.

Baby will be here before you know it, so it’s a good idea to have things ready early (especially in case baby comes early too). Wash some baby clothes and baby sheets, set up baby’s nursery and start stocking up on some postpartum recovery essentials . It’ll be go time soon!

Hitting the third trimester felt like such a major milestone. Pregnancy wasn't easy, and I knew the last 12 weeks wouldn't be without challenges. But knowing we were at the home stretch helped get that extra push of motivation I needed. - Author(optional)

MaryAnn L., mom of three

Pregnancy Checklist at Week 28

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

MedlinePlus, Prenatal Care in Your Third Trimester , April 2022

Nemours KidsHealth, Why Do Some Women Feel Short of Breath During Pregnancy? , January 2023

Cleveland Clinic, Pregnancy and Bladder Control , August 2023

Mayo Clinic, Pregnancy Week by Week: 3rd Trimester Pregnancy: What to Expect , March 2022

Cleveland Clinic, Kick Counts , July 2022

Sleep Foundation, Sleeping While Pregnant: Third Trimester , March 2023

Progress in Lipid Research, Adipose Tissue Development and Lipid Metabolism in the Human Fetus: The 2020 Perspective Focusing on Maternal Diabetes and Obesity , December 2020

Mayo Clinic, Pregnancy Week by Week: Fetal Development: The 2nd Trimester , June 2022

Cleveland Clinic, Amniotic Fluid , June 2022

National Library of Medicine, Embryology, Pulmonary , August 2023

American Pregnancy Association, 28 Weeks Pregnant

PLOS One, Eye Movement Activity in Normal Human Fetuses Between 24 and 29 Weeks Gestation , July 2017

Cleveland Clinic, Fetal Development , March 2023

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, How Long Does Pregnancy Last? , October 2020

Scientific Reports, The Effect of Pregnancy on Maternal Cognition , May 2021

Cleveland Clinic, Ultrasound in Pregnancy , September 2022

March of Dimes, Exercise During Pregnancy , September 2020

American Pregnancy Association, Prenatal Massage Therapy

American Pregnancy Association, Back Pain During Pregnancy

National Library of Medicine, Braxton Hicks Contractions , August 2023

Cleveland Clinic, Colostrum , February 2022

Mayo Clinic, Pregnancy Week by Week: What’s the Significance of a Fundal Height Measurement? , December 2022

Cleveland Clinic, Fundal Height , January 2022

Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates, Twin Pregnancies and Fundal Heights , April 2023

Nemours KidsHealth, Choosing a Pediatrician for Your New Baby , September 2019

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Make the Most of Your Baby’s Visit to the Doctor (Ages 0 to 11 Months) , March 2023

Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process .

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28 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is the size of a

head of lettuce

If you are 28 weeks pregnant, congratulations! You are now officially in the third trimester and your baby is continuing to grow and develop quickly. This article will provide you with information on what happens at 28 weeks pregnant, including the symptoms you may experience, your baby’s development, and tips and advice on how to prepare for the upcoming birth. Read on and find out what you need to know to get ready for your little one’s arrival.

Highlights at 28 Weeks Pregnant

Here's what may be happening for you and your baby at 28 weeks pregnant:

Not only can your little one open and close their eyes now, but they also have little eyelashes.

Your baby may be moving around and changing positions a lot at 28 weeks pregnant and over the next few weeks—prepare for some little somersaults!

Now might be a good time to start counting those little kicks.

Your growing baby and bump may feel heavy and cause some aches and fatigue around 28 weeks pregnant. Remember to take some time to rest and relax now.

You might consider creating a baby name short list with all your favorites. If you need more ideas, try our fun Baby Name Generator below:

RELATED PREGNANCY TOOL

Baby Name Generator

By gender :, 28 weeks pregnant: your baby’s development.

Welcome to the third trimester ! At 28 weeks pregnant, you have some exciting baby developments in store, including the following:

Your little one is now able to open and close their eyes. They may even have some eyelashes!

Your baby’s brain is still developing, but the central nervous system has developed enough to allow your baby to begin to control their body temperature.

When you’re 28 weeks pregnant, your baby’s position in the uterus could be with their head facing down—or with their buttocks, feet, or both pointed down, known as the breech presentation .

Your healthcare provider may be able to tell you which direction your baby is facing if you have an ultrasound at 28 weeks pregnant or at your next appointment, but don’t worry if your little one has assumed the breech presentation or another unusual position. Over the next few weeks, they’ll likely turn themselves around.

You may decide to begin tracking your baby’s movements (more on this later) at 28 weeks pregnant. You might find they’re more active when you’re resting or after a meal. Think of counting those little kicks as one of your first bonding experiences!

How Many Months Is 28 Weeks Pregnant?

How far along is 28 weeks pregnant? It’s natural to wonder what month you’re in at 28 weeks pregnant. The 40 weeks of pregnancy don’t fit precisely into 9 months; however, you’re often considered to be at the beginning of your seventh month when you’re 28 weeks pregnant.

So, when does the third trimester start—at 27 or 28 weeks pregnant? Although there’s no standard beginning point, 28 weeks is generally accepted as first week of the third trimester.

Baby's Size at 28 Weeks Pregnant

How big is a baby at 28 weeks? At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a head of lettuce, weighing about 2 and 1/4 pounds and measuring about 10 inches long, crown to rump.

Your Baby: What Does 28 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

Check out the illustration below for a glimpse of what your baby may look like this week. Snug as a bug!

Your Body at 28 Weeks Pregnant

Continue paying attention to your diet by eating healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. Eating well may also help keep your energy levels up if you’ve been feeling worn out.

If this is recommended by your healthcare provider, take prenatal vitamins or supplements to make sure you’re getting enough calcium and iron .

Finally, continuing to exercise (moderately, and as your healthcare provider suggests) will help boost sagging energy levels. If you’re concerned about your weight gain at 28 weeks pregnant, check in with your provider to make sure your weight is increasing at a healthy rate. You can also try out our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator below:

28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

At 28 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

Back pain. Brace yourself, because lower back pain comes with the territory for many pregnant people, especially in the last trimester. To prepare for labor and delivery, the joints and ligaments in your pelvis start to loosen, which sometimes causes lower back and pelvic pain. You may notice these pains when taking a flight of stairs or getting in or out of your car. As your body expands, your center of gravity shifts and your posture changes, often straining your back muscles. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about back, pelvic, or hip pain . Try wearing low-heeled, supportive shoes, and stay off your feet whenever possible. You can also place a pillow behind you when sitting in a chair. You can take some comfort in the fact that these symptoms usually subside after you give birth.

