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Week 28 of Pregnancy

First trimester weeks

Congrats! During the first trimester, you’re getting used to the idea of being pregnant.

Second trimester weeks

As you enter this second trimester, your body will settle down to pregnancy.

Third trimester weeks

You've reached the third and final trimester and will be heavily pregnant by now.

Week 28 of Pregnancy

Even before birth, your baby is establishing a pattern of behavior.

Your baby is beginning to have regular sleep-wake cycles and her breathing, yawning, and swallowing are taking on a more definite pattern. However, your own life may seem less rhythmical. You may find things are slightly different at work and, perhaps, be seeing less of some friends because you don't always feel up to socializing. Don't become isolated, though-if nothing else, stay in touch by phone and email.

27 Weeks, 3 Days

88 days to go...

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Your baby today

This baby is at the end of a yawn. Your baby is yawning in a more coordinated way now with one yawn often following another. It may look as if this image shows the fingertips in the bottom right but in fact it is a foot, nearly brought up to the mouth.

Pregnancy is a subject about which everybody has an opinion they want to share with you, whether you like it or not.

Although you may have become very proud and protective of your belly, it can be extremely irritating if other people become overprotective of you. You may find that everyone has an opinion on your pregnancy, and what you should and should not be doing to stay healthy. Some women find all the attention comforting, but others find it frustrating or suffocating. If you're someone who finds all the advice difficult to handle, try to remember that people mean well.

Of course, it's your body, and you'll do what is best for you and your baby. If it's all getting too much, then try talking to the main offenders, often a partner, mother, or mother-in-law. Explain that you're trying your best and that you're aware of what you should and shouldn't do while you're pregnant and are following the advice of your doctors. Politely thank them for their input and reassure them that you're taking good care of yourself and your baby.

The Lowdown

On smelling good

Are you wafting through pregnancy feeling fresh as a daisy? It's rarely discussed, but being pregnant may make you feel less fragrant than usual, not least because you will sweat more than before-although it's unlikely that anyone else will have noticed. An increase in vaginal discharge is also nothing to worry about, but if it smells offensive or is yellowish or greenish in color, you could have an infection so see your doctor. To stay smelling sweet:

Shower or bath regularly and apply deodorant every time. Take handy wipes with you to stay fresh all day.
Use body sprays and lotions if your usual fragrance doesn't smell "right": they tend to be lighter and are less likely to cause headaches.
Avoid wearing tight clothing: wear loose clothes in natural fabrics, which absorb sweat and allow your skin to breathe.
Wear cotton underwear, and change it more often, if necessary.
Use disposable panty liners, if needed, to stay feeling fresh.

Choose the perfume you put on carefully since you may find that some scents, even one you're used to wearing, make you feel nauseous or light-headed during pregnancy.

Focus On... Your health

Blood pressure checks

About 8 percent of women have problems with high blood pressure in pregnancy. High blood pressure can be caused by preeclampsia , a serious condition that also leads to protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can affect the liver and kidneys and, if untreated, lead to eclampsia or seizures. If you have preeclampsia, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure can affect also your baby, so medication may be recommended. Don't stop the medication without your doctor's okay.