The twenty-eighth week of pregnancy is the time when the third trimester begins. The period of good health and a surge of strength is over. Now the symptoms will increase and some new ones will appear. The unborn child continues to grow. He is fully formed and looks just like a newborn, but he still has some weight to gain and his organs continue to mature. Two-thirds of the way through - in about three months you will meet your baby!

Signs and symptoms of 28 weeks pregnant

Many expectant mothers at 28 weeks of pregnancy note that they often have problems sleeping. They wake up in the middle of the night and cannot fall asleep. Many women then begin to do some household chores, vacuuming the entire apartment. This is not the best solution. Try to relax somehow. Read a book, drink something (not strong black tea - it contains caffeine), turn on relaxing music.

It is much more convenient to count the period from an event that manifested itself externally, and the date of which the woman remembers well. This date is the first day of the last menstruation. From this moment they count down obstetric gestational age. In reality, fertilization occurs approximately two weeks later, but the obstetric period is more convenient, which is what doctors use and is included in the medical documentation.

The relationship between embryonic and obstetric gestational age is as follows:

· Twenty eight weeks obstetric period pregnancy is 26 weeks of embryonic period.

· Twenty-eight weeks of the embryonic period is 30 weeks of the obstetric period.

Now you have definitely stepped over the line separating the second and third trimesters. Two thirds of pregnancy is over! You are now seven months pregnant.

What happens to the fetus at 28 weeks of pregnancy?

At the twenty-eighth week of pregnancy, your unborn child about the size of an eggplant. The length of his body from crown to heels is 36 cm, weight - 960 grams. Now he looks even more like a plump, strong man: after all, a rather thick layer of subcutaneous fat has managed to form under his skin, the skin has become opaque, the wrinkles on it have practically smoothed out.

The respiratory system is maturing at an active pace. It is already quite well developed: in case of premature birth at 28 weeks, the newborn baby is quite able to breathe on his own - he can be released. A surfactant is produced in the lung tissue surfactant, which will help them straighten during the first breath. The unborn child has been training his respiratory muscles for a long time: he “inhales” and “exhales” the amniotic fluid surrounding him.

The maturation of the nervous system continues. Millions of new neurons have formed in the fetal brain, and new contacts are formed between them - synapses. The unborn child already has well-developed senses. His vision continues to improve. He is good at distinguishing between light and dark, and responds with kicks and pushes if you shine a bright flashlight on his stomach. The baby can open his eyes, blink, and has eyelashes. If occur premature birth at this stage, the newborn can see the mother’s face and distinguish its individual features. Activated in the brain thalamocortical complex– the department that is responsible for consciousness!

The 28-week fetus enters REM sleep, which means it can now dream and daydream. During an ultrasound examination at this stage of pregnancy, it is often discovered that the baby “sticks out his tongue.” There are no clear explanations why this happens. There is an assumption that in this way the unborn child tastes the amniotic fluid.

Hair is actively growing on the head of the unborn child. But this happens differently for everyone. Some babies are born with thick hair, while others are almost bald. Interestingly, there is some evidence of a connection between the severity of heartburn a woman experiences during pregnancy and the degree of fetal hairiness. Apparently this is the result of the effects of pregnancy hormones.

If you could see your unborn child now, he would appear to you as a fully formed, ordinary newborn. This is true. In case of premature birth at 28 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is viable. However, his body has not yet fully matured; he still has to gain weight and build up a certain amount of subcutaneous fat.

At the twenty-eighth week of pregnancy, the fetus makes all sorts of movements: moves its arms and legs, sucks a finger, grabs the umbilical cord, sticks out its tongue, blinks its eyes, “breathes” amniotic fluid. His reflexes continue to improve as his nervous system matures. But the uterus is becoming increasingly crowded, and now the baby can no longer perform somersaults and pirouettes as before.

At week 28, many babies reach their final position in the uterus. head or breech(although this may still change before 34 weeks of pregnancy).

What is presentation and what does it affect?

How to eat properly at 28 weeks of pregnancy?

In the third trimester, the unborn child gains weight most intensively, and his organs continue to mature, they constantly require energy, “building material”. Contrary to the widespread advice to “eat for two,” the leading role is played not by the quantity, but by the quality of a pregnant woman’s food. You don't need double portions of food, just about 500 extra calories daily. But food should be as healthy and varied as possible.

Some nutrients are especially needed by a growing small organism:

· Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA). They are necessary for the normal development of the baby’s brain and retina. The daily requirement for them increases from 100 to 200 mg per day.

· Calcium required during the third trimester of pregnancy in the amount of 1000 mg daily. First of all, it is needed for the formation of bones and teeth. Dairy products are rich in calcium.

· VitaminD promotes the absorption of calcium by bone tissue. During pregnancy, the daily norm is 15 mcg.

· Iron requirement increases as the fetus grows and is especially high in the third trimester. The daily norm is 27 mg.

· Folic acid - vitamin (B9), which doctors prescribe to expectant mothers from the earliest stages of pregnancy. It is needed for the normal formation of the nervous system and the prevention of developmental defects. During the third trimester, your body requires 800 mcg of folic acid.

· Protein - the main building material for all cells of the body. It is vital for the expectant mother and fetus. You need to consume at least 26 g of protein per day.

Your main enemies during pregnancy are excess fats and sugars. They make you gain excess weight, feel worse, and contribute to the development of gestational diabetes and other complications.

What foods must be present in a woman’s diet at 28 weeks of pregnancy?

The expectant mother should eat a lot of fresh fruit. They contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C): in addition to being a powerful antioxidant, it plays an important role in the proper development of the placenta, improves the absorption of iron, and helps maintain the activity of the immune system. In the third trimester, useful: kiwi, melon, bananas, strawberries. Papaya is a source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, folic acid, and helps fight heartburn. A healthy dish for an expectant mother is vegetable salads. You can add thin slices of ham to them: it helps to get additional energy from food. Avocado is a valuable source of vitamins C, E and fiber, Brussels sprouts - vitamins C and K.

The only thing worth remembering is the main rule of “food safety”: if you eat raw fruits or vegetables, you need to wash them thoroughly, otherwise you can get a very unpleasant and dangerous intestinal infection.

Expectant mothers are recommended to eat lentils, beans, and whole grain bread: they are rich in vitamin B1 and dietary fiber, which improve digestion. Lentils can be used to make soups or porridges. Nuts contain vitamin B1, proteins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

One of the most healthy products for the formation of the child’s nervous system – fish. For example, salmon is suitable - it contains a lot of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. But fish should be eaten in moderation and cooked well to avoid infection.

For breakfast, it is useful for the expectant mother to eat an egg - but it needs to be hard-boiled, all because of the same risk of infections. Eggs contain choline– he contributes normal development memory in the unborn child, helps prevent disorders of the kidneys and pancreas.

Of course, a pregnant woman’s diet should include milk and dairy products - yogurt, cottage cheese. After all, they contain the most important mineral for the growing skeleton and teeth - calcium. In some cases, your doctor may recommend additional dietary supplements that contain calcium.

Pork, lean beef, broccoli, green leafy vegetables - all these foods have in common that they are rich in iron. During the third trimester, blood flow into the placental vessels increases, and the mother needs an additional volume of blood rich in hemoglobin.

The expectant mother should eat small portions several times a day. This will help prevent digestive problems. You need to drink enough fluids: now dehydration is dangerous for both you and your unborn baby.

Physical activity

In the third trimester, some additional symptoms appear, and the time of excellent health and a surge of strength ends. For many expectant mothers, it becomes more difficult to force yourself to maintain daily physical activity. But it's important. If the pregnancy is progressing normally, physical exercise cannot provoke premature birth or any complications.