Shortness of breath. As your uterus expands, your abdominal organs start to get a little crowded. Your stomach and diaphragm can place pressure on your lungs, making it more difficult to take deep breaths. Don’t worry, though. Your baby is getting plenty of air, even if it feels like you’re not. If you find yourself out of breath, try to be mindful of your posture. Standing up straight can give your lungs a bit more room to expand, and you may find breathing becomes easier.

Hemorrhoids. Your ever-growing uterus also puts pressure on veins, which can sometimes lead to painful or itchy varicose veins in your rectal area—which are hemorrhoids. If you’re also suffering from constipation, the strain on your bowels can make hemorrhoids worse. To help keep hemorrhoids at bay, make sure to stay hydrated and include plenty of fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole-grain bread or cereal. If hemorrhoids do strike, soaking in a warm bath may relieve some of the discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider for further treatment recommendations.

Braxton Hicks contractions . These so-called practice contractions are one way your body prepares to give birth and can strike at any time. However, they don’t open your cervix, so you’re not actually going into labor. You may feel sensations ranging from a slight tightness in your abdomen to something more painful. These contractions are more likely to hit in the evening or after physical activity like exercise or sex. They can get stronger as your pregnancy progresses, and sometimes it can be tricky to tell whether you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions. If you have any concerns about what you’re experiencing, ask your healthcare provider for advice.

Frequent urination. You might have encountered this pesky symptom early in your pregnancy, and it can return in the third trimester. In the early weeks of your pregnancy, your urge to pee was caused by the increase of blood in your body, causing your kidneys to work overtime. Frequent urination in the third trimester is likely due to your growing baby putting pressure on your bladder. Don’t cut back on water and other fluids, but you could try wearing a panty liner if you’re dealing with any bladder leakage.

How Big Is a Pregnant Belly at 28 Weeks?

If your healthcare provider measures your fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) this week, it’s likely to be around 28 centimeters—give or take a centimeter or two.

What Does 28 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

For an idea of what your belly might look like at around 28 weeks pregnant, check out the image below.

28 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

Here are some things you might consider at 28 weeks pregnant:

Your healthcare provider may suggest that 28 weeks pregnant is a good time to start “ kick counting ” . Here's one way to do this: Sit in a comfortable spot with your hands on your abdomen. Check the time when you start, and then wait until you feel 10 kicks, rolls, or other movements. Make sure you’re counting good, strong fetal movements, and not your baby’s hiccups, for example. At 28 weeks pregnant, if you don’t feel at least 10 baby movements in two hours, contact your healthcare provider. If you don’t feel much movement, your little one could simply be sleeping. It’s usually helpful to choose a time of day when your baby is more active, such as after a meal. Download our fetal movement tracker to help you keep up with your little one’s moves.

Are you practicing your Kegel exercises ? It’s never too late to get started! If you’re struggling with bladder leakage, Kegels are a great way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control. Some pregnant people find that they have urine leakage after giving birth, and Kegel exercises can help strengthen these pelvic muscles and help get things back to normal sooner. Read more about Kegel exercises and their benefits.

Think about the type of birth control you may want to use after your baby is born, and discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Some birth control methods may not be suitable to use while breastfeeding, so talk to your provider, who will give you specific advice.

As your bump gets bigger you might like to ask your healthcare provider about comfortable and safe sleeping positions. You might also like to buy a pregnancy pillow , which can help support your body in all the right places.

If you have an unusually strong urge to clean or organize your home now or in the coming weeks, it could be what’s called the “nesting” instinct that some experience during the second and third trimesters. If you experience it, it’s OK to give in, whether that means cooking batches of food to freeze for later, cleaning, or getting everything ready in your baby’s nursery. Just don’t overdo it—take plenty of time to rest and relax, and make sure you conserve your energy for all that’s to come.

Have you picked out your favorite baby names yet? If you’re still looking for inspiration, we have a variety of lists to help you, including:

Top Japanese Girl Names

Italian Boy Names

Gender-Neutral Baby Names

And names from every letter of the alphabet, including girl names starting with the letter A and boy names starting with the letter A .

28 Weeks Pregnant: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider

Don’t hesitate to raise any questions you may have or reach out for advice at 28 weeks pregnant and throughout your entire pregnancy journey—your provider is always there for you. Here are a few questions to ask at your 28-week appointment:

Am I at risk of gestational diabetes ?

Is a decrease in a baby’s movement normal around 28 weeks pregnant? What causes a baby to move less?

What should I include in my birth plan ?

If I was diagnosed with placenta previa earlier in my pregnancy, is there anything I should look out for in the coming weeks and months?

Is there anything I can do to help prevent stretch marks ?

Are there any changes I should make at work now that I'm in the third trimester? When should I stop working? (You can do some reading on working while pregnant here .)

28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

Check out our short list of to-dos for 28 weeks pregnant:

☐ Make sure you and your partner have your healthcare provider’s contact information (including after-hours phone numbers) handy. Save it to your phones, and stick it on the fridge.

☐ Find out who your provider’s backup practitioner is, and make sure you also have the that person’s contact details.

☐ Check with your insurance company about ordering a breast pump and how to get support for breastfeeding.

☐ Sign up for a childbirth or breastfeeding class if you haven’t already. Your healthcare provider can share more info about what may be available in your area.

☐ As you browse baby gear, you’ll notice just how many options you have. It can be pretty overwhelming! We surveyed thousands of Pampers Parents so that you could get a list of the best baby products, whether you’re looking for a crib, car seat, stroller, or any of the other essentials you’ll need. If you have some spare time this week, check out the lists of best baby products —as voted by Pampers Parents—before you make a purchase.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, 6th ed. (Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2015).
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, 7th ed. (Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
Cleveland Clinic. “Fundal Height.”
Kids Health. “Week 28.”
Mayo Clinic. “Fetal development: The 3rd trimester.”
Mayo Clinic. “3rd trimester pregnancy: What to expect.”

Review this article:

28 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is the size of a

Are you 28 weeks pregnant? Congratulations! You’ve come so far and you’re now in your third trimester. This is an exciting time as well as a challenging one as your body continues to change and prepare for childbirth. In this article, we'll discuss some of the common symptoms associated with being 28 weeks pregnant, how many months it is in terms of your pregnancy journey, and what to consider during these last few weeks before delivery. From the size of your 28-week pregnant belly to your baby’s developmental milestones, keep reading to find out what happens during this period of pregnancy!

Highlights at 28 Weeks Pregnant

Here's what may be happening for you and your baby at 28 weeks pregnant:

At 28 weeks pregnant, not only can your little one open and close their eyes, they also have itty bitty eyelashes!

