The 28th week of pregnancy is a peculiar milestone in intrauterine life. The baby reaches a weight of 1 kg, and every day more and more often it declares itself by very perceptible movements. Counting fetal movements during this period allows the assessment of the condition of the child and the identification of various deviations in its development.
Fetal development
At 28 obstetric weeks, the baby weighs 1000-1100 g. Its body length is 34-35 cm. The baby continues to grow actively. The body of the fetus is rounded, layers of adipose tissue appear on the legs, buttocks and abdomen. Facial features due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat also become softer. Thin blood vessels still shine through the pink skin. The hair follicles accumulate pigment, which determines the color of the hair after the baby is born.
All internal organs work in accordance with the genetic program laid down. The development of the lungs continues, the production of surfactant (a substance that prevents adhesion of the alveoli during inhalation) is activated. Children born at this time are able to breathe on their own, and have every chance of survival.
At week 28, the endocrine system is activated. In the enhanced mode, the thyroid and pancreas function, the production of own hormones increases. The load on the mother’s body is reduced. The baby has its own metabolic rate.
The development of all the structures of the nervous system continues at the same rhythm. At this period, the child is clearly dominated by the activity of one of the hemispheres of the brain. At the same time, the right hemisphere will predominantly function the left hemisphere, while the left-handed person will have a more active right one. Find out whether the baby is left-handed or right-handed, will succeed only after his birth.
Condition of a mom
The total weight gain is 5.5-7 kg. The figure of the future mother is changing significantly. Growing tummy leads to a mixture of the center of gravity and the redistribution of the load on the lumbar spine and pelvis. The movements become slow, smooth and slightly awkward. Managing your own body is becoming more difficult. Fatigue accumulates, more and more often there is a desire to lie down or just relax. Long walks, constant presence in the same position and physical work during this period are not recommended.
The uterus at week 28 is located on two transverse fingers above the navel. The movements of the fetus are becoming more palpable. Baby movements in the hypochondrium and in the epigastric region can be very painful. Best of all perturbations are perceived in a state of rest. While walking or doing any physical work, the baby calms down and practically does not move.
Knowing the frequency with which a baby moves in the womb, one can assess its condition and detect various problems in its development in time. Slowing or intensification of fetal movements suggests that in the tummy of the child is uncomfortable. This is possible with chronic placental insufficiency and concomitant hypoxia.
There are two simple ways to evaluate fetal locomotor activity:
Method number 1. For 12 hours, all movements of the fetus should be counted. Every tenth movement of the baby is marked on a piece of paper. During this period, at least 10 marks should appear (that is, about 100 fetal movements).
Method number 2. Within 1 hour it is necessary to calculate the movement of the fetus. A healthy child will let you know about yourself 8-12 times. It is necessary to take into account the fact that the baby can sleep for 4-6 hours in a row. In this case, you need to repeat the test at another convenient time.
Accounting for perturbations is a simple and affordable method to assess the condition of the fetus without the use of special devices. For any deviations from the norm, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The final diagnosis is made only after an ultrasound.
Go to another page: