What to Expect at 28 Weeks Pregnant
At 28 weeks pregnant, you’ve entered the third trimester, a critical period of rapid growth and development for your baby. The baby is now about the size of an eggplant, weighing around 2.5 pounds, and measuring roughly 15 inches long. This stage brings both excitement and new challenges for the mother as the body prepares for delivery. The baby’s movements are more prominent, but you might also experience some discomfort as your belly expands. Keeping track of fetal activity is important, as changes in movement could signal potential issues.
How Big is a 28 Week old Fetus?
At 28 weeks gestation, the baby continues to grow and gain weight quickly. Their organs are maturing, and while their lungs are still developing, a 28-week old baby has a good chance of survival if born prematurely. Around this time, fat begins to form under the skin, and the baby’s brain activity increases. Your belly at 28 weeks will likely be more pronounced, and you might notice stronger kicks and rolls as the baby becomes more active in the uterus.
Fetal Position at 28 Weeks
At 28 weeks, many babies start moving into the head-down position in preparation for birth. However, some babies may remain in a breech position, with their feet or buttocks facing downward. A frank breech baby, where the baby’s buttocks are positioned toward the birth canal with legs extended upward, can create complications during delivery. If a baby remains in this position as the due date approaches, your doctor may discuss options such as attempting to turn the baby through an External cephalic version (ECV) or scheduling a C-section to prevent complications.
When Breech Baby Abnormalities Occur
When a baby is in the breech position, especially frank breech, there are risks of abnormalities or complications. One concern is how the position can affect the baby’s hip development, as staying in this position for an extended period may put extra pressure on the hips, leading to hip dysplasia. This condition can make it difficult for the baby’s hip joint to develop correctly. In addition to hip concerns, breech babies may also experience problems during delivery, including cord prolapse, which can lead to a lack of oxygen. Medical professionals must monitor breech pregnancies closely to reduce these risks.
Movement Patterns at 28 Weeks Pregnant
At 28 weeks of pregnancy, you should still feel regular movements from your baby, although the nature of these movements might shift as space becomes more limited in the womb. Some women may notice that the baby is more likely to press against certain areas, such as the bladder, giving the sensation that the baby is sitting on it. However, if you experience a significant reduction in movement, this could be a sign of fetal distress. Decreased fetal movement should never be ignored, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, and you should consult your doctor to rule out any issues.
Monitoring Decreased Fetal Movement
While less movement at 38 weeks can be more common due to space restrictions, at 28 weeks pregnant decreased fetal movement may indicate a problem. If you feel fewer than ten movements in two hours, it is essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Reduced movement could be a sign of oxygen deprivation or another complication that requires immediate attention. Monitoring your baby’s movements is a simple yet critical way to ensure that your pregnancy progresses smoothly, especially as the third trimester advances.
Third Trimester Symptoms at 28 Weeks
Entering the third trimester at 28 weeks pregnant brings a new set of symptoms. You may notice more pressure or even some kicking on your bladder as the baby grows leading to frequent urination. Other common symptoms at this stage include back pain, difficulty sleeping, and heartburn. The baby’s increasing size may also cause your stomach to drop, a common sign that your body is preparing for delivery. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are typically normal at this stage of pregnancy.
The Importance of Fetal Positioning
As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, monitoring your baby’s position becomes crucial. By 30 weeks pregnant, many babies have moved into the head-down position, which is the ideal position for birth. If your baby is still breech by this time, your doctor may discuss options to help the baby turn. Sometimes, they will suggest certain exercises or manual manipulation to encourage the baby to move. Ensuring your baby is in the right position reduces the risk of complications during delivery.
Risk Factors for Birth Complications
Several factors can increase the risk of complications around this time. These include maternal health issues like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or previous pregnancies with complications. Having a breech baby can also raise the risk of needing a C-section, especially if the baby remains in the frank breech position. Knowing your risk factors allows you to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor any potential complications and develop a delivery plan that ensures the safest outcome for both you and your baby.
Treating Breech Baby Complications
If your baby remains in the breech position past 28 weeks gestation, your doctor may try to reposition the baby through a procedure called external cephalic version (ECV). During this procedure, the doctor manually attempts to turn the baby from the outside by applying pressure on the abdomen. While this is often successful, there are cases where the baby remains breech. In such situations, a planned C-section is often recommended to avoid complications during labor, including the risk of improper hip development during infancy.
The Role of Medical Malpractice in Breech Baby Injuries
Complications at 28 weeks such as breech presentation or decreased movement at 28 weeks pregnant, require diligent medical care. When healthcare providers fail to monitor the baby’s position, movement, or overall health adequately, it can lead to serious birth injuries. For example, failing to recognize signs of distress in a breech baby or delaying necessary interventions like a C-section can result in preventable injuries. If your baby has experienced harm due to negligent medical care, you may want to consult a medical malpractice lawyer to explore your legal options.
How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
If you believe medical negligence played a role in complications during your pregnancy or delivery, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. A medical malpractice lawyer can help determine whether your healthcare provider’s actions or lack thereof, contributed to your baby’s injuries. With over 35 years of experience, Joseph Lichtenstein specializes in birth injury cases and can guide families through the legal process. His legal counsel has helped countless families secure compensation for improper care, covering medical bills, therapy, and long-term care for their children.