You may be noticing your little one moving around and changing positions a lot over the next few weeks—look out for some somersaults!

Now might be a good time to start tracking those kicks too.

As your pregnancy bump grows heavier and bigger, you may be feeling some aches and fatigue around 28 weeks. Don't forget to take breaks to rest and relax!

What's more, you can start creating a baby name shortlist by using our Baby Name Generator below. Enjoy!

RELATED PREGNANCY TOOL

Baby Name Generator

Filter by gender :, filter by theme :, 28 weeks pregnant: your baby’s development.

Welcome to the third trimester ! At 28 weeks pregnant, you have some exciting baby developments in store, including the following:

Your little one is now able to open and close their eyes. They may even have some eyelashes!

Your baby’s brain is still developing, but the central nervous system has developed enough to allow your baby to begin to control their body temperature.

When you’re 28 weeks pregnant, your baby’s position in the uterus could be with their head facing down—or with their buttocks, feet, or both pointed down, known as the breech presentation .

Your healthcare provider may be able to tell you which direction your baby is facing if you have an ultrasound at 28 weeks pregnant or at your next appointment, but don’t worry if your baby has assumed the breech presentation or another unusual position. Over the next few weeks, they’ll likely turn themselves around.

If you’re 28 weeks pregnant and expecting double (or triple) the fun, read our article all about being pregnant with twins or multiples for more information.

How Many Months Is 28 Weeks Pregnant?

How far along is 28 weeks? It’s natural to wonder what month you’re in at 28 weeks pregnant. The 40 weeks of pregnancy don’t fit precisely into 9 months; however, you’re often considered to be at the beginning of your seventh month when you’re 28 weeks pregnant. So, when does the third trimester start—at 27 or 28 weeks pregnant? Although there’s no standard beginning point, 28 weeks is generally accepted as the first week of the third trimester.

Baby's Size at 28 Weeks Pregnant

How big is a baby at 28 weeks? At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a head of lettuce, their weight is about 1 kilogram and they measure around 25 centimetres long, crown to rump.

Your Baby: What Does 28 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

Check out the illustration below for a glimpse of what your baby may look like this week. Snug as a bug!

Your Body at 28 Weeks Pregnant

As you start the third trimester, keep in mind that you and your baby still have some growing to do. Your expanding belly bump at 28 weeks pregnant may get in the way at times, and throughout the remaining weeks of pregnancy, you might find yourself getting tired more easily. Your body is doing a great (and tough) job of providing a home for your little one as they continue to grow and develop during these final months and weeks. Continue paying attention to your diet by eating healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. Eating well may also help keep your energy levels up if you’ve been feeling worn out. If this is recommended by your healthcare provider, take prenatal vitamins or supplements to make sure you’re getting enough calcium and iron . Finally, continuing to exercise (moderately, and as your healthcare provider suggests) will help boost sagging energy levels. If you’re concerned about your weight gain at 28 weeks pregnant, check in with your provider to make sure your weight is increasing at a healthy rate. You can also try out our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator below:

Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator

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28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

At 28 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

Back pain. Brace yourself around 28 weeks pregnant, because lower back pain comes with the territory for many pregnant people, especially in the last trimester. To prepare for labour and delivery, the joints and ligaments in your pelvis start to loosen, which sometimes causes lower back and pelvic pain. You may notice these pains when taking a flight of stairs or getting in or out of your car. As your body expands, your centre of gravity shifts and your posture changes, often straining your back muscles. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about back, pelvic, or hip pain. Try wearing low-heeled, supportive shoes, and stay off your feet whenever possible. You can also place a pillow behind you when sitting in a chair. If you’re uncomfortable at 28 weeks pregnant, you can take some comfort in the fact that these symptoms usually subside after you give birth.

Hemorrhoids. Your ever-growing uterus also puts pressure on veins, which can sometimes lead to painful or itchy varicose veins in your rectal area—which are hemorrhoids. If you’re also suffering from constipation, the strain on your bowels can make hemorrhoids worse. To help keep hemorrhoids at bay, make sure to stay hydrated and include plenty of fibre in your diet. Choose high-fibre foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole-grain bread or cereal. If hemorrhoids do strike, soaking in a warm bath may relieve some of the discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider for further treatment recommendations.

Braxton Hicks contractions. These so-called practice contractions are one way your body prepares to give birth and can strike at any time. However, they don’t open your cervix, so you’re not actually going into labour. You may feel sensations ranging from a slight tightness in your abdomen to something more painful. These contractions are more likely to hit in the evening or after physical activity like exercise or sex. They can get stronger as your pregnancy progresses, and sometimes it can be tricky to tell whether you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks or true labour contractions. If you’re experiencing severe cramping or persistent cramps in the lower abdomen around 28 weeks pregnant, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Frequent urination. You might have encountered this pesky symptom early in your pregnancy, and it can return in the third trimester. In the early weeks of your pregnancy, your urge to pee is caused by the increase of blood in your body, causing your kidneys to work overtime. Frequent urination in the third trimester is likely due to your growing baby putting pressure on your bladder. Don’t cut back on water and other fluids, but you could try wearing a panty liner if you’re dealing with any bladder leakage.

How Big Is a Pregnant Belly at 28 Weeks?

Your baby is growing rapidly as you enter your third trimester, and this will increase the size and weight of your uterus at 28 weeks pregnant and onwards. Some side effects of this growth, such as body aches and pains, might be more noticeable right now. If your healthcare provider measures your fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) this week, it’s likely to be around 28 centimetres—give or take a centimetre or two.

What Does 28 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

For an idea of what your belly might look like at around 28 weeks pregnant, check out the image below.

28 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

Here are some things you might consider at 28 weeks pregnant:

Your healthcare provider may suggest that 28 weeks pregnant is a good time to start “kick counting” or tracking your baby’s movements. Here's one way to do this: Sit in a comfortable spot with your hands on your abdomen. Check the time when you start, and then wait until you feel 10 kicks, rolls, or other movements. Make sure you’re counting good, strong fetal movements, and not your baby’s hiccups, for example. At 28 weeks pregnant, if you don’t feel at least 10 baby movements in two hours, contact your healthcare provider. If you don’t feel much movement, your little one could simply be sleeping. It’s usually helpful to choose a time of day when your baby is more active, such as after a meal.

Are you practicing your Kegel exercises? It’s never too late to get started! If you’re struggling with bladder leakage, Kegels are a great way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control. Some pregnant people find that they have urine leakage after giving birth, and Kegel exercises can help strengthen these pelvic muscles and help get things back to normal sooner. Read more about Kegel exercises and their benefits.

