You’re 28 weeks pregnant now. How are you feeling? It is a good idea to ‘check in’ with yourself every so often. Make sure you’re acknowledging your emotions and looking after yourself. About 40 per cent of women who experience depression in pregnancy will go on to have postnatal depression if left untreated.
28 weeks pregnant – development guide
Your body
Now that you’re in the third trimester you might notice an occasional discharge from your breasts. Don’t be alarmed – this is colostrum. Colostrum is baby’s first food – it is thick, yellowish, slow-flowing and nutrient-dense – jam-packed with all the good stuff a new baby needs. Your body is gearing up for your baby’s first breastfeed and will be ready to go should baby arrive before the estimated due date.
Your belly is getting bigger but your ankle might be too! Swelling (called oedema) and water retention is common during the later stages of pregnancy. Always mention this to your health care provider though – as it is one indicator of pre-eclampsia – a serious complication of pregnancy. Where your antenatal visits have been monthly up to this point, you may start to see your healthcare provider on a fortnightly basis.
Your baby
Sized at approximately 34cm (head to rump) and weighing around 1.2kg, your baby will be busy looking around and opening its eyes.
If you shine a torch on your belly, you may feel the baby turn away to escape the bright light. Other senses are also nearly fully developed.
3 things to do when you’re 28 weeks pregnant
Know the symptoms of antenatal depression
Antenatal depression is depression that starts when you’re pregnant. Pregnancy can be a very emotional time so knowing when it is just more than just ‘mood swings’ or being ‘a bit down’ is important. Check out this article on antenatal depression – symptoms and treatments for more information.
Read one woman’s honest account of antenatal depression
“I know now that antenatal depression is not a myth, its real. It’s debilitating and horrible. It can be life changing in ways you never expected. It’s a harsh lesson to learn to go easy on yourself you’re not going crazy. Reach out, speak up it’s a lot less bumpy if you do”. Read more of Lea’s brave account – My Antenatal Depression Story.
Find support online
It is easier to overcome feelings of anxiety or depression when you have support. You’ll find people to chat to and lean on in our Antenatal Depression Support forum section.
This content is meant as a guide only. If you find anything worrying or unsettling, or experience any bleeding or spotting, contact your local GP, obstetrician or an emergency healthcare provider immediately.