Welcome to the third trimester. At 28 weeks, you’re in the home stretch — roughly 12 weeks to go — and both your body and your baby are gearing up for the final push. Here’s what’s happening this week.
Your Baby at 28 Weeks
Your baby is about the size of a head of lettuce or eggplant, weighing around 2¼ pounds and measuring roughly 10 inches from crown to rump (about 37–38 cm total length). Development this week includes:
Eyes can open and close, and eyelashes are visible
The brain is developing rapidly, forming deeper grooves and folds
Lungs are maturing and practicing breathing movements, though they’re not yet ready to function outside the womb
Regular movement patterns are becoming established — somersaults, rolls, and position changes are common as there’s still some room to move
The heart rate typically ranges between 110–160 beats per minute
Why 28 Weeks Marks the Third Trimester
Pregnancy doesn’t divide evenly into three neat three-month blocks, so there’s no single universally agreed start date for the third trimester — but 28 weeks is the most widely accepted marker. From here, you’re often described as being at the start of month seven, with appointments typically shifting to every two weeks.
Common Symptoms at 28 Weeks Pregnant
As your baby and belly continue growing, cramped quarters can bring on a new round of symptoms:
Back or pelvic pain
Shortness of breath, as your expanding uterus pushes up against your diaphragm
Braxton Hicks contractions — often daily now, usually irregular and painless
Frequent urination
Hemorrhoids
Occasional incontinence
Fatigue — driven by the sheer metabolic demand of building the placenta, growing your baby, and increasing blood volume, plus disrupted sleep from a growing belly and frequent bathroom trips
Leaking colostrum — some people notice early breastmilk starting to appear, and nursing pads can help if it becomes noticeable
Starting Kick Counts
Twenty-eight weeks is a common time to start doing kick counts — tracking your baby’s movements to monitor wellbeing. The general guideline is to feel at least 10 movements within a two-hour window, ideally at the same time each day when your baby tends to be most active (often after meals or when you’re resting). Movements can feel like kicks, rolls, flutters, or jabs — all of it counts. If your baby’s movement pattern changes significantly or slows down noticeably, contact your provider right away rather than waiting.
Your Body at 28 Weeks Pregnant
Total pregnancy weight gain by this point is typically in the range of 17–24 pounds, though this varies widely depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and body. Your healthcare provider will likely check your weight, blood pressure, urine, and your baby’s heartbeat at each visit from here on, along with your iron levels — low iron is common in the third trimester and can add to fatigue, dizziness, and irritability.
Preparing for Birth
With the third trimester underway, this is a natural time to start thinking through logistics: choosing a pediatrician, deciding on a birth plan, discussing pain management preferences, and finalizing a hospital bag list. There’s no need to have it all figured out this week, but starting the conversation now takes some pressure off later.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your provider if you notice a significant decrease or change in fetal movement, regular or painful contractions before 37 weeks (a possible sign of preterm labor), vaginal bleeding, severe headaches, or sudden swelling in your hands or face.
Tips for Week 28
Start your kick count routine
Eat small, frequent meals to manage heartburn and maintain energy
Stay hydrated — aim for around 10 cups of water a day
Try gentle movement like walking or water walking to ease discomfort
Prioritize rest, and don’t be afraid to nap when you can
FAQ
How big is a baby at 28 weeks pregnant?
About the size of a head of lettuce or eggplant — roughly 2¼ pounds and 10 inches from crown to rump.
Does the third trimester start at 27 or 28 weeks?
There’s no single official cutoff, but 28 weeks is the most commonly accepted starting point for the third trimester.
How many kicks should I feel at 28 weeks?
A common guideline is at least 10 movements within a two-hour period during your baby’s active time. If movement seems to drop off significantly, contact your provider.
Why am I so tired at 28 weeks pregnant?
Third-trimester fatigue is driven by the energy demands of growing your baby, disrupted sleep, physical strain from extra weight, and sometimes mild anemia from increased blood volume.
Is it normal to have Braxton Hicks contractions every day at 28 weeks?
Yes, occasional Braxton Hicks are common and usually irregular and painless. If they become regular, painful, or increasingly frequent, contact your provider, as this could signal preterm labor.