As your bump gets bigger you might like to ask your healthcare provider about comfortable and safe sleeping positions. You might also like to buy a pregnancy pillow, which can help support your body in all the right places.

Have you picked out your favourite baby names yet? If you’re still looking for inspiration, we have a variety of lists to help you, including: o Top Japanese Girl Names o Italian Boy Names o Gender-Neutral Baby Names o Unique boy names o Unique girl names.

28 Weeks Pregnant: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider

Don’t hesitate to raise any questions you may have or reach out for advice at 28 weeks gestation and throughout your entire pregnancy journey—your provider is always there for you. Here are a few questions to ask at your 28-week appointment:

Am I at risk of gestational diabetes ?

Is a decrease in a baby’s movement normal around 28 weeks pregnant? What causes a baby to move less?

What should I include in my birth plan?

If I was diagnosed with placenta previa earlier in my pregnancy, is there anything I should look out for in the coming weeks and months?

Is there anything I can do to help prevent stretch marks ?

Are there any changes or precautions I should take at work now that I'm 28 weeks pregnant and in the third trimester? When should I stop working?

What are some symptoms not to ignore at 28 weeks pregnant? Keep an eye out for signs of preterm labour at 28 weeks pregnant and onwards, and symptoms such as unexplained vaginal bleeding, persistent pain, headaches, or trouble breathing.

FAQS AT A GLANCE

What should you not do at 28 weeks pregnant.

To maintain a healthy pregnancy and help the growth and development of your baby, it’s recommended to eliminate unhealthy habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Your healthcare provider will also give you personalized advice to help you and your baby stay healthy and safe.

Why is 28 weeks pregnant important?

Every week of pregnancy is important. This article details the important developments your baby is making at 28 weeks, as well as the symptoms you may experience and some helpful advice for you during this period.

What is the baby doing in the womb at 28 weeks?

At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby may be moving around a lot. They can make kicking, stretching, and grasping motions, and even respond with movement to the sound of your voice. Your little one may also be changing positions right now and you might notice them in a breech position during an ultrasound scan. This is normal, and they will continue to change positions over the coming weeks.

28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

Check out our short list of to-dos for 28 weeks pregnant:

Make sure you and your partner have your healthcare provider’s contact information (including after-hours phone numbers) handy. Save it to your phone and stick it on the fridge.

Find out who your provider’s backup practitioner is, and make sure you also have that person’s contact details.

Check with your insurance company about ordering a breast pump and how to get support for breastfeeding.

Sign up for a childbirth or breastfeeding class if you haven’t already. Your healthcare provider can share more info about what may be available in your area.

As you browse baby gear, you’ll notice just how many options you have. It can be pretty overwhelming! Check out our checklist of newborn essentials to help keep you on track. How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, 6th ed. (Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2015).
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, 7th ed. (Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
Cleveland Clinic. “Fundal Height.”
Kids Health. “Week 28.”
Mayo Clinic. “Fetal development: The 3rd trimester.”
Mayo Clinic. “3rd trimester pregnancy: What to expect.”

Review this article:

28 weeks pregnant: fetal development

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31 weeks pregnant: fetal development

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

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Pregnancy Development

Week 28 of Your Pregnancy

At 28 weeks, you've reached the third trimester. And while—for many—this is a time of celebration, you may be feeling new aches and pains. Read on to learn more about week 28 of pregnancy.

Design By Alice Morgan / Illustration by Tara Anand

It's week 28 of your pregnancy and, believe it or not, you're in the third trimester ! This week you'll have a major doctor's appointment and do a lot of testing. You may be diagnosed with anemia or have other symptoms to report and, as your pregnancy progresses, you're probably experiencing new aches and pains. Read on to learn more about week 28 of pregnancy, from what you should expect to how your unborn baby is developing.

Pregnancy Week 28 Quick Facts

At 28 weeks, you're 7 months pregnant
You have 12 until your due date
You're in the third trimester

Your Unborn Baby's Size at 28 Weeks

At 28 weeks, your unborn baby is about 14.8 inches long and weighs about 2.22 pounds. That's nearly the size of a kabocha squash!

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 28

Welcome to week 28 of your pregnancy. Several majorly uncomfortable symptoms may start to crop up during this time, including:

Weight gain
Back or pelvic pain
Heartburn and associated nausea
Breast growth and tenderness
Braxton Hicks contractions

That said, the most common symptom—or complaint—during week 28 of pregnancy is back, pelvic, and/or joint pain caused by changes to the body during the third trimester.

"The hallmark of 28 weeks would be what we call lordosis of the spine. That's when patients feel that their spine curves, and so in order to keep their center of gravity stable, they have to start 'waddling,’" says Cassandra Blot Simmons, M.D., chief of general obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. "That can become somewhat uncomfortable and can limit their movement."

This spinal curve can also lead to several other painful conditions. One is sciatica , which is a pinched nerve that can send shooting pains down the butt, lower back, and leg. "It can be pretty uncomfortable and can be one sided or can be on both sides,” says Dr. Simmons. “It can even shoot all the way down to the toes.”

You can also start experiencing sacroiliac (SI) joint pain where the spine meets pelvic bone, or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), which causes pain in the public area, according to Dr. Simmons. All of these painful conditions can be helped by the use of a pregnancy support belt .

In addition, the other major hallmark of pregnancy in the third trimester is heartburn. As the fetus grows, so does the uterus. It starts pushing more on the stomach causing heartburn and potentially also some nausea.

"Because of the physical space that the baby is taking up, I see a lot of people who come back with sort of nagging nausea, and it's most commonly related to heartburn," says Alex Peahl, M.D., MSc, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan and co-director of the Michigan Plan for Appropriate Tailored Healthcare in pregnancy. Pepcid can work, along with eating smaller, more frequent meals.

Keep in mind, symptoms can vary person to person. If you're having a symptom that seems concerning to you, make sure to call your health care provider.

Developmental Milestones

The fetus’ rapidly-growing brain has developed enough to control some body functions, like movements. As fetal development continues, the baby's eyes begin moving and blinking. They are also now colored, though that color can change for up to six months after birth.

The fetus is growing very quickly, actively adding fat and muscle to fill out its still-wrinkly skin. They're also growing bones. Muscle and bones make for stronger kicks and punches.

Design by Alice Morgan

Prenatal Tests and Doctor's Appointments

Most people have a prenatal appointment around 28 weeks. This marks the first of many more visits, as most health care providers want you to visit every two weeks during the third trimester.