The intensity of the load is strictly individual. Ask your doctor which exercises and how much are best for you. If a woman was involved in sports before pregnancy, she can often continue training almost as before. But you will still have to observe some restrictions: you cannot lift weights, lie on your back, or perform exercises during which you could fall and get injured. If a woman has previously led a sedentary lifestyle, then she needs to start gradually, with light loads - but still physical activity important. When performing exercises, you need to listen to your inner feelings. If you get tired quickly, it is better to stop, reduce the load and duration of classes.

A common problem for women at 28 weeks of pregnancy is swelling in the legs due to an increase in blood volume and a deterioration in its outflow through the veins. Walking and swimming will help “disperse the blood.” Brisk walking is better than running because running puts increased stress on your joints.

If you are not a fan of intense workouts, then you can consider yoga classes. They take place in a calm environment, do not require active movements, but help improve flexibility, prepare muscles and ligaments for childbirth, improve general condition, relieve tension and stress.

Is it possible to have sex?

At the 28th week of pregnancy, intimacy is not contraindicated, as, indeed, at any other stage of pregnancy. Sex will not harm the baby or cause premature birth.

Intimacy is beneficial for the expectant mother because it helps relieve stress and improve her psycho-emotional state. However, some precautions should still be observed. If pregnancy occurs with complications, you should first consult your doctor. You should not have sex if you or your partner have signs of a genitourinary infection - you can infect your child. Frequent changes of sexual partners are also contraindicated.

· If Braxton Hicks contractions are bothering you very often, you may not be drinking enough fluids. Dehydration during pregnancy is a dangerous condition and can cause harm to the expectant mother and baby.

· During the third trimester, the fetus's body absorbs a lot of iron. The expectant mother should eat more foods that are rich in this substance.

· Buy a comfortable chair - you will find it very useful in the near future, not only during pregnancy, but also after childbirth. It should be soft and comfortable, have armrests, and provide good support to your back and lower back. It should be easy for you to sit on and easy to get up.

How to improve sleep during pregnancy?

Sleep problems are common in the third trimester of pregnancy. They occur for many reasons: due to frequent worries and hormonal effects, a growing belly, restless leg syndrome, frequent urination(due to the fact that the growing uterus puts more and more pressure on bladder), nightmares.

Some tips to help you get your sleep back to normal:

· At 28 weeks of pregnancy, you need to sleep on your side: this is the most comfortable position for the mother and the safest for the baby. Place one pillow between your legs and the other under your stomach.

· Physical activity helps ensure adequate sleep. Even simple walks fresh air will be useful. You can visit the swimming pool, yoga classes, Pilates. But you should not perform intense exercises at night: during them, adrenaline is produced in the body.

· Avoid any drinks containing caffeine. Coffee, black tea, and energy drinks are prohibited.

· Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy are contraindicated for many reasons; they can harm the baby. Among other things, these bad habits disrupt sleep.

· You can do some relaxation exercises before going to bed. Meditation or some kind of relaxation technique accompanied by pleasant music is good.

· Often the very thought of insomnia prevents you from falling asleep. When you go to bed, try not to think about anything or worry about anything.

· Make it a rule: an hour before bedtime – no TV, tablets, smartphones or computers. Studies have been conducted and they have shown that all of these contribute to sleep disturbances.

· A warm bath helps to unwind and relax before bed, interesting book.

· If you practice yoga regularly, your mood will stabilize and your sleep will improve.

Insomnia during pregnancy

· Increased blood pressure.

· Increased body temperature.

· Unusual vaginal discharge: much more abundant than usual, unusual color, bloody, with an unpleasant odor.

· If the baby in the stomach begins to push too actively or less than usual, or even stops making itself felt.

· Frequent fainting.

Even if it turns out that your symptoms are not caused by any serious reason, a visit to the doctor will not be in vain: it is better to raise a “false alarm” than to ignore dangerous complications.

Many expectant mothers experience problems in the psycho-emotional sphere, frequent mood swings, increased anxiety, irritability, and tearfulness. In some cases, it ends with the development of depression. This is a dangerous condition. If you remain in a bad mood, depression, apathy for a long time, or have dark thoughts swirling in your head, you should seek help from a psychotherapist.

Partner birth - Video guide

You are 28 weeks pregnant. The child weighs about 1000-1100 grams, compared to his weight 10 weeks ago, he has become 10 times heavier.

Weight doubled in just 4 weeks! The size of the baby from the crown to the sacrum (sitting) is 24-25 cm, the total length is about 35 cm.

Baby. What does the fetus look like at 28 weeks of pregnancy?

Your baby, curled up in a ball, continues to grow inside your body. Now it is comparable in size to a small balloon.

The child opens his eyes; they are no longer covered by the protective (pupillary) membrane. The eyes blink at a certain frequency and can already distinguish the intensity of light.

The baby has visible eyelashes, eyebrows and hair on the head, and the vellus hairs on the body continue to grow.

Some babies are born literally fluffy, their hairs become intensely “curly” on their backs and shoulders, which can even frighten the young mother. Don’t worry, this “hairiness” is a temporary phenomenon and will disappear on its own in just a few weeks.

The cartilage of the nose and ears has not yet hardened and is slightly softer than that of a newborn. The bone tissue in the small body continues to actively strengthen. Every day the baby becomes stronger and stronger.

He explores the world around him, actively grasping and feeling the umbilical cord and the walls of the uterus. Moreover, it is already obvious which hand he prefers: for example, a “right-hander” more actively waves his right hand, straightens it and sucks his fingers, a “left-hander” prefers to do the same with his left hand.

Gradually, you can choose and buy a variety of children's products that will be useful to you and your baby in the near future. During this period, expectant mothers pay attention to the following products:

• And .

Development of internal organs and systems of the fetus at 28 weeks of pregnancy

The baby's heart beats at approximately 150 beats per minute. With active movements of the baby, it becomes more frequent, and slows down during sleep. The baby may also respond to voices with an increase in heart rate. For example, a mother's voice can make a small heart beat faster.

The baby flinches from sharp sounds and relaxes in the familiar sound atmosphere. Moreover, he learns to “speak”, adopts the rhythm of his voice and your intonations. It’s not for nothing that some young dads like to make fun of the fact that the child’s crying and screaming contain familiar notes of mother’s discontent.

The baby reacts sensitively to light. During the research, scientists brought a bright lamp to the pregnant woman’s belly and saw how little man closed his eyes and turned away from the source of irritation. On the other hand, dim, dim light arouses the baby’s interest; he swims up to the light source and tries to touch it.

Now there is even an unexpected suggestion that some babies, lying in the womb, do not want to turn over head down, because they are very “interested” in the light of the laptop at which the mother is working, holding it on her lap. Of course, this connection has not yet been officially proven.

The child’s brain mass begins to increase, it becomes covered with grooves and convolutions. We can say that the cerebral cortex is entering a decisive stage of development.

Nerve cells mature and nerve connections strengthen. Your baby feels happiness and sadness, he may even become especially joyful from the bright emotions that his mother experiences, but at the same time, he may also feel real pain.

It is important to maintain good health and not get upset over little things, so that the baby’s intrauterine life is full of pleasant events.

The reproductive system continues to develop. Boys' testicles are drooping this week abdominal cavity into the scrotum. Girls develop labia majora while they still do not cover the labia minora.

The baby’s activity deserves the most attention at this time. Babies move and push more actively between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. That is, now, your baby’s activity has reached its peak. Subsequently, you may notice that the child will develop a certain system of alternating movement and rest. And closer to the end of pregnancy, due to its impressive size, the baby will only turn around its own axis, and even then with difficulty.

