What’s happening to my baby?
Welcome to the third trimester: a period of refinement and finessing for your baby as they prepare for life on the outside.
By week 28, your baby’s heartbeat is probably strong and clear enough to be heard with a stethoscope, and a family member or partner might even be able to hear it by pressing their ear against your belly.
What’s happening to me?
Your baby will start to secrete androgen or estrogen at this point, which will signal to your body to start lactating. You should speak to a doctor or midwife about breastfeeding, as some women experience difficulties with this. Understanding breastfeeding techniques and the problems you might encounter will help prepare you for the first critical days of your baby’s life.
In addition to weight gain, many women experience considerable swelling and fluid retention in their extremities. This can make your regular footwear feel tight and rings uncomfortable to wear. Although there’s not too much you can do to counter this, you can help by avoiding high sodium and processed foods and continuing to exercise as much as possible or as recommended.