If you have a doctor's appointment at 28 weeks they'll likely test a few things leading up to that third-trimester transition:

Glucose tolerance test to screen for gestational diabetes, if you haven’t had one already
Blood count to test for anemia
Infectious diseases screening for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis
A blood test for Rh antibodies
A Tdap vaccine, which protects the baby against whooping cough
Depression screening and checking for mood issues

"That is a time where, in most states, we are checking HIV and syphilis again, because for both of those 28 weeks is a great time to check," says Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., professor and director of maternal-fetal medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. "If it's positive, you still have plenty of time to get treatment." Treatment can help prevent the baby from getting the infection at birth.

Syphilis rates are on the rise in the United States and congenital syphilis rates are following. “We're seeing a lot more babies that are being diagnosed with syphilis at birth," says Dr. Sheffield. "Syphilis can be devastating–and it's a big cause of stillbirth. But it's also a big cause of complications after delivery, too."

You'll also have blood tests to check your iron levels. "Knowing that someone has a low blood count going into labor and delivery can help us to optimize that blood count so they're at lower risk of transfusion," Dr. Peahl says. "Up to a liter of bleeding is a normal experience on the labor floor. And so making sure that people are starting from a really good point with their blood count helps them to just recover better from that childbirth experience."

If you're anemic, your doctor will likely tell you to take oral iron supplements. As iron can be constipating for some, talk to your doctor about strategies to reduce this side effect. In her practice, Dr. Peahl says, "taking these every other day is just as good as taking them every day and can reduce constipation, a side effect of these pills."

I've been anemic with both of my pregnancies. This is a common issue that many pregnant people come up against because of the increased blood volume needed to support growing the baby. But anemia can make you feel really tired, slow, and weak.

Also, some high-risk pregnancies may have a growth ultrasound at 28 weeks. Plan to have a full bladder. The technician will take a last look at the cervix to make sure the placenta is clear. They'll measure fetal body parts and the amount of amniotic fluid. And take the fetal heart rate, according to Dr. Simmons.

Common Questions at This Pregnancy Stage

What are the signs and symptoms of preterm labor?

If you are experiencing preterm labor, it is important to get help quickly. But what are the signs? "Regular contractions, or sometimes persistent pelvic pressure , would be a reason to be evaluated by your doctor," Dr. Peahl says. This may feel like abdominal tightening, abdominal cramping, or a low back ache.

Is it normal that my hands and feet are swollen?

"Swelling can be very common, but if there's a sudden, acute change and the swelling is significantly worse, it's always a great idea to contact your maternity care professional to check in," Dr. Peahl says. "It's always a good idea to just have it assessed," as certain conditions like preeclampsia, can cause swelling and can lead to serious complications.

How do I tell Braxton-Hicks from labor contractions?

It can be hard to distinguish Braxton-Hicks contractions from real, labor contractions, but there are noticeable differences. "If you think about it, labor means work. The uterus has to work to push a baby through the pelvic bones, and so when a patient asks me, 'What's the difference between a Braxton-Hicks contraction and a labor contraction,' I remind them that if you don't feel like your uterus is doing work to actually squeeze and push the baby further down the pelvis, then you are likely not in labor," says Dr. Simmons. "If you're not sure, and if you have more than six feelings of strong tightening in the abdomen in an hour or painful tightening in the abdomen every 10 minutes, then you should go to the hospital to be evaluated."

Things You Might Consider This Week

This week, you may have heard that you should be doing kick counts . Not all experts recommend this practice. During my pregnancies, even high-risk ones, my doctors had not told me to do daily kick counts.

As with all things pregnancy and health care, ask your provider about daily kick counts. The recommendations vary and may be different based on your specific pregnancy and risk factors. Generally, experts say that fetal movement should be regular and strong starting around the third trimester.

If you'd like to do kick counts, the general advice is: "You want to feel the baby move about 10 times in a two-hour timeframe—this is a loose recommendation," Dr. Simmons says. "We don't necessarily recommend that a patient panics because they only had nine movements."

If the fetus isn't moving as it usually does, you can use your phone to vibrate your belly, put something cold on the belly or drink something hot, or tap on your belly to see if the baby starts moving. If you're still worried, contact your health care provider.

Now is also a great time to start talking with your doctor about your birth options. Will you be scheduled for an induction or planned C-section? You'll need to consider that in your delivery and recovery plans. If you've had a previous cesarean, ask your doctor if you're a candidate to try to deliver vaginally—if you want to.

If you're breastfeeding or exclusively pumping you'll want to order a breast pump or new parts. Parts like flanges, membranes, and tubing should be replaced on a regular basis. Your provider may have given you a form to apply for a new pump covered by insurance, or you may need to talk to your provider or insurance about coverage. Not every state guarantees coverage.

"I think 28 weeks is a great time to apply for a breast pump. That gives you time to make it through the insurance process, if needed," Dr. Peahl says. "And then you also have the pump at home and so that in the event of an earlier birth, you're ready."

Support You May Need This Week

You'll need child care and time off for your 28-week appointment, the glucose test, and any other lab work. If you need to do a three-hour glucose test, plan for four hours as you'll probably need to stay at the clinic between blood draws.

Start thinking about your birth plan but also your birth logistics. Who will drive to the hospital? Who will watch your other children if you have any? Talk to your partner or loved ones about how things will work.

"Once they've made it through the anatomy scan, they've made it through this round of testing, and things are looking OK with the pregnancy,” says Dr. Peahl. “Now it's time to actually start thinking about that future.”

Head over to week 29 of pregnancy

You and your baby at 28 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 28 weeks.

By 28 weeks, your baby weighs around 1kg and is perfectly formed.

The baby's heartbeat can now be heard through a stethoscope. Your partner may even be able to hear it by putting an ear to your bump, but it can be difficult to find the right place.

Your baby keeps putting on weight, as more and more fat appears under the skin.

You at 28 weeks

At your 28-week antenatal appointment, your midwife or doctor will:

measure your blood pressure
test your urine for protein
discuss the results of any screening tests from your last appointment

Heartburn or acid reflux is common in pregnancy. It can be uncomfortable but is not harmful.

Find out how to avoid indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy and how to ease the symptoms.

If you've been told your blood type is rhesus negative , you'll be offered an injection in pregnancy to protect your unborn baby. You'll be offered tests for your blood and your baby's blood at birth, and you may be offered a second injection to protect your babies in any future pregnancies.

Things to think about

The stages of labour and birth and signs labour has started.

What happens when you have a caesarean section .

Exercise is good for you and your baby at any stage of pregnancy – find out about exercise in pregnancy and the sports and positions you should avoid.

Start4Life has more about you and your baby at 28 weeks of pregnancy .