Of course, it is worth taking into account your child’s individual temperament: he can be either a lazy sleepyhead or a noisy fidget. It makes sense to pay attention to a sharp change in the nature of your baby’s movements. A sharp reduction in the baby’s activity, as well as a sharp increase in activity, should alert the expectant mother.

If you notice any peculiarities in the nature of your baby’s movements, go to your doctor; it’s always better to make sure that the alarm is “false.”

When the child moves, you can distinguish the outlines of his body from the outside, stroke his head, back, or pat his bottom. In order not to worry in vain, from the 28th week some experts recommend performing the so-called Pearson test.

It consists of purposefully measuring the child’s movements for one hour. There should be at least 10 pushes. You count trembling, pushing, moving, and even sticking out an arm or leg. All these movements indicate that the baby lives his own life and feels great inside your body.

Perhaps you haven’t counted 10 movements within an hour, in this case, drink a glass of warm milk and lie down on the bed. If the baby falls asleep, your calmness will wake him up. Count the movements again, on average there should be at least 10 per hour. 8 or 12 are also the norm; it is likely that you missed some signal from the baby, or he was too furious from your calmness.

However, if you are still concerned, contact your doctor. The doctor will listen to the fetal heartbeat to save you from unnecessary worry.

You can control the movements just twice a day. The first time in the morning, when the babies imposingly roll over from side to side. The second time is in the evening, when the tendency for somersaults and kicks increases.

In general, a child’s activity increases in the following situations:

• Mom went to bed.

You are comfortable, but the child is not, he begins to drum on the side on which you are lying, and also “spreads” his arms and legs, as if increasing his living space. Here, as they say, “who wins.”

You can be patient, or you can roll over to the other side in order to deprive the naughty guy of balance and yourself of persistent kicks (temporarily).

• Mom had a good meal.

It is likely that after have a delicious lunch Your blood glucose level has increased. This encourages the baby to have fun and tumble, it is “tasty” and pleasant for him.

• Mom was very upset or scared.

As a result, stress hormones began to be released and supplied to the baby. This situation is certainly not good for the baby; it makes him worry, nervous and anxious.

At the same time, some scientists argue that short and not deep emotional experiences of the mother are beneficial to the baby. Thus, he feels the whole gamut of human feelings and becomes more prepared for a stressful birth.

Keep in mind that now your child is already so developed emotionally that your gentle stroking and affectionate conversations can calm him down with increased mobility.

There are a few important recommendations about how you need to eat to make your baby comfortable. Your amniotic fluid changes its flavor depending on the food you eat, and the baby reacts to these shades. He feels literally everything.

• Eat small meals.

When consuming large volumes of food at once, an overfilled stomach will put pressure on the uterus, there is a higher likelihood of heartburn and belching, it is difficult for the intestines to move large volumes of food, constipation, bloating, and other conditions that are uncomfortable for the expectant mother may occur. Try it for pregnant women.

The child may also experience discomfort. After all, he hears well all the sounds of the mother’s body, and the swollen organs of the gastrointestinal tract put pressure on his “house” and prevent the baby from moving and taking a comfortable position.

• If you want to sleep at night, don't eat before bed.

A well-fed baby is ready for exploits and achievements. He has enough strength and energy to “kick” you with his arms and legs.

Moreover, a tightly filled stomach and bloated intestines “put pressure” on the baby, why not beat them too? The child is cramped and can painfully hit you on the internal organs, demanding the release of the surrounding space.

One more point: in order to grow and develop, a little person needs to sleep for a long time, and stimulating his activity by nightly overeating can negatively affect the nervous system. The child will simply be very tired.

Therefore, try to have dinner no later than two hours before going to bed. Ideally, finish eating no later than 19:00, but if your appetite develops later than this time, eat an apple, vegetables or drink a glass of kefir.

• No diets.

A hungry baby will be as indignant as an overeated one. Only in this situation he is literally fighting for his life.

If it lacks nutrients and building materials (proteins), it will rage inside you, “demanding food.”

Any changes in diet should be monitored by a specialist. Even if you have excess weight, only a doctor can recommend the correct fasting days. Leaving your baby without the necessary vitamins and microelements, you risk giving birth to a weak, low-weight baby.

• Eat only fresh food.

A banal recommendation, but nevertheless it is very important during pregnancy. Only fresh foods contain sufficient amounts useful substances, and at the same time there are no toxins, elements of fermentation and decay processes. Smoked meats, pickles and canned food are “disturbers” of the functioning of your gastrointestinal tract and, in principle, for the expectant mother and her baby.

Some expectant mothers are very worried, feeling kicks from all sides at the same time. It may even seem to them that there is more than one baby in their stomach. As a rule, multiple pregnancies are successfully diagnosed in early dates. Therefore, if twins or triplets are not confirmed, there is no doubt - your only baby is knocking everywhere and at once. In order not to once again frighten yourself with fantasies about twins and triplets, during the next one, ask your sonologist to “carefully” consider how many little people are raging in your stomach.

IN later Pregnant women often try to “grope” the presenting part on their own and understand exactly how the fetus is positioned. Most frequently asked question expectant mothers at this stage of pregnancy: “Is my baby lying correctly?” In most cases, by this moment, babies turn their heads down and often remain in this position; it is very difficult to turn back.

Some children are in a so-called “unstable” position for a long time, that is, they turn back and forth many times during the day. This is usually possible with a small fetal weight or in case large quantity amniotic fluid.

In most cases, by this point, the babies turn head down and remain this way until the moment of birth. Since the baby's head weighs much more than anything else, it will be very difficult for him to roll over.

Sometimes the baby is placed across the uterus - in the so-called “transverse” position. In such a situation, there is a small chance that the baby will not turn upside down, but, on the contrary, will lower his legs towards the mother’s pelvic area, which is not very good for natural childbirth. Now the pelvic, unstable or transverse position of the fetus does not mean anything. The baby has the opportunity to turn around correctly both in the very near future and a little later.

Until 34 completed weeks, doctors, as a rule, do not pay serious attention to the position of the child, since there is enough space for “maneuvers” in the uterus. If the situation with the transverse position of the fetus continues until the moment of birth, doctors will recommend C-section. Natural childbirth in a breech presentation is possible, but it takes longer and is more difficult than childbirth in a cephalic presentation. As a rule, they accept natural childbirth in breech presentation, obstetrician-gynecologists with high qualifications and extensive experience. But this should be discussed only closer to the 37th week of pregnancy.

Good news for all mothers whose pregnancy did not proceed entirely smoothly. Babies born at 28 weeks have a fairly high chance of survival, although they certainly still need special care and constant medical monitoring.

Due to the underdevelopment of the respiratory system, babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy are kept in special boxes (“incubators”), where the correct air temperature (higher, like in the womb) is maintained and where they are ventilated.

During the period of nursing premature babies, they are given special medications and nutrients that support their vital functions.

Mother. What happens in a woman’s body at 28 weeks of pregnancy?

Feel free to ask your doctor any questions about your condition. Now the uterus has risen 8 centimeters above the navel and 28 centimeters above the pubic bones. In terms of weight gain, you've probably gained 7.5-10.5 kilograms. The child is now growing quite quickly and the weight gain in the coming weeks will average about 500 grams per week.

You may notice small deposits of fat in your thighs, arms, and stomach.

