Our Baby Journey28 weeks pregnant
28 weeks pregnant is about 6½ months. It falls in the seventh month of pregnancy. You are in week 28 of 40, in the third trimester. Here is what is happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is about the size of an eggplant.
Length: about 37.6 cm (14.8 in) from crown to heel · Weight: about 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Your baby at 28 weeks
The baby can blink and may have eyelashes. Brain tissue is developing quickly.
Your baby has now reached about 1 kg (2.2 lb). With the eyes able to open and close, your baby can sense light filtering through your belly and may turn toward a bright light. The brain is developing quickly, with its surface becoming more folded and its nerve connections multiplying.
Your baby spends much of the day asleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the stage associated with dreaming in adults, appears to be present. The lungs continue to mature and produce more surfactant, although they are not yet ready to work on their own.
Your baby is gaining weight steadily and storing more fat, which will later help with keeping warm. If born now, your baby would still need intensive neonatal care, but the outlook is considerably better than in previous weeks. Over the coming weeks, many babies settle into a head-down position in preparation for birth.
Your body at 28 weeks
Welcome to the third trimester. Prenatal appointments may become more frequent.
You are now in the third trimester. Your uterus is well above your belly button, and you may feel more uncomfortable as your baby grows. Back pain, heartburn, and shortness of breath are common. You may also notice more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions. Your provider will start seeing you more often to monitor your health and your baby's growth. Sleeping on your side is recommended from now on, because lying on your back for long periods can reduce blood flow to your baby. Use pillows to support your belly and back.
Your belly at week 28
In month 7 (weeks 28–31) your belly grows noticeably and may start to feel heavy. Stretch marks may appear. Fundal height is usually around 28–31 cm.
Belly size and shape vary a lot depending on your build, whether this is your first pregnancy, your baby's position and the amount of amniotic fluid. At checkups your doctor or midwife may measure your fundal height to track your baby's growth, and may arrange an ultrasound if the measurement is quite different from what they expect.
Symptoms at 28 weeks pregnant
- More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions
- Back pain and pelvic pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping
- Leaking colostrum from the breasts
- Swelling in the legs and feet
Checkups around week 28
Around 28 weeks, many providers check your blood count for anemia and repeat antibody tests. If your blood type is Rh negative, you may be offered an anti-D injection around this time. If you have not had the glucose screening, it may be done now. Appointment frequency often increases to every two to three weeks. Timing varies by country.
Tips for week 28
- Pay attention to your baby's movements every day.
- Contact your provider right away if movements slow down or change.
- If your blood type is Rh negative, you may be offered an anti-D injection around now.
Common symptoms in the third trimester
The third trimester runs from week 28 until birth, usually around week 40. Your baby gains most of their weight, their lungs mature, and your body prepares for labor. Not everyone has every symptom, and it is normal for symptoms to come and go. Common ones include:
- Shortness of breath as your uterus presses up on your diaphragm
- Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- Trouble sleeping and getting comfortable
- Pelvic pressure and pain
- Needing to urinate more often again
- Heartburn and back ache
Read the full third trimester guide.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Contact your healthcare provider or maternity unit straight away, or get emergency care, if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Fluid leaking from your vagina
- Severe vomiting where you cannot keep fluids down
- Your baby moving less than usual or a change in their pattern of movements (later in pregnancy)
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Feeling very low, anxious, or having thoughts of harming yourself
Have a question about week 28?
Ask our AI pregnancy assistant about symptoms, nutrition, scans or anything else on your mind this week.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 28 weeks pregnant?
At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of an eggplant. That is about 37.6 cm (14.8 in) from crown to heel, weighing about 1 kg (2.2 lb).
How big is my belly at week 28 of pregnancy?
In month 7 (weeks 28–31) your belly grows noticeably and may start to feel heavy. Stretch marks may appear. Fundal height is usually around 28–31 cm. Bump size, shape and when you start to show vary a lot from person to person.
How often should my baby move at 28 weeks?
There is no set number of movements that every baby should make. What matters is getting to know your own baby's pattern of movement. From 28 weeks, your baby's movements should be regular. If you notice a reduction or change in the pattern, contact your doctor, midwife, or maternity unit right away. Do not wait until the next day.
What is the anti-D injection, and why might I need it?
If your blood type is Rh negative and your baby's is Rh positive, your body can make antibodies against your baby's blood cells. This can cause problems in this or a future pregnancy. Anti-D is an injection given to prevent your body from making these antibodies. It is usually offered around 28 weeks, and again after birth if your baby is Rh positive. Your provider will explain your options.
Is it safe to sleep on my back at 28 weeks?
From the third trimester, sleeping on your side is recommended. When you lie on your back, the weight of your uterus can press on major blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your baby. If you wake up on your back, simply roll onto your side. Pillows between your knees and behind your back can help you stay comfortable.
What trimester is 28 weeks pregnant?
Week 28 is in the third trimester, which covers weeks 28 to 40.
How many months is 28 weeks pregnant?
28 weeks pregnant is about 6½ months. It falls in the seventh month of pregnancy. The seventh month covers weeks 28 to 31. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks, or roughly 9 months, counted from the first day of your last period.
This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife. Every pregnancy is different, and baby sizes are approximate averages. Last updated 2026-11-07. See our medical disclaimer.