You can sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Video: Sex during pregnancy

This video explores the myths surrounding sex during pregnancy.

Page last reviewed: 13 October 2021 Next review due: 13 October 2024

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You at 28 weeks pregnant

This is the start of the third trimester . You might want or need to start taking things easier around now, if you can.

From 28-36 weeks of pregnancy, your antenatal appointments are likely to be every 2-3 weeks.

Work You might start thinking about when to stop working while pregnant . It can be good to stop work at 34-36 weeks, but it's OK if you need to stop earlier or work longer.

Depending on your job and work duties, you might need a doctor's certificate to keep working past a certain point in your pregnancy.

Pregnancy health problems Common third trimester issues include:

swollen hands and feet – drink as much water as you feel like, get your feet up as much as you can, and take off any tight rings or other tight jewellery
breathlessness – your uterus is pushing further up into your ribcage, which means there’s less room for your lungs
heartburn and reflux
lower back and leg pain – try to stand up straight and tilt your pelvis forward
leaking breasts, as your breasts start producing colostrum .

If you suddenly experience any symptoms of pregnancy health problems or your symptoms feel severe or won’t go away, see your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.

Feeling stressed, worried or sad Pregnancy check-ups are a chance to talk about any worries or problems at home. What’s happening and how you’re feeling are as important as physical symptoms or health problems.

If you feel very stressed , worried or sad, it can affect your health and your baby’s health. If you need it, your doctor or midwife can refer you to another health professional like a counsellor or put you in touch with support services.

More than mood swings Pregnancy is a powerful and life-changing experience for all parents-to-be. It can stir up some strong, deep and unexpected emotions and issues.

Hormone changes can affect your mood or energy levels, or there might be occasional days when you or your partner feels flat or irritable. This is normal.

But emotional changes that last longer than 2 weeks and get in the way of your or your partner’s daily life could be signs of antenatal anxiety , antenatal depression or another problem.

Make an appointment with your doctor or midwife to discuss changes like these. You could also call Lifeline on 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or PANDA on 1300 726 306.

Your baby when you’re 28 weeks pregnant

Your baby is getting bigger:

Your baby measures about 25 cm from head to bottom and weighs about 1 kg.
Some babies prefer the breech position at this time – head up, bottom down. Don’t worry about this just now – most babies move to the head-down position in time for their birth.
Your baby’s immune system is developing.
Your baby is covered in vernix – a white, creamy substance that protects their skin from amniotic fluid.
Your baby’s eyelashes are growing.
If you have a boy, his testicles are lowering into his scrotum.

Babies born at this stage are premature. They have a good chance of survival when they have special care and equipment.

Your baby’s movements should be regular and strong. If you notice a change in the number or strength of your baby’s movements at any stage, call your doctor, midwife or hospital immediately.

28 weeks pregnant

YOU Get ready to be seeing a lot of your LMC's clinic. Starting this week, you'll probably be visiting your doctor or midwife every other week instead of every month. Now that you are into the third trimester, you may be starting to feel bigger, tire more easily, and experience some of the not-so-nice side effects of pregnancy such as leg cramps, shortness of breath, varicose veins and haemorrhoids. Try to rest with your legs up as much as possible to improve circulation. Ask our other OHbaby! mums and mums-to-be how they deal with these problems in the Pregnancy section of our OHbaby! message boards.

Your baby's eyes are blinking now. He / she will be having regular sleeps but also regular active times. Some research suggests that babies begin dreaming at the 28th week.

The folds and grooves of your baby's brain continue to develop and expand. In addition, your baby continues to add layers of fat and has continued hair growth.

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Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin will soon return to the Hot Topics table.

The View is taking a little break from all that cell phone scolding , sliming , and comically collapsing at the Hot Topics table.

If you tuned in to the beloved talk show Monday, you were met with a repeat episode — and that'll be the case throughout the week, as cohosts Whoopi Goldberg , Joy Behar , Sunny Hostin , Sara Haines , Ana Navarro , and Alyssa Farah Griffin are all on a spring break until April 29.

The show, which just received multiple Daytime Emmy nominations , is set to air repeats through Friday, with the production's accompanying Behind the Table podcast also going dark for that period.

Jennifer Lopez's interview from earlier this year will air again on April 22, followed by encore broadcasts of interviews with Tamron Hall (April 23), Ice-T and Jim Sciutto (April 24), Valerie Bertinelli (April 25), and Damian and Elizabeth Hurley (April 26).

Last year, Behar's spirited spring vacation to Europe resulted in one of the show's most comical anecdotes of the year, involving the 81-year-old's encounter with an Italian woman on a train .

"The people are nice, here and there. I had to call one woman the b-word, but that's something else," Behar said at the time.

"I said it in English because she wouldn't let me pee in the first-class lounge. I said, 'Please, let me just go!'" she continued. "I said, 'Listen, don't be a bitch.' She wouldn't let me go."

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What to know if your baby is breech

Find out what breech position means, how to turn a breech baby, and what having a breech baby means for your labor and delivery.

What does it mean when a baby is breech?

Signs of a breech baby, why are some babies breech, how to turn a breech baby: is it possible, will i need a c-section if my baby is breech, how to turn a breech baby naturally.

Breech is a term used to describe your baby's position in the womb. Breech position means your baby is bottom-down instead of head-down.

Babies are often active in early pregnancy, moving into different positions. But by around 8 months, there's not much room in the uterus. Most babies maximize their cramped quarters by settling in head down, in what's known as a cephalic or vertex presentation. But if you have a breech baby, it means they're poised to come out buttocks and/or feet first. At 28 weeks or less, about a quarter of babies are breech, and at 32 weeks, 7 percent are breech. By the end of pregnancy, only 3 to 4 percent of babies are in breech position. At term, a baby in breech position is unlikely to turn on their own.

There are several types of breech presentations:

Frank breech (bottom first with feet up near the head)
Complete breech (bottom first with legs crossed)
Incomplete or footling breech (one or both feet are poised to come out first)

(In rare cases, a baby will be sideways in the uterus with their shoulder, back, or arm presenting first – this is called a transverse lie.)

See what these breech presentations look like .

If your baby is in breech position, you may feel them kicking in your lower belly. Or you may feel pressure under your ribcage, from their head.

By the beginning of your third trimester , your practitioner may be able to tell what position your baby is in by feeling your abdomen and locating the baby's head, back, and bottom.

If your baby's position isn't clear during an abdominal exam at 36 weeks, your caregiver may do an internal exam to try to feel what part of the baby is in your pelvis. In some cases, they may use ultrasound to confirm the baby's position.