Treat such occurrences calmly - this is a certain “protection” for your baby in case the expectant mother falls or other extreme situations. After childbirth, with some effort on your part, the body will quickly return to normal. Now is not the time to diet or overeat. Make sure your body is comfortable both at work and at home. If your job requires you to wear formal clothing, make sure that no part of your clothing interferes with your movement.

As for things for the home, here you have room to expand, buy a soft, cozy suit, a comfortable robe, and if you sleep dressed, then pajamas or nightgown. All these clothes should give your body maximum freedom. You can also wear it during breastfeeding.

Pay attention to your comfort, buy comfortable things:

• comfortable;
• beautiful;
• stylish;

Keep in mind that the third trimester is a rather difficult period for kidney function. Since they continue to work for two, your diet should not initially contain salty foods (salted fish, homemade pickles, smoked meats), and you should not over-salt your dishes. Salt can be present in your diet, but the amount should be limited.

Spicy and salty foods contribute to fluid retention in the body, and accordingly the appearance of edema. Severe and sudden swelling may be a sign of late. This disease occurs only in expectant mothers and can have a variety of manifestations. Preeclampsia is very insidious and dangerous, so if you notice that the rings are becoming small, and the elastic bands from socks or trousers leave a visible mark, tell your doctor immediately.

Pay attention to the sensations in your stomach. Of course, you will “get it” from the baby’s pushes and movements, and I can also unpleasantly pull the muscles and ligaments that support the uterus. Normal occurrence training contractions are considered, during which the stomach tenses and hardens, but very a short time(up to several minutes). Training contractions usually occur randomly, they are usually painless and last literally from a few seconds to several minutes.

If you feel a pulling sensation in your stomach and it doesn’t look like training contractions, lie down comfortably, warm your stomach with your hands or with a warm blanket. Experts advise taking the fetal position, which will help relax the muscles and weaken. You can drink soothing tea with valerian, warm milk, or place a relaxing candle (papaverine or viburkol) in the rectum.

Uncomfortable sensations should go away within 15-30 minutes. If this happens, avoid physical activity and sexual relations for the next 2-3 days. If, despite all the measures taken, the nagging sensation (pain) does not go away after 30 minutes, contact your doctor or the emergency room of the maternity hospital closest to you.

Immediately call an ambulance and go to the maternity hospital if cramping pain in the abdomen becomes regular and is accompanied by lower back pain, bloody issues or leakage of amniotic fluid. Any of these symptoms may indicate the beginning.

Feelings at 28 weeks of pregnancy

The longer you are pregnant, the harder it is to walk quickly or climb stairs. Absolutely simple steps can cause shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat, which is not surprising. With increased fluid volume in your body and significant additional workload on your heart, maintaining a steady breathing and heart rate becomes very difficult.

Try to maintain your posture and avoid bending your spine. In general, during pregnancy, the spine bears a significant load. Your body's center of gravity is shifting due to your rapidly growing belly. You may feel a little clumsy, there is an involuntary desire to arch your back, and it becomes much more difficult to look at your feet. The risk of tripping or twisting your leg increases.

Therefore, try to get up and move smoothly so as not to impair coordination of movements. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid high or unstable heels. To strengthen your back muscles and ease the load on your spine, do swimming or special gymnastics for pregnant women.

Due to overstretching of the skin, itching may occur. Some expectant mothers develop bright red vertical stripes on their belly -. This is perhaps one of the most unpleasant manifestations of pregnancy, which, unfortunately, does not completely disappear after childbirth. It is possible to remove stretch marks (striae) only after completion and using quite expensive modern cosmetic techniques, such as mesotherapy or laser resurfacing. Please note that such techniques require a long time and big money. To reduce the likelihood of stretch marks, it makes sense to use. When going out into the open sun, take one for pregnant women.

Alternatively, to prevent the formation of stretch marks, you can rub citrus fruit or almond oil. Olive oil helps maintain skin elasticity. Unfortunately, even when using the most modern and most expensive means of preventing the formation of stretch marks, a positive effect is not always achieved. Much depends on the genetic characteristics of your body, on the initial structure of the skin. But using such means, you can always reassure yourself that you have done everything possible to avoid them. And skin care itself will certainly bring you pleasure.

Sometimes already at this stage of pregnancy the uterus begins to put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Unpleasant sensations appear unexpectedly and spread to the thigh, sometimes even reaching the knee and ankle. We can say that the pain is aching and periodically “shoots” in the leg. Of course, it is more than unpleasant to endure such sensations, but there is no cure for them.

You can try standing on all fours or ask the baby to position himself in the uterus a little differently. In rare cases, ointments, wearing a bandage, or massage are used as prescribed by a doctor.

The enlarged uterus leaves less and less space for other organs and puts pressure on the diaphragm from below. Heartburn, constipation, pain in the hypochondrium, stretching on the sides and in the abdomen, heaviness in the lower extremities continue. Moreover, you may notice the appearance of a vascular network, “stars” on the legs.

From the 28th week, the uterus will begin to grow even faster, so prevention varicose veins veins are extremely necessary. When resting, be sure to place your feet on an elevated surface.

If signs of varicose veins begin to appear, wear special compression garments for pregnant women. Tights will support the walls of blood vessels without pinching your legs. Ideally, the selection of compression garments should be carried out by a phlebologist (vascular surgeon), whose task is to select for you correct model, compression ratio and corresponding size.

Unfortunately, some expectant mothers have a genetic predisposition to diseases of the venous system. For such women, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound scan of the veins of the lower extremities.

The chest continues to grow, veins appear more and more clearly on it. Colostrum appears or continues to be released. It should be noted that the presence or absence of colostrum during pregnancy does not in any way affect milk production after childbirth. So don't worry in any case. Do not squeeze out the liquid, just wash your breasts with cool water and use special ones so as not to spoil the underwear and maintain personal hygiene with special and natural ones.

At 28-32 weeks of pregnancy, women with Rh-negative blood type are prevented from Rh sensitization. Of course, this is preceded by a blood test for antibodies. The main method of preventing Rh sensitization is the injection of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin.

It must be said that after 25 weeks of pregnancy future mom acquires that cherished roundness, which becomes clearly visible to others. Now the tummy looks neat and attractive, which is especially emphasized by stylish or feminine ones. It is precisely such purchases that can give you special pleasure, so organize yourself an enjoyable shopping experience.

Insomnia may bother you. Of course, there are quite a lot of reasons for it: frequent getting up to go to the toilet, nighttime heartburn, the discomfort of lying down, and thoughts about future childbirth and the child.

Do not take sedatives or even “harmless” herbal tinctures without consulting a doctor. They may have side effects that you don't want.

Try to walk more before bed and avoid overeating before bed. Determine what has a calming effect on you, perhaps watching a movie, music, some favorite activity, such as reading, knitting or drawing.

Another phenomenon may also occur - bright, colorful dreams. Sometimes they can be frighteningly naturalistic. Don't worry and take night visions seriously. Essentially, they reflect your desires and fears before childbirth. The expectant mother should get enough sleep, so rest as soon as possible, it’s very good if you make it a rule nap.

Perhaps now you are starting to feel fear about the upcoming birth. This mood can be considered normal, especially if the first. The process itself is not yet clear to you; it frightens you with the upcoming pain, cultivated among the masses. You overthink or, on the contrary, try to avoid thoughts about the process of giving birth to a child, thereby blocking the natural process.

You need to try, first of all, to prepare yourself not for the pain of childbirth, but for meeting the long-awaited baby, so that every future contraction, or every minute of the operation, brings this exciting moment closer.

