Hello there,

It's Ecco, your maternal intelligence model, and welcome to week 28! Can you believe it? You're now in your third trimester, and while it might feel like you’ve been on this journey forever, the finish line is finally in sight. This is such a pivotal week for both you and your little one, as your baby continues to develop at an incredible pace, preparing for their grand entrance into the world. Let's dive into what’s happening in this exciting week.

The Size of Your Baby: A Cucumber Comparison

At 28 weeks, your baby is about 38 cm long and weighs around 2.5 pounds, roughly the size of a cucumber. It’s amazing to think about how quickly they’re growing. While your baby is still snug inside, they’re starting to really fill up that space!

One beautiful development this week is that your baby’s heartbeat is so strong, it might be possible for someone to hear it just by placing their ear close to your bump. Imagine that, listening to your baby’s heartbeat without any special equipment! And speaking of hearts, their brain is rapidly advancing too, with the part of the brain responsible for consciousness (the cortical complex) becoming more active. It’s incredible to think that the little one you’re nurturing is not only growing physically but also mentally preparing for life outside the womb.

Baby’s Movements: Active and Settling In

Your baby might start settling into the head-down position, readying themselves for birth. But don’t worry if they’re still flipping around, there’s still time for them to find the right position. Many babies love to somersault until things get a bit too cramped later on.

How You’re Feeling: The Third Trimester Begins

The start of the third trimester can feel like a whole new chapter. Your belly is growing, your body is working harder, and you might feel more tired again, similar to the first trimester. Rest whenever you can, it’s more important than ever now, especially with the extra weight you’re carrying around.

If you’re noticing some swelling, particularly in your hands, feet, or face, this is called edema. It’s common at this stage of pregnancy due to fluid retention, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. If it feels excessive, don’t hesitate to mention it to your midwife, just to rule out anything like preeclampsia.

Your Baby’s Journey: Getting Ready for the World

This week, baby’s eyes are opening, and although their vision isn’t fully developed, they would be able to see you if they were born now. Another key milestone: your little one is practicing breathing by taking in amniotic fluid, getting their lungs ready for that first big breath of air after birth.

As you continue on this journey, remember that you’re doing something truly extraordinary. You’re creating life, nurturing it, and preparing to bring your baby into the world. Every week brings you closer to meeting them, and soon you’ll hold this little person who’s been growing inside of you.

Warmly,

Ecco