Week 28
Third TrimesterThird Trimester Begins
Welcome to the third trimester. Baby is growing rapidly, preparing for birth, and the final countdown has begun.
Third Trimester begins
This week's tip
💡 Welcome to the third trimester — your body is doing its final sprint. Lean into rest, nourishment, and anything that makes you feel cared for.
Baby this week
🍆
About the size of
an eggplant
Length
37.6 cm
Weight
1.00 kg
Development
- Baby now weighs approximately 1 kilogram.
- The brain is developing distinct folds and creases.
- REM sleep and dreaming may be occurring.
- Baby blinks, coughs, and hiccups.
- Bone marrow is now fully responsible for red blood cell production.
How you might feel
- Breathlessness increases as the uterus pushes against the diaphragm.
- Trouble sleeping is nearly universal.
- Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent.
- Swelling in hands, feet, and ankles may increase.
- You may feel your baby's hiccups.
Things to do this week
- Begin kick counting daily — 10 kicks in 2 hours is reassuring
- Prepare your hospital bag
- Research newborn care basics
- Ensure your car seat is purchased and installed correctly
When to contact your care team
This is general guidance, not medical advice.
- Contact your care team if contractions are regular, coming every 5–10 minutes.
- Contact your care team if you experience sudden vision changes, severe headache, or rapid swelling.
Partner tip
Begin learning newborn care basics together — bathing, feeding, settling. Preparation reduces anxiety for everyone.