Experts have established a connection between the exhausting work of a pregnant woman and the birth of a low-weight fetus, early separation of the placenta, or the onset of pregnancy. “Sedentary” work and prolonged stay “on your feet” contribute to the occurrence of blood stagnation in the pelvis, constipation,

Follow the work and rest schedule. Plan your work so that you complete all important tasks before leaving. maternity leave- it's just around the corner! In Ukraine, expectant mothers go on maternity leave at 30 weeks of pregnancy if they employment contract no other instructions. The duration of maternity leave is 126 days. An exception to this rule is pregnant women who have certificates of victims of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Their maternity leave lasts 180 days and begins at 27 weeks.

Tests and studies at 28 weeks of pregnancy

• Blood pressure measurement;
• Listening to the fetal heartbeat;
• Glucose tolerance test (24-28 weeks);
• General urine analysis;
• Clinical blood test.

This is interesting at 28 weeks of pregnancy

A few words about mother's love. Sometimes a pregnant woman may feel as if she is filled to the brim with this feeling. Every cell female body carries the feeling that now she and the child are a single whole, and nothing, no one can break this connection. Such a future mother lives in her own world, she is “immersed” in her condition, and any worldly worries and problems do not bother her.

On the other hand, not all women experience such strong emotions, but rather simply “carry” their difficult load. Sometimes they feel joy about this, and sometimes they feel irritation because now their body does not completely belong to them.

Of course, happy, harmonious mothers are calmer and more focused on themselves and their feelings. Pragmatic mothers are more often nervous and angry about their situation. Both are normal.

In fact, maternal love may not arise immediately, not from the first thought that you will have a child, not at the moment of the baby’s first movement, or even after childbirth.

“Love” is a verb. And this means that you need to “do something and do it constantly” in order for this “love” to manifest itself. Some women say that for the first time they feel all-encompassing love only at the moment when they dress their baby, or see the baby’s blissful smile after feeding. Mother's love you need to learn, master it, like any other life knowledge.

And the fact that you are tired of pregnancy, and then you will be tired of the process of childbirth, does not mean at all that you do not love the little man who grew up and was born thanks to you. It just takes time and effort to fully manifest this love.

Something about dad at 28 weeks pregnant

Since with each new day of pregnancy, the expectant mother becomes immersed in herself and thoughts about the baby, some women forget about their own beauty. Many people stop supporting fashionable haircuts, stop taking care of their face and body, and do not use cosmetics.

Of course, you may think that big belly, hypothetically “fat” legs hidden under this same belly, an awkward gait or plump lips are completely devoid of attractiveness, but this is not so.

A man looks with pleasure, tenderness and tenderness at the woman who carries his child. If the woman is well-groomed, neatly combed and stylishly dressed, he also feels proud and strives to show off his beautiful partner to his colleagues and friends. For a man it is a matter of prestige.

Of course, the expectant mother who has given up on herself will most likely be deprived of joint walks and pleasant meetings with mutual friends. Now, if there are no medical prohibitions, it is important to give the man sexual attention. Since after giving birth you will be recommended to have sexual abstinence for at least 1-1.5 months, you can now discuss with your partner exactly how you will please each other in moments of intimacy, but without direct sexual contact.

Remember (and be sure to talk about it with your man) that sensitivity various areas your body may change. For example, your breasts are likely to become much more sensitive. This requires “correction” in the usual caresses. Be careful to ensure that you are comfortable during intimacy. So that nothing presses anywhere, does not pinch, etc. It is important to understand that now you and your comfort are the main thing.

Mom's store.

Week 28 is the time when the baby will be born very soon. This article will talk about the features of fetal development at this stage.

Anatomical features

By the 28th week of pregnancy, the baby is already quite well developed. Most of the fetal body systems are already functioning.

The size of the baby also changes. Every day the child weighs more and more. It is important to note that this period is characterized by a more intense gain in body weight with a relatively slow increase in height.

To assess how well the baby is developing in the mother's womb, doctors resort to conducting a special ultrasound examination. Experts call it fetometry. This medical term is deciphered quite simply: in Latin “fetus” means “offspring”, and “metrio” is interpreted as “I measure”. Thus, by fetometry, doctors mean a research method in which the main parameters of the fetal body are determined.

The most important informative criteria include the baby’s height and weight. However, there are other medical parameters of intrauterine development that can be determined by a specialist performing fetometry. The normal values ​​of some determined fetal body parameters are presented in the table below.

After fetometry, the specialist who conducted this examination issues a conclusion to the pregnant woman. In it, he indicates all the obtained values ​​of the studied parameters of the fetal body.

It is important to note that the study conclusion is not a diagnosis. It must be interpreted by the attending physician who monitors the course of pregnancy.

How does the baby develop?

The fetal nervous system undergoes a number of changes. The structure of the cerebral cortex changes every day. Every day the number of convolutions in the fetus increases. This feature leads to the baby’s behavior becoming more orderly. The fetus also increases the number of movements it makes.

Interestingly, at 28 weeks of pregnancy the baby already begins to have dreams. The baby’s entire sleep can be divided into several stages that successively replace each other. A dream consists of shallow and deep sleep. During the shallow sleep stage, a child's eyes are usually slightly open. During deep sleep, his eyelids are already completely closed.

A change in the structure of the cerebral cortex leads to the appearance of quite a lot of different nerve impulses in it. At 28 weeks, these are no longer just response impulses to irritations coming from the external environment. Some scientists believe that at this time the fetus even develops its character.

The active development of the cerebral cortex and sensory organs contributes to the fact that the fetus already has its own sensations. So, the baby can detect taste, react to bright light and too loud sounds. The fetus may also have a reaction to inhalation by the mother. unpleasant odors. It has been scientifically noted that at 28 weeks of pregnancy the child develops the ability to respond to painful stimuli.

Interesting changes occur in the bodies of boys. In some boys, the testicles begin to descend into the scrotum, but this process is quite individual, and the descent of the testicles from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum does not always occur during pregnancy. However, experts believe that the best period for this process is during intrauterine development.

Girls already have a certain set of eggs, which are located in the ovaries. Without a sufficient number of full-fledged female reproductive cells, a woman’s reproductive function is impossible in the future. That is why doctors note that the female reproductive system is formed during the period of intrauterine development.

A baby who is in an aquatic environment can swallow amniotic fluid. This process is very important and necessary for the full development of digestion in a child. Scientists have found that a fetus can swallow about 500 ml of amniotic fluid per day.

In the process of swallowing liquid, the pectoral muscles play an active role. Its active development is necessary so that after birth the baby can take his first independent breath in his life. After ingestion amniotic fluid The baby usually hiccups. This reaction is quite common and physiological.

Doctors note that a baby born at 28 weeks of pregnancy is already viable, but nursing it will require special conditions and the necessary medical equipment. Only with such careful care can the baby be ready for further independent life.

What does it look like?

By the 28th week, the baby, who “lives” in the mother’s belly, is already quite well developed. So, the child already has mobility in many joints, he actively moves his arms and legs, and can bend his small fingers. Every day the baby looks more and more like small child. His body proportions change and his facial features change. Hair is actively growing on the baby's body. At 27-28 weeks of pregnancy, a special pigment begins to appear in them, which determines the color of the hair.

The baby can even blink now. His eyes are covered from the outside with eyelids, so the child is able to open and close his eyes. The baby also develops swallowing and sucking reflexes.

Movements

The baby's motor activity at this stage of pregnancy is quite high. The fetus can knock its arms and legs on the walls of the uterus, causing its mother to experience specific sensations. A woman feels that her baby is pushing or kicking her stomach.

The more active a child is, the more intense his motor activity. Calm babies, as doctors note, push and turn over in the womb significantly less than restless children.

