Schwanger: Was passiert in SSW 28

Your baby's development in the 28th week of pregnancy

Eyes opening and closing: For some time now, your baby has a sleep-wake rhythm. In the 28th week of pregnancy it closes and also opens its little eyes accordingly. During wakeful periods it perceives its surroundings in the warm reddish light that filters through the mother's belly.

Immune system functions independently: From the mother's placenta, your fetus in week 28 takes up increased antibodies. Its immune system can now protect it on its own.

Bronchi branch out: Your baby's bronchial system is becoming ever finer and the blood vessels in the lungs continue to develop. In the 28th week of pregnancy the fetus thus reaches a important developmental milestone on the way to independent breathing.

Surfactant production increases: The surface-active substance prevents the sticking together of the air sacs during breathing. From this week the fetus's body produces more and more of the protective substance. Your baby continues to diligently practice breathing in the amniotic fluid for the time after birth.

What can be seen on the ultrasound image?

In the 28th week of pregnancy your baby weighs approx. 1.100 grams and is therefore about the size of a head of lettuce. With 100 grams more this is already a considerable weight that you carry in your belly. With its approx. 38 cm your little one is a further 2 cm compared to the 27th week of pregnancy grown. On the ultrasound image you can now see the sweet face of your little person. Your gynecologist offers you this week a 3D ultrasound – with this you can see your child's nose, ears and eyes even more realistically. Only requirement: your baby must cooperate and must not hide its face. Our note: a 3D ultrasound is not a service covered by health insurance.

Physical changes – what happens to the mother in week 28 of pregnancy?

The countdown is on – in the 3rd trimester it gets quite cramped in the belly and you both feel it. The pregnancy complaints from the early period you now exchange for physical strains that you have to master in a new way. The positive: you now feel your baby even more intensely through your belly and can see the arm and leg kicks through the abdominal wall. We've put together a overview of the physical changes compiled:

The uterus prepares itself: The walls of the uterus are now becoming firmer and thicker at the upper part. Towards the pelvis they become more flexible. As a result the baby has less and less space at the top. The changed shape of the uterus helps it to slowly move into the correct birth position to get into. Until that happens it can take until week 36 – so don't stress if your baby is still doing somersaults in the belly.

Joint pain: The pregnancy hormones also prepare your own body for the upcoming birth and loosen your joints. You will probably increasingly feel pelvic or limb pain because of this.

Itchy belly: The skin on your belly is stretching more and may itch more frequently. Creams and oils help reduce the itching. Our tip: if creams and oils don't help, try baby powder to soothe irritated skin on the belly.

Stretch marks: With increasing weight the skin has to stretch more and more. This can lead to stretch marks on the belly, breasts or arms to occur. Creams and oils can also help to counteract this.

Shortness of breath: Your baby now weighs over one kilogram! Therefore you may be slightly out of breath. Because the larger your child, the more your chest cavity narrows – and this leads to shortness of breath.

Preterm birth: the early start to life

It is not always possible to carry the pregnancy to term. Babies that are born between the 24th and 37th week of pregnancy come into the world as so-called preemies.

What are the causes of a preterm birth?

Many factors can lead to preterm birth. Often these are not clearly determined or it is a combination of different causes. The mother's age, a multiple pregnancy or an infection are some risk factors, that the doctor monitors especially. In some cases preterm births can be delayed or prevented in the best case, but you cannot always influence nature.

What happens after a preterm birth?

Your child is placed in an incubator, because here it can be optimally monitored: The preemie's body temperature is regulated and the weak immune system is protected. If the baby is born extremely early — that is, between weeks 24 and 28 — artificial ventilation and nutrition help it become stronger more quickly. You will probably then spend a lot of time in the hospital. As soon as the baby is stable enough, the doctors will place your baby on your bare chest. Warmed by blankets and your body, the baby feels your heartbeat. With the so-called kangaroo method you strengthen the bond with your baby and support its development.

What complications can occur?

In the uterus optimal conditions exist until week 37 so that your child can develop and mature. If it is born after week 24, the internal organs are already formed but not yet sufficiently developed. Especially the lungs need more time to mature. For this reason the baby is given a drug for lung maturation immediately after preterm birth. In addition to the lungs, the kidneys of the preemie are often also not sufficiently developed and the electrolyte balance is disturbed. This can lead to metabolic problems.

When is a preemie allowed to go home?

It will still take some time before your child can go home. By then preemies should weigh approximately 2500 grams and be able to breathe, eat and regulate body temperature independently.

Important appointments in the 28th week of pregnancy

Tour the birthing facility: Hospital, birthing center or a home birth are available to most parents as a place of delivery. Maybe you have already decided on an option? In the 3rd trimester it's now slowly time to take a closer look at the planned place of delivery: How long is the journey from home to the clinic? What does the delivery room look like? Are you on the same wavelength with the staff? If you are dissatisfied after the visit, there is still plenty of time to look around other hospitals or birthing centers.

Vacation preparations: Do you want to enjoy your time together before the birth and fly on vacation? Until week 28 of pregnancy, flying is generally possible without problems.

To pregnancy 29 weeks