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Pregnancy Stages: Week 28

Your baby:



Your baby has reached now 1.1Kg and measures around 38cm. His brain is developing and billions of neurons are forming. He can blink and follows the light directed to your womb. He sleeps and might be dreaming! His body is still forming layers of fat to keep him warm after birth. He is settling in his final position with the head towards the exit. His survival rate outside the womb increases more with each week. His weight will increase rapidly during this trimester.



Your Body:



Welcome third trimester; the final stage of your pregnancy! Your body weight will increase in a total of 5kg during this last period. Your doctor visits will increase to twice a month till the 36th week where you will have to visit your doctor weekly.



Your doctor may prescribe some blood tests to screen the diabetes, and a vaginal test searching for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. If your blood rhesus is negative, your doctor will recommend an injection of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent your body from developing antibodies that could attack your baby's blood. If your baby is Rh positive, another shot of Rh immunoglobulin will be given after birth.



It is time to make a list of babies’ names to choose the best one for your angel. There are lots of options; you can check the websites or your family genealogy or even take a name of your favorite character. Some people would prefer to keep it until the baby is born.



During this trimester, the baby weight may block your sciatic nerve causing numbness feeling going from your lower back till your legs. This condition is called “Sciatica”. It will disappear after birth or if your baby changes his position. You may also start feeling false contractions called “Braxton Hicks” contractions. Do not panic, they are just contractions which help your uterus to get prepared for labor.



If you still did not prepare your baby’s room, you should start shopping for his bedroom furniture. You can have fun decorating the room with your partner. Enjoy your pregnancy and try to relax.