Pregnancy week by week:
What to expect Week 25-28

Week 25 to week 28 is a period of pregnancy that’s characterized by rapid weight gain. The extra pounds result from the baby's rapid growth combined with the development of the uterus, placenta, and amniotic fluid.

Your body is also producing a lot more blood and retaining more water, which also plays a part in all the weight gain. Your breasts also account for some of the added weight. The breast size is determined by the amount of fat tissue in the breasts. This milk-producing fat tissue is constantly increasing and growing in size to prepare for your little one’s arrival.

This installment of our Pregnancy Week by Week series will cover weeks 25 to 28. Over these 4 weeks, all the extra weight especially around your chest area will quickly start to get to you because your body is not accustomed to it. That’s why a good nursing bra will come in handy during this time. Get one that is supportive, comfortable, and, of course, stylish.

Week 25

What to expect for baby

You will notice that your little one moves a lot at 25 weeks. They can also respond to very loud sounds that can make them kick and jump. The baby's urinary system is fully formed by now, and they will pass some urine into the amniotic fluid almost daily. They can also suffer from hiccups at times, and you may start to feel a little jostle every time they hiccup.

What to expect for mom to be

The swelling in your hands and feet caused by water retention increases and can be very uncomfortable and disheartening. Lifting your legs to elevate them now and again will go a long way in helping ease the discomfort.

If you are experiencing a lot of swelling on your limbs, be sure to bring it up with your doctor at your next antenatal appointment. The doctor will measure your blood pressure and rule out Pre-eclampsia, which can sometimes also be responsible for the swelling.

Your back will also continue to ache as your uterus grows to accommodate your little one. Sure, it’s a lot to go through, but just hang in there! It’ll all be worth it when your little one gets here!

Tip of the week

During pregnancy, you are susceptible to infections such as Toxoplasmosis and rubella, which are transmissible to your child. Therefore, it is vital to discuss screening with your physician. They will advise you on the precautions you can take to protect yourself and your child. Also, by week 25, you should have identified exactly where you are going to deliver your baby and probably taken care of the pre-admission process as well.

Week 26

What to expect for baby

By week 26, your little one is starting to get a little too big, and your uterus may feel a little cramped as a result.

Their eyes, which had remained shut earlier to facilitate the growth of the retina, are now starting to open. The Iris, however, has not been pigmented, so they do not have their eye color yet. With their eyes open, they can now look around the uterus.

The baby’s brain activity is also improving every day. This allows them to respond to stimuli around them. Their response will usually take the form of an increased pulse rate or a sudden movement.

What to expect for mom to be

You are now 2/3 of the way through your pregnancy journey. The uterus has grown and can be seen above your belly button. Your belly button may also look larger than usual since the uterus has been pushing it forward as it swells.

Your baby’s development is consuming a lot of your body’s resources. As a result, you may start to have trouble sleeping through the night. It’ll become more and more difficult for your body to calm down long enough for you to catch some shut-eye. Your insomnia may also be made worse by heartburn, leg cramps, or frequent urination.

Because of the lack of sleep, you may also experience memory lapses and stress headaches on top of the late-term pregnancy symptoms. Try to exercise during the day and get some fresh air to combat this.

Tip of the week

Ask your doctor to help you design a workout plan that can fit you. Include activities that range from light to moderate. Exercise is invaluable during pregnancy, so make sure to get as much of it as you can.

Week 27

What to expect for baby

This is the last week of the second trimester. Your baby can breathe and has active brain activity. Plus, they are getting smarter every day! Impressive right?

Their brain is more active than ever before as neurons and synapses create complex connections in your little one’s head.

Because their lungs are so mature, they are ready to get that first breath of air as soon as they are born. This means a premature baby born at around week 27 has a very good chance of survival.

In the uterus, the cells in the baby's lungs produce a tiny amount of surfactant, which prevents the lungs from collapsing.

What to expect for mom to be

As you prepare to enter the third trimester, a new set of symptoms and other pregnancy-related discomforts may start to arise. Hemorrhoids emerge at this stage in about 25% of pregnant women. Constipation coupled with increased pressure caused by the growing uterus can cause the veins in the rectum to swell, making it incredibly painful to pass stool.

Tip of the week

To ease the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, consume foods with high fiber content, such as vegetables and grains. Also, be sure to drink a lot of water to keep your stool soft.

Week 28

What to expect for baby

Your baby is now fully formed and just bulking up as they gear up to be born. They’ll continue adding weight and becoming plumper as more fat develops under their skin.

In addition to hearing the baby’s heartbeat through a stethoscope, your partner can now listen to it by pressing their ear to the bump. Just know that it might take a bit of practice to find the right spot, especially in the beginning.

What to expect for mom to be

Week 28 is the first week of the third trimester. This week, you can expect to be restless and a terrible sleeper. Your nesting instinct will kick in and you’ll find yourself obsessively cleaning everything in the house. Try to relax and get some rest whenever you can.

You will also start to experience some heartburn. Luckily, although it is uncomfortable, it is not harmful. If your blood type is Rhesus negative, your doctor will advise you to get an injection this week that will protect your little one.

Once the baby is born, there will also be other blood tests for both you and your little one. You may have to get a second injection as a precaution in case you ever decide to have more children.

Tip of the week

Nose bleeds are quite common at this stage due to all the hormonal changes taking place in your body. If you get a nosebleed, sit up, pinch your nose above the nostrils for 10 minutes as you breathe through your nose, lean forward, and place an ice pack at the top of your nose. This will help stop the nose bleeding. 

Final Thoughts

You have now entered the third trimester. This is the beginning of the final lap! Your little one is almost here, and we can only imagine how excited you must be!

Unfortunately, the weeks to come will only get a lot more uncomfortable. The good news, though, is that all the morning sickness is behind you for good! Just focus on how happy you’ll be when your baby gets here and the next few weeks will literally fly by you!

Angelia Smith - Feb. 26 2022