A variety of different factors influence a baby’s motor activity. Hypoxia can lead to increased active movements. This condition is characterized by insufficient intake of children's body oxygen, in this case the respiratory function of the fetus is disrupted, which leads to increased motor activity.

Stress and strong negative experiences of the mother have an extremely adverse effect on the baby. During pregnancy, not only a physiological, but also a psycho-emotional connection is formed between a woman and her child. Negative life events that a woman experiences during this time have an adverse effect on the fetus. If the baby pushes hard, this may be caused by discomfort experienced by the fetus.

If physical activity increases, the expectant mother should definitely consult with her doctor. The doctor must determine possible reason any violations that have arisen and draw up a plan to improve the general condition of both the pregnant woman and her baby.

How is it located in the womb?

The position of the baby in the uterus is called presentation. To assess the position of the baby in the mother's womb, doctors study where the main parts of the fetal body are located (head, buttocks, arms and legs). A comprehensive assessment of the position of the baby in the uterus allows doctors to evaluate the presentation.

The most favorable option for how the fetus can be positioned in the uterus is cephalic presentation. In this case, the baby lies correctly from a physiological point of view. Its head is located at the bottom, first towards the birth canal.

A less favorable location is the transverse position. In this case, the fetus lies as if across the longitudinal axis of the uterus. In this case, the main large parts of the baby’s body are located perpendicular to the longitudinal line of the iliac crests. With transverse presentation, the risk of birth injuries is quite high.

Also, a rather unfavorable option for the location of the fetus in the mother’s stomach is breech presentation. In this case, it is not the fetal head, but the pelvis that is directed first towards the birth canal. In such a situation, during childbirth, dangerous complications and even injuries can occur. To prevent them, doctors resort to performing a surgical method of obstetrics - caesarean section. Nutrition

The pregnancy calendar says that the 28th week is the final week in the second trimester. This milestone is associated with pleasant changes in the life of the expectant mother - she is going on maternity leave. It is at this stage that significant changes occur in the fetus - muscle tissue begins to actively grow. But there are also unpleasant moments associated with this period - most cases of miscarriage and premature birth occur during this period. Such complications can be avoided if you follow the recommendations of the gynecologist who monitors the pregnancy and follow other common, generally accepted rules of conduct during this period.

Features of fetal development at 28 weeks

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's body and internal organs are already practically formed, and active growth of muscle tissue begins. This means that the baby will gain its basal weight, with which it will be born and begin its life. In addition, other equally important processes occur:

· the formation of reproductive organs - testicles begins,

· eyes begin to react to bright light from outside,

· nails grow on the fingers,

· some babies begin to grow hair on their heads,

· subcutaneous fat is deposited,

· the first grooves appear in the structure of the brain.

In addition, at 28 weeks the baby begins to actively develop his hearing organs, and he likes to listen to music, mother’s and father’s voices, he learns to recognize them. Many pediatricians believe that it is during this period that musical hearing and taste are formed, and strong connection between baby and parents.

The weight of the baby, regardless of whether it is a boy or a girl, during this period already exceeds 1 kg, and his height can reach 35-38 cm, and he has little room in his mother’s stomach. Trying to turn around, move his legs and arms, the child may cause pain to his mother, but these sensations are indescribable.

External changes in a pregnant woman at 28 weeks

During this period, the expectant mother should carefully listen to her feelings and carefully monitor changes in her body. By what time of day a child is active, you can predict his character, and this is not folk sign, and the observations of medical specialists. A baby who prefers to move and roll over during the day will be calm. Children who kick their mother at night are born mobile and active.

By external changes in a pregnant woman, you can track the condition of the fetus and predict the risk of premature birth. Gynecologists consider alarming signals at this stage

sudden weight gain,

· change taste preferences,

decreased activity, weakness,

constant irritability

deterioration of the condition of the skin, hair, nails,

presence of severe shortness of breath with minimal exertion,

· a persistent feeling of thirst.

Most women look great during this period of pregnancy. This can be achieved through careful selection of diet, appetite control, and long walks in the fresh air. In the later stages, you need to visit a gynecologist regularly, and during examinations, describe all your sensations, point out even minor ones. external changes.

Well-being of the expectant mother - the norm and deviations

At the 28th week of pregnancy, a woman should pay attention to any physical ailment, psychological nuances of her character, external changes and internal sensations, no matter how insignificant they may seem. At this stage, the pregnancy may stall, and this can only be prevented by regularly visiting the doctor.

Belly and mammary glands in a pregnant woman at 28 weeks they begin to increase, which can cause stretch marks. This can be prevented by using emollient creams with a neutral composition, without harmful chemical ingredients and herbal components that can cause allergies.

Sharp growth of the fetus and enlargement of the uterus can provoke painful sensations in the lumbar region. If the pain intensifies and turns from periodic to constant, you should immediately consult a doctor. Severe pain in any part of the body should be alarming, since pregnancy can provoke the development of thrombosis.

At week 28, most pregnant women experience swelling. Only a doctor, but not a neighbor, relative or friend, has the right to give recommendations for their elimination and prevention. Doubtful drugs or folk remedies should not be used under any circumstances.

This period is characterized by the appearance of training contractions. In this way, the woman’s body prepares for childbirth. The norm for training contractions is to last no more than a few seconds, the symptoms are not painful, barely perceptible. If your health worsens significantly during training contractions, you should immediately consult a doctor.

What to watch out for at 28 weeks of pregnancy

At this stage, the second and last trimester of pregnancy ends and begins. Most mothers by this period already have a significant increase in weight and continue to gain weight, becoming clumsy and clumsy. It is important to be very careful, try not to get injured, and not plan any serious matters that require increased concentration and instant reaction.

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, medical experts recommend being wary of problems such as

· lack of water,

· premature birth,

· anemia in mother.

Oligohydramnios (lack of amniotic fluid) develops against the background of metabolic disorders in the mother’s body, infectious diseases, due to delayed fetal development. Symptoms of oligohydramnios are leakage of amniotic fluid, nagging pain in the lower abdomen.

Premature birth can be triggered by the anatomical features of the structure of a woman’s uterus, an imbalance in the production of hormones, multiple pregnancies, gestosis (late toxicosis), and a sharp increase in the tone of the uterus. The risk of preterm labor can be prevented by seeking immediate medical attention when the following symptoms occur: bleeding, severe abdominal pain, dizziness or fainting, or muscle weakness.

To exclude the development of complications at week 28 is the main task of the pregnant woman, the gynecologist and obstetrician observing her. The expectant mother must strictly follow the following rules:

· Monitor blood pressure daily,

· monitor the intensity of fetal movements and consult a doctor if there is any deviation,

· prevent colds and infectious diseases, if the temperature rises, immediately call a doctor,

· eat properly and regularly, do not adhere to starvation diets, but also do not overeat.

Not only the pregnant woman, but also her loved ones should control the situation. Their task is to create a favorable psychological atmosphere in the house, not to provoke stressful situations, not to expose the expectant mother to danger, and not to allow her to do hard work around the house, in the garden or in the garden. But this does not mean that a woman should lie down all the time; she must be moderately active. In addition, it is important to ensure her safety in terms of the environment - take the pregnant woman out of town, organize her leisure time in such a way that it is useful and interesting. Emotional background has a great impact not only on a woman’s health, but also on intrauterine development baby, becomes the basis for his health, intelligence and character.

Tip 2: 17 weeks of pregnancy: sensations, fetal development

Week 17 is the second trimester of pregnancy. The period when a woman is most calm and peaceful. Hormones have already stopped raging in the body, and the feeling of the heaviness of the upcoming birth will not arise very soon.