We don't usually know why some babies are breech – in most cases it seems to be chance. While sometimes a baby with certain birth defects may not turn to a head-down position, most babies in breech position are perfectly fine. Here are some things that might increase the risk of a breech presentation:

You're carrying multiples
You've been pregnant before
You've had a breech presentation before
There's too much amniotic fluid or not enough amniotic fluid
You have placenta previa (the placenta is covering all of part of the opening of the uterus)
Your baby is preterm
Your uterus is shaped abnormally or has growths, such as fibroids
The umbilical cord is short
You were a breech delivery, or your sibling or parent was a breech delivery
Advanced maternal age (especially age 45 and older)
Your baby is a low weight at delivery
You're having a girl

There is a procedure for turning a breech baby. It's called an external cephalic version (ECV). An ob/gyn turns your baby by applying pressure to your abdomen and manually manipulating the baby into a head-down position. Some women find it very uncomfortable or even painful.

An EVC has about a 58 percent success rate, and it's more likely to work if this isn't your first baby. It's not for everyone – you can't have the procedure if you're carrying multiples or if you have too little amniotic fluid or placental abruption , for example. Your provider also won't attempt to turn your breech baby if your baby has any health problems.

The procedure is done after 36 weeks and in the hospital, where your baby can be monitored and where you'll be near a delivery room should any complications arise.

It depends, and it's something you'll want to talk with your caregiver about ahead of time. Discuss your preferences, the advantages and risks of each option ( vaginal and cesarean delivery of a breech presentation), and their experience. The biggest risk of a breech delivery is when the body delivers but the head stays entrapped within the cervix.

In the United States, most breech babies are delivered via cesarean. You may wind up having a vaginal breech delivery if your labor is so rapid that you arrive at the hospital just about to deliver. Another scenario is if you have a twin pregnancy where the first baby is in the head-first position and the second baby is not. A baby who delivers head-first will make room for the breech baby.

However, the vast majority of babies who remain breech arrive by c-section. If a c-section is planned, it will usually be scheduled at 39 weeks. To make sure your baby hasn't changed position in the meantime, you'll have an ultrasound at the hospital to confirm their position just before the surgery.

If you go into labor or your water will break s before your planned c-section, be sure to call your provider right away and head for the hospital.

In rare circumstances, if you're at low risk of complications and your caregiver is experienced delivering breech babies vaginally, you may choose to have what is called a "trial of vaginal birth." This means that you can attempt to deliver vaginally but should be prepared to have a cesarean delivery if labor isn't progressing well. You and your baby will be closely monitored during labor.

In addition to ECV, there are some alternative, natural ways to try to turn your baby. There's no proof that any of them work – or that all of them are safe. Consult your practitioner before trying them.

There's no conclusive proof that the mother's position has any effect on the baby's position, but the idea is to employ gravity to help your baby somersault into a head-down position. A few tips:

Get into one of the following positions twice a day, starting at around 32 weeks.
Be sure to do these moves on an empty stomach, lest your lunch comes back up.
Make sure there's someone around to help you get up if you start feeling lightheaded.
If you find these positions uncomfortable, stop doing them.

Position 1: Lie flat on your back and raise your pelvis so that it's 9 to 12 inches off the floor. Support your hips with a pillow and stay in this position for five to 15 minutes. Position 2: Kneel down, with your forearms on the floor in front of you, so that your bottom sticks up in the air. Stay in this position for five to 15 minutes. Sleeping position

Many women wonder if there are sleeping positions to turn a breech baby. But the positions you use to try to coax your baby head down for a short time shouldn't be used while you're sleeping. (It's not safe to sleep flat on your back in late pregnancy, for example, because the weight of your baby may compress the blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to them.)

The best position for sleeping during pregnancy is on your side. Placing a pillow between your legs in this position may help open your pelvis, giving your baby room to move more easily. Support your back with plenty of pillows, too. Again, there's no proof that this works, but since it's the best sleeping position for you and your baby, you may as well give it a try.

Moxibustion

This ancient Chinese technique burns herbs to stimulate key acupressure points. To help turn a breech baby, an acupuncturist or other practitioner burns mugwort near the acupressure point of your pinky toes. According to Chinese medicine, this should stimulate your baby's activity enough that they may change position on their own. Some studies show that moxibustion in combination with acupuncture and/or positioning methods may be of some benefit. Others show moxibustion to provide no help in coaxing a baby into cephalic position. If you've discussed it with your caregiver and want to give it a try, contact your state acupuncture or Chinese medicine association and ask for the names of licensed practitioners.

One small study found that women who are regularly hypnotized into a state of deep relaxation at 37 to 40 weeks are more likely to have their baby turn than other women. If you're willing to try this technique, look for a licensed hypnotherapist with experience working with pregnant women.

Chiropractic care

There's a technique – called The Webster Breech Technique – that aims to reduce stress on the pelvis by relaxing the uterus and surrounding ligaments. The idea is that a breech baby can turn more naturally in a relaxed uterus, but research is limited as to the risks and benefits of this technique. If you're interested, talk with your provider about working with a chiropractor who's experienced with the technique.

This is a safe – and again, unproven – method based on the fact that your baby can hear sounds outside the womb. Simply play music close to the lower part of your abdomen (some women use headphones) to encourage your baby to move in the direction of the sound.

Learn more:

C-section recovery
Third trimester pregnancy guide and checklist
Hospital bag checklist

Was this article helpful?

Breech, posterior, transverse lie: What position is my baby in?

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Raspberry leaf tea is popular during pregnancy – but possible benefits aren't proven

Too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)

C-section recovery: Timeline, aftercare tips, and expectations

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ACOG. 2019. If your baby is breech. FAQ. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/if-your-baby-is-breech Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

ACOG. 2018. Mode of term singleton breech delivery. Committee opinion number 745. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/08/mode-of-term-singleton-breech-delivery Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

Brici P et al. 2019. Turning foetal breech presentation at 32-35 weeks of gestational age by acupuncture and moxibustion. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/8950924/ Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

Ekeus C et al. 2019. Vaginal breech delivery at term and neonatal morbidity and mortality — a population-based cohort study in Sweden. Journal of Maternal Fetal Neonatal Medicine 32(2):265. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28889774/ Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

Fruscalzo A et al 2014. New and old predictive factors for breech presentation: our experience in 14433 singleton pregnancies and a literature review. Journal of Maternal Fetal Neonatal Medicine 27(2): 167-72. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23688372/ Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

Garcia MM et al. 2019 Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion in pregnant women with noncephalic presentation: An overview of systematic reviews. Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine 7036914. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31885661/ Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

