mybabybase

Third trimester

28 weeks pregnant

Baby is about the size of an eggplant.

Week 28 of 40 · in your third trimester · Updated

Your baby this week

Baby can blink, dream (in REM sleep!), and develop more defined sleep patterns.

  • Baby is blinking and now has eyelashes that work to protect the eyes.
  • REM sleep — when dreaming happens in adults — is happening in baby's brain.
  • Baby can react to your stimuli: light shining on your belly, your voice, music.

Your body this week

Your OB will likely move to every-two-weeks appointments now.

  • Appointments increase to every 2 weeks. Your provider monitors blood pressure, weight, and baby's growth closely.
  • Rh testing happens around now (if you're Rh negative, you'll get a RhoGAM shot).
  • If you didn't have a glucose test yet, you'll get one now.

Common symptoms

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Heartburn (peak)
  • Itchy belly
  • Faster heart rate
  • Forgetfulness

Things to do this week

  • Rh testing / RhoGAM shot if Rh negative
  • Plan maternity leave timing
  • Get to know baby's movements: feel at least 6 movements in 2 hours; if fewer, contact your provider or go to the hospital

For partners this week

Appointments speed up

  • Check-ups are usually more frequent now. Put them in your calendar and come when you can.
  • Start planning your own parental leave with your employer.
  • Learn how to do a kick count so you both know what's normal for your baby.

Typical visits around this week

Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.

  • Routine check-ups (about every 4 weeks)

    Weeks 12–28

    Check-ups are often about every 4 weeks until around 28 weeks. Your provider usually checks your blood pressure, weight and urine, listens to the baby's heartbeat and measures your growing belly. Some people need more visits.

    Questions to ask →
    • Is my blood pressure and weight gain on track?
    • Is this symptom I've been having normal?
    • What should I be doing about exercise, work or travel right now?
    • What's coming up before my next visit?

  • Gestational diabetes screening

    Weeks 24–28

    A blood sugar test offered to everyone between 24 and 28 weeks. It usually starts with a sweet drink and a blood test an hour later; if that result is high, a longer fasting test follows. Some people are tested earlier.

    Questions to ask →
    • Do I need to fast or change what I eat beforehand?
    • How long should I plan to be at the lab?
    • When will I hear about my results?
    • What happens if I need the second test?

  • Rh immune globulin (if you're Rh negative)

    Weeks 27–29 · if it applies to you

    Your Rh blood type is checked in early bloodwork. If you're Rh negative, you'll usually be offered an Rh immune globulin injection at about 28 weeks, and sometimes at other times too (for example after bleeding or after birth). Your provider will explain whether you need it.

    Questions to ask →
    • What is my blood type and Rh factor?
    • Do I need the Rh immune globulin shot, and when?
    • Should I call you if I have any bleeding before then?
    • Will I need it again after the baby is born?

  • Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine

    Weeks 27–32

    Recommended in every pregnancy, whatever your vaccine history, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks. It helps protect the baby from whooping cough in the first months of life. If it's missed, it can still be given later in pregnancy.

    Questions to ask →
    • Can I get the Tdap vaccine at this visit, or where should I go?
    • I had it in a past pregnancy — do I need it again?
    • Can I get other vaccines at the same time?

  • Routine check-ups (about every 2 weeks)

    Weeks 28–36

    From about 28 weeks, check-ups usually come every 2 to 3 weeks. Your provider keeps an eye on your blood pressure, the baby's growth and heartbeat, and will talk about feeling the baby move.

    Questions to ask →
    • How should I keep track of the baby's movements?
    • Which symptoms mean I should call right away?
    • When should we register at the hospital or plan our birth place?
    • Are prenatal classes available near us?

Coming up

  • RSV vaccine (if baby is due in RSV season)

    Weeks 32–36 · if it applies to you

    If your baby is expected during RSV season (roughly fall to spring), a vaccine in pregnancy is one way to protect them; the other is an antibody given to the baby after birth. Ontario offers the pregnancy vaccine free at 32–36 weeks (national guidance says it can be given from 28 weeks). Your provider will help you choose.

    Questions to ask →
    • Is my baby due during RSV season?
    • Should I get the vaccine, or should the baby get the antibody after birth?
    • Where can I get the RSV vaccine?
    • If I get it, does the baby still need anything after birth?

A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.

When to call your doctor or midwife

Bleeding, fluid leaking, a bad headache or vision changes, or baby moving less than usual all need a call. See the warning signs and who to call →

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