What happens to the fetus at 17 obstetric weeks?

The baby living in the stomach can reach up to 17 centimeters in height. And its weight varies on average from 120 to 170 grams. The age of the fetus at this time is 14 weeks. Visually, you can compare a child with the open palm of an adult.

At this stage, the main tasks of the unborn child are the accumulation of its own subcutaneous fat and mineralization of the skeleton. In a small body, fat looks different than in an adult. Rather, it’s even a prototype - thin strip, which will be responsible for heat transfer. And the baby’s skin is covered with a special vernix lubricant, which performs a protective function.

At this stage, a special tissue is formed on baby teeth - dentin. Later, enamel will form on it. That is why the expectant mother needs to consume foods containing calcium. At the same time, in your diet you need to lean towards calcium-containing products of plant origin. The diet of a pregnant woman should contain the following products:

1. Legumes and grains (all types of cereals, beans, lentils, beans and others).
2. Olives.
3. White cabbage.
4. Broccoli.
5. Tomatoes.
6. Leaf salad.

If the expectant mother’s diet contains too few foods containing calcium, she may be surprised to note that her own teeth will become brittle and sensitive. But it’s not only worth eating calcium-containing foods to avoid problems in your own health. If you limit the intake of calcium into the body, the baby may be born weak, and its development will be slow. In addition, the baby's first teeth will most likely be unstable and may be subject to early caries.

In addition to the above, during this period the baby experiences the following changes:

1. Lengthening arms and legs. The baby's arms are about 4 centimeters long.
2. The child's hearing aid is fully formed.
3. The entire body is covered with lanugo. Eyelashes have already grown on the baby's closed eyelids.
4. The bronchi develop. Now they look like thin tree branches.
5. Meconium, the original feces, is already beginning to form in the baby’s intestines.
6. If a girl is born, then at this stage her uterus is already forming.

The 17th week of pregnancy is also significant because the baby begins to produce interferon and immunoglobulin. The immune system The baby begins to work independently. And the child can independently protect himself from various types of infections.

The baby’s heart is already fully formed and works at full capacity, pumping about 24 liters of blood per day.

At this stage the baby is already quite active. All his movements are completely coordinated. In addition, a woman can be sure that her child is already able to do the following:

1. Listen to various kinds of sounds both in the mother’s body and external.
2. Swallow amnitotic fluid. And sometimes the baby may swallow too much liquid and subsequently begins to hiccup.
3. Move quickly inside the amniotic sac.

Condition of the expectant mother in the fifth month of pregnancy

At the seventeenth week, a woman’s tummy, if she was not full before pregnancy, is already visible to others. If the expectant mother had curvaceous figures, then now the stomach may not yet be expressed, but she will no longer be able to draw it in. Another interesting fact is that a thin woman’s stomach may also not be very pronounced.

A woman's uterus already has enough big sizes and is located at a level of 4-5 centimeters below the navel. At each appointment, the obstetrician-gynecologist who is managing the pregnancy must feel the height of the uterine fundus and listen to the baby’s heartbeat using a special device.

The total weight gain averages about 3 kilograms. And this weight doesn’t just go into your growing belly. Its distribution occurs quite evenly throughout the body of a woman expecting a child. This creates a fat reserve that will be needed after childbirth, when the mother breastfeeds the baby.

In general, the 17th week of pregnancy is a period of calm and serenity in a woman’s life. Insomnia should have passed by this time. Irritability and nervousness should also have remained in the first trimester. The woman is still working, but very soon the long-awaited maternity leave will come, when the most important thoughts will be preparing for the birth of the baby and choosing diapers.

Toxicosis is also becoming a thing of the past. By this time it should be completely gone. If nausea is still the same companion of a pregnant woman, then you need to report this to the doctor.

At this stage, the expectant mother may feel increased sweating. This is due to the additional load on all systems of a pregnant woman.

The 17th week of pregnancy is the moment when a woman can feel the first kicks of her baby. Now they look like light touches inside the abdomen, rather than full-fledged movements. Some compare this sensation to touching the wing of a butterfly.

What should a pregnant woman pay attention to at 17 weeks?

Instead of toxicosis, a woman may experience swelling. You need to tell your gynecologist about this. Perhaps the swelling appears due to improper functioning of the kidneys and the doctor will prescribe special diuretics.

If you previously had a problem with your teeth, now your teeth need to be treated urgently.

In addition to a lack of calcium during this period, a woman may feel general weakness and dizziness. Sometimes the condition is aggravated by fainting. In this case, it is necessary to donate blood to check your hemoglobin level. If it is lowered, then it is necessary to include products that increase it. If this does not help, the doctor may prescribe special medications.

A woman may experience discomfort in the abdomen and lower back. This is due to the rapidly growing uterus. You should also tell your doctor about such sensations. He will give recommendations on how to relieve pain. Most often, no-spa is prescribed. But if the pain is spasmodic in nature or is assessed as severe and acute, then it is necessary to call an ambulance. Most likely this is a sign of placental abruption and urgent measures need to be taken.

The same applies to discharge. If, for some reason, bloody or brown discharge occurs, you must immediately call an ambulance and go to the hospital for treatment.

What tests should a woman undergo at 17 weeks of pregnancy?

At seventeen weeks, the woman should be offered second trimester screening. It is also called a triple or quadruple test. Besides the second prenatal screening includes extended ultrasound examination.

A woman should donate blood for the following indicators:

1. Free estriol.
2. Inhibin A.

Some laboratories, due to their insufficient equipment, take blood only for the first two indicators. But they are also quite informative.

After biochemical blood parameters are obtained, the woman is scheduled for an ultrasound. During the examination, a specialist can determine whether the child has abnormalities in the development of the gastric tract, defects of the heart, liver, brain and spinal cord, defects in the development of the baby’s limbs, or the presence of facial cleft. If any of the anomalies were identified by a doctor, then in most cases it cannot be cured and doctors recommend terminating the pregnancy.

In addition to visual abnormalities, the doctor ultrasound diagnostics can detect certain markers that indicate chromosomal pathologies child. It could be:

1. Polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios.
2. The size of the nasal bone is below normal.
3. Developmental delay.
4. Pyeelectasis.
5. The length of the tubular bone is too short.
6. Ventriculomegaly and much more.

If suddenly any of the markers is discovered by a doctor, the woman is sent to a medical genetic center, where the diagnosis is confirmed or refuted.

The third trimester of pregnancy is often marked by new discoveries for the mother, new sensations, not always pleasant. Most of the pregnancy is over, and the woman is looking forward to meeting her baby for the first time. Many expectant mothers feel great, but it is still recommended to visit a doctor every two weeks to monitor any changes in the body.

The seventh month of pregnancy is the beginning of real recognition for the baby; from this week, legislation officially recognizes the child as a human being, and in case of birth he is issued a birth certificate. Children born at this stage are quite viable, and with the availability of modern equipment in the maternity hospital, they grow and develop normally. But this is a last resort, since the baby will still have to live in the mother’s tummy for some time.

1. At the twenty-eighth week, a woman must undergo an examination, and if she has a risk of Rh conflict, then an immunoglobulin injection must be given. This helps to avoid complications in the baby’s health after childbirth.
2. Mandatory monthly examinations by an obstetrician are now becoming more regular and frequent; women must undergo tests and visit the doctor twice a month. Such regularity allows you to notice any deviation in the course of pregnancy in time and take timely measures.
3. Most expectant mothers go on maternity leave at this stage, which is preceded by an additional examination. Relaxing at home should not turn into constant lying on the couch unless there are strict bed rest requirements. A woman should move a lot, walk, and do special exercises.
4. The baby at the twenty-eighth week can be positioned in the uterus in a way that is convenient for him. A pelvic or cephalic presentation should not bother a pregnant woman, since the baby will take its final position in the uterus about a month before birth.