Gray C. 2021. Breech presentation. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448063/ Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

Meaghan M et al. 2021. External cephalic version. NCBI StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482475/ Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

MedlinePlus. 2020. Breech - series - Types of breech presentation. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100193_3.htm Opens a new window [Accessed November 2020]

Noli SA et al. 2019. Preterm birth, low gestational age, low birth weight, parity, and other determinants of breech presentation: Results from a large retrospective population-based study. Biomed Research International https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6766171/ Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

Pistolese RA. 2002. The Webster Technique: A chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 25(6): E1-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12183701/ Opens a new window [Accessed November 2021]

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

Fetal presentation before birth
Frank breech. When a baby's feet or buttocks are in place to come out first during birth, it's called a breech presentation. This happens in about 3% to 4% of babies close to the time of birth. The baby shown below is in a frank breech presentation. That's when the knees aren't bent, and the feet are close to the baby's head.
28 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms & Baby Development
28 Weeks Baby Movement. Your baby is starting to take up more and more space, and will soon settle into a head-down position (or cephalic presentation) for labor and birth. Most babies are fully head-down between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. But others may take a little longer, need some coaxing by your healthcare provider to get there or never end up head-down, in which case, a c-section is ...
Fetal presentation: Breech, posterior, transverse lie, and more
Fetal presentation, or how your baby is situated in your womb at birth, is determined by the body part that's positioned to come out first, and it can affect the way you deliver. ... My pregnancy week by week. 2. weeks pregnant. 3. weeks pregnant. 4. weeks pregnant. 5. weeks pregnant. 6. weeks pregnant. 7. ... 28. weeks pregnant. 29. weeks ...
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Sciatica (tingling leg pain) This is it — at 28 weeks pregnant, you're two-thirds of the way to the finish line as you enter the third trimester. And what a difference a trimester makes! Gone, most likely, are the days when you could call pregnancy "comfortable" — that is, if you ever did. Now, your baby's kicking (or lack of) is keeping ...
Fetal Positions For Birth: Presentation, Types & Function
Possible fetal positions can include: Occiput or cephalic anterior: This is the best fetal position for childbirth. It means the fetus is head down, facing the birth parent's spine (facing backward). Its chin is tucked towards its chest. The fetus will also be slightly off-center, with the back of its head facing the right or left.
Baby and You at 28 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Development
Baby at Week 28. Inside your 28 weeks pregnant belly, baby is starting to develop more fat, so their once-wrinkly skin is starting to get smoother. In pretty amazing news, baby is practicing breathing, and their lungs are getting more mature every day. Baby will keep getting bigger—and smarter—after week 28 of pregnancy, and then baby will ...
28 weeks pregnant: Symptoms, tips, and baby development
Baby can smell. At 28 weeks, your baby is pretty well developed. During the third trimester, your baby will continue growing in size and weight, and they may even start to move into position with their head down, ready for birth. During the third trimester, their organs (like the brain, kidneys, and lungs) will continue to mature, and they even ...
28 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development
Although there's no standard beginning point, 28 weeks is generally accepted as first week of the third trimester. Baby's Size at 28 Weeks Pregnant. How big is a baby at 28 weeks? At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a head of lettuce, weighing about 2 and 1/4 pounds and measuring about 10 inches long, crown to rump.
Vertex Presentation: Position, Birth & What It Means
The vertex presentation describes the orientation a fetus should be in for a safe vaginal delivery. It becomes important as you near your due date because it tells your pregnancy care provider how they may need to deliver your baby. Vertex means "crown of the head.". This means that the crown of the fetus's head is presenting towards the ...
28 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development
When you're 28 weeks pregnant, your baby's position in the uterus could be with their head facing down—or with their buttocks, feet, or both pointed down, known as the breech presentation. Your healthcare provider may be able to tell you which direction your baby is facing if you have an ultrasound at 28 weeks pregnant or at your next ...
28 weeks pregnant: fetal development
28 weeks pregnant: fetal development. Good news - you're now in your third trimester! Your baby weighs just over 1kg (2.2lb), about the same as an eggplant, and is at least 37.6cm (14.8in) long. Your baby's eyes are now ringed with delicate lashes. Soon, the muscle fibres that form your baby's irises will develop colour and pattern.
Baby position in womb: What they are and how to tell
Posterior: The head is down, and the back is in line with the pregnant person's. Transverse lie: The fetus is lying horizontally on its back. Breech: The fetus's feet point down. A fetus ...
28 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Cramping, Baby Size & More
28 weeks pregnant bellies. Even though there isn't much research on dying your hair while you're pregnant, it's generally thought to be safe.Some experts recommend waiting until after you've finished the first trimester, a critical period in your baby's development, because hair dye is a chemical substance and very small amounts of dye could be absorbed by your skin.
28 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Size, and Development
At 28 weeks, your unborn baby is about 14.8 inches long and weighs about 2.22 pounds. That's nearly the size of a kabocha squash! That's nearly the size of a kabocha squash! Pregnancy Symptoms Week 28
You and your baby at 28 weeks pregnant
By 28 weeks, your baby weighs around 1kg and is perfectly formed. The baby's heartbeat can now be heard through a stethoscope. Your partner may even be able to hear it by putting an ear to your bump, but it can be difficult to find the right place. Your baby keeps putting on weight, as more and more fat appears under the skin.
28 weeks pregnant
From 28-36 weeks of pregnancy, your antenatal appointments are likely to be every 2-3 weeks. Work. You might start thinking about when to stop working while pregnant. It can be good to stop work at 34-36 weeks, but it's OK if you need to stop earlier or work longer. Depending on your job and work duties, you might need a doctor's certificate to ...
28 Weeks Pregnant
At 28 weeks, you're starting your last trimester! Learn more about what to expect at 28 weeks pregnant, use our week-by-week pregnancy guide and emails. ... Most babies eventually settle on the head down (cephalic) presentation by 36 weeks, and if your baby is still breech at 36 weeks your LMC will discuss possible options for encouraging him ...
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At the start of this week, you ovulate.Your egg is fertilized 12 to 24 hours later if a sperm penetrates it. Over the next several days, the fertilized egg (called a zygote) will start dividing into multiple cells as it travels down the fallopian tube, enters your uterus, and starts to burrow into the uterine lining.. Read about fertilization.
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Breech position baby: How to turn a breech baby
At 28 weeks or less, about a quarter of babies are breech, and at 32 weeks, 7 percent are breech. ... The procedure is done after 36 weeks and in the hospital, where your baby can be monitored and where you'll be near a delivery room should any complications arise. ... Turning foetal breech presentation at 32-35 weeks of gestational age by ...