3rd trimester: Week 28

The baby's eyes now open during alert times and close during sleep.

Your Baby

At the beginning of the third trimester, your baby measures 14 inches and weighs about 2 1/2 pounds, having doubled her weight in a month. Her brain tissue continues to develop folds and grooves on what was once a smooth surface. Even though she's bigger, she still has plenty of room to flip around, so whatever position she's in right now will likely shift over the next three months.

Your Body

At this point, you've probably gained between 17 and 24 pounds. Your uterus has moved to three inches above your navel and is pressing against the tubes between the kidneys and bladder, slowing the flow of urine. Also, the hormone progesterone makes it difficult for your urinary system to flush bacteria such as E. coli out of the bladder, leaving you more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Left untreated, UTIs can develop into more serious kidney infections or cause preterm labor. If you feel any pain or burning when you urinate, call your health care provider immediately.

Do's and Don'ts

Do beware of joint pain. If you're at a computer for long stretches, take frequent breaks to give your fingers, wrists, and arms a rest. Your body's retaining fluid, causing nerves to swell and pinch, which could result in carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, check that your setup is ergonomically sound: Your forearms and wrists should be straight and run parallel to the floor as you type, neither reaching too far up nor down.

Health

Just to be prepared, ask your doctor under which conditions labor may have to be induced and what procedures might be involved. Although most babies born post-term have no problems, the risk of complications rises the longer you go past your due date. Even if you end up delivering right on time, preparing for other scenarios will give you peace of mind.

Mom to Mom

"I should have taken a shower before going to the hospital. I didn't realize how long it would be before I'd be able to take another one without pain from episiotomy stitches."--Denise Coffin, Bethesda, MD