Signs and symptoms

A sign that the seventh month has arrived is the growth of the uterus, which already protrudes four centimeters above the umbilical cavity.

• Occasionally, especially during periods of rest, light, painless contractions and tension of the uterus are felt.
• The breasts increase by about two sizes, clearly visible veins appear on the mammary glands, and colostrum may be released.
• Weight gain reaches six to eight kilograms, sometimes it exceeds ten kilograms. This is normal only if the weight was gained gradually, every month, and not suddenly over two weeks.
• Thrombophlebitis very often worsens, hemorrhoids or painful dilatation of the veins on the labia majora may appear.
• Some expectant mothers develop stretch marks, which do not depend on weight gain, but only on the skin's reaction to hormonal changes. Women belonging to the Mongoloid or Negroid race do not have stretch marks, as do some representatives of the European type.
• Heartburn may be painful, especially after a heavy lunch or dinner. The uterus supports the stomach, and when full, its contents are thrown back into the esophagus. The simplest treatment is not to eat a lot, take small portions of food.
• Vaginal discharge may become a little heavier, but this is normal.
• A pregnant woman goes to the toilet more often, especially if the baby is restless, and the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, forcing you to urinate every hour.
• Very often the baby behaves so restlessly that the mother wakes up at night or cannot fall asleep in the evening. The shock of small heels or knees can be very noticeable.
• Pain in the calves and swelling of the ankles can be bothersome in the evening, morning swelling - warning sign late toxicosis!
• In the seventh month, a woman may get tired faster than usual.

Description of 28 weeks

What happens to the baby's body

Week 28 is new stage in the development of the fetus, since from this moment it is able to live separately from the mother’s body. And although its size is still small, averaging about a kilogram of weight and thirty-eight centimeters in length, it is quite viable. The layer of subcutaneous fat has not yet formed, and the body looks thin, with reddish, wrinkled skin.

The baby's lungs have already developed enough to take their first breath, but it still takes some time for the bronchial tubes to fully develop. The fetus has already begun to produce a substance that prevents air bubbles from sticking together in the lungs, and the blood vessels needed to transport oxygen are actively developing.

The most interesting transformations occur in the baby’s brain. The beginning process of convolution formation will continue until birth. The sense organs are so developed that he can not only see light or shadow, but also begins to toss and turn, trying to turn away from the beam of light aimed at the mother’s belly.

The baby can dream, this is recorded on the encephalogram, which records changes during various phases of sleep. The child hears sounds, muffled, but quite distinct, and his little heart begins to beat faster at the sound of his mother's voice.

Changes in the mother's body

There are still twelve whole weeks left before the birth, and the mother’s body is already intensively preparing for the important event. The adrenal glands are working at full capacity, the body consumes large doses of iron and oxygen, which the baby needs.

• The ligaments and muscles relax, the woman becomes slow, calm, and may feel some “dullness” - this is the influence of hormones and everything will go away after childbirth.
• Colostrum, produced by the mammary glands, has bright yellow color. It does not release spontaneously, but when you press on the nipple, a few drops may come out. Colostrum is the baby's first food for another day or two after birth, until milk appears.
• Many pregnant women notice that they feel dizzy and weak - this is the result of anemia. All expectant mothers must be prescribed an iron supplement, since it is not possible to obtain it in full from food. A child with maternal anemia feels oxygen starvation, so taking medications is mandatory.
• A woman’s kidneys are working at full capacity; scientists have proven that the mother’s body, after the twenty-eighth week, is subject to wear and tear comparable to the state of a nuclear power plant before the explosion. This is why regular examinations are necessary in the third trimester. If protein is detected in urine tests, this means that some kind of pathology has arisen in the functioning of the kidneys. This is very dangerous, it can signal inflammation or gestosis, so the pregnant woman is recommended to go to a hospital for treatment.

What is gestosis

Late toxicosis or gestosis is a pathological disorder of the water-salt balance, in which fluid penetrates the tissues, causing internal swelling and oxygen starvation. The advanced form of the disease leads to heart attacks and strokes, pulmonary edema and eclampsia - a fatal condition. Preeclampsia begins with mild swelling of the hands and ankles, increased blood pressure and slight nausea.

During gestosis, the placenta also swells, causing the fetus to experience a severe lack of oxygen and its development slows down. There is an opinion that the placenta is the culprit in the occurrence of late toxicosis, but the impetus for its onset can be obesity or hypertension, unhealthy diet or infection.

Prevention of gestosis is the most effective method fight him. A pregnant woman, starting from the twenty-eighth week, is advised to carefully monitor her diet and completely eliminate or sharply reduce the consumption of salt and sugar. All canned foods, fried foods, sausages and pickled cheeses are prohibited. Weight gain should stop.

Diet

The third trimester dictates its own nutritional rules for a pregnant woman, which completely eliminate all processed foods, salty and sweet foods, smoked fish and meat. All this retains fluid in the body, contributing to increased stress on the kidneys.

Particular attention should be paid to spices that are added to dishes, since many of them, for example, harmless basil, can cause uterine contractions and premature birth. You should also be careful with herbal treatment, which in most cases are contraindicated during pregnancy. There are special herbal teas for pregnant women that are sold in pharmacies, but if a woman suffers from hypotension or high blood pressure, herbal medicine is prohibited.

The diet should include porridge with water or milk, boiled or steamed meat, eggs, dairy products, and fresh cottage cheese. Vegetables and fruits can be eaten in unlimited quantities throughout the day, but in small portions. As a healthy drink, it is recommended to drink cranberry or lingonberry juice, which contain a natural antibiotic that prevents inflammatory processes in the kidneys. Rosehip decoction or apple compotes, seasoned with a spoon of honey, are also very useful.

The twenty-eighth week is a period when the expectant mother should pay maximum attention to her condition and the health of the baby. To do this she needs:

At the twenty-eighth week, you need to pack an “alarm suitcase” - a bag that a pregnant woman should take with her when contractions occur or when going to the maternity hospital. In addition to basic hygiene items, there must be documents according to which the woman in labor will be admitted to the maternity ward. If there is no exchange sheet with an extract of all the tests, then the woman may be placed in a department where there are patients or women in labor brought from the street.

Ultrasound at 28 weeks

Usually a routine ultrasound examination is carried out at the thirty-second week, but if there are any indications, the pregnant woman can undergo this procedure. On the monitor you can clearly see what gender the baby is, is there any multiple pregnancy. The condition of the uterus, the degree of maturity of the placenta and the level of amniotic fluid - the doctor displays all these indications in the study protocol.

Different ultrasounds at 28 weeks Ultrasound - 28 weeks

It will be interesting for the expectant mother to see how the child yawns or hiccups and sucks his thumb. There is evidence that whether a baby is right-handed or left-handed depends on which hand he sucks on in the mother’s belly. It is important for the doctor to measure the child’s head and large bones and take overall measurements.

The third trimester is the time to start collecting a dowry for your child. While there is still time for shopping, you need to buy things for the first two months of the baby's life.

You can purchase a crib, stroller and bathtub right away, or you can entrust this matter to your husband or relatives while the mother and child are in the maternity hospital. Joyful anticipation and pleasant anticipation of meeting the baby - these emotions prevail in the third trimester, and there is no reason for alarm if you follow all medical recommendations.

Video - 28 weeks of pregnancy