Pregnancy Week 28: Third Trimester Begins

Q: How many kicks should I feel per day at 28 weeks?

You should feel at least 10 distinct movements within 2 hours during daily counting. Movement patterns matter more than totals.

Q: Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal at 28 weeks?

Yes. They're irregular, usually painless tightenings. Call your OB if they become regular, painful, or more than 4 to 6 per hour before 37 weeks.

Q: Can my baby survive if born at 28 weeks?

Yes. With modern NICU care, survival is roughly 94 percent at 28 weeks, though premature babies often need weeks of NICU support.

Q: Do I really need the Tdap vaccine every pregnancy?

Yes. CDC and ACOG recommend Tdap during every pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks to maximize newborn protection.

Q: Is shortness of breath at 28 weeks normal?

Mild shortness of breath with exertion is common. Sudden severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or breathlessness at rest needs urgent evaluation.

Evidence-based. References guidelines from ACOG, CDC, and WHO.

Informational only, not medical advice. Always consult your OB/GYN or healthcare provider.

Week 28 marks the official start of the third trimester. You’re entering the home stretch — about 12 weeks to go. Your baby is gaining weight quickly, your prenatal visits become more frequent, and you’ll start formally tracking baby’s movements with daily kick counts.

This week tends to bring a wave of “wait, this is really happening soon” energy. Here’s what to know about being 28 weeks pregnant.

📌 Key Takeaway: According to March of Dimes data, about 10% of US babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks), making week-by-week monitoring important. This guide gives you evidence-based, practical guidance you can apply today. For a related deep dive, see our guide on pregnancy week 12.

Baby’s Size at 28 Weeks Pregnant

At 28 weeks, your baby is about the size of a large eggplant — roughly 14.8 inches (37.6 cm) head-to-heel and weighing around 2.2 lbs (1 kg).

Measurement	Week 28
Length (head-heel)	37.6 cm (14.8 in)
Weight	1.0 kg (2.2 lbs)
Comparable to	Eggplant
Heart rate	110–160 bpm

What’s Developing This Week

Eyes can open and close, with developed eyelashes
Brain is rapidly developing folds and grooves
Lungs are practicing breathing motions but not fully mature
Body fat is being deposited under the skin
Baby is dreaming during REM sleep
Bone marrow has taken over red blood cell production
Baby can recognize your voice and may turn toward sounds

A baby born at 28 weeks has roughly a 94% survival rate with modern NICU care, though premature birth carries serious risks. Babies grow significantly between 28 and 40 weeks.

Symptoms This Week

The third trimester brings new physical demands as your body and baby keep growing.

Common Week 28 Symptoms

Stronger fetal movements — kicks, rolls, and even hiccups you can feel
Braxton Hicks contractions — irregular, painless tightenings
Backache and pelvic pressure
Heartburn as the uterus presses on the stomach
Shortness of breath with exertion
Swollen feet and ankles (mild swelling is normal)
Trouble sleeping — vivid dreams, hip pain, frequent bathroom trips
Restless legs syndrome in some people
Leaky colostrum from the breasts
Hemorrhoids or varicose veins
Pregnancy “waddle” as the pelvis loosens

When to Call Your Provider

Decreased fetal movement
Regular contractions before 37 weeks
Severe headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain (preeclampsia)
Sudden swelling in face/hands
Vaginal bleeding
Watery fluid leaking

For early labor warning signs, see our preterm labor signs guide.

What to Do This Week

Start Daily Kick Counts

Most providers recommend formal kick counting starting at 28 weeks. The simplest method:

Pick a time when baby is usually active (often after a meal)
Lie on your left side
Count distinct movements (kicks, rolls, jabs)
You’re looking for 10 movements within 2 hours

Most people feel 10 movements within 30 minutes. If 2 hours pass without 10 movements, drink something cold and sweet, then try again. Persistent low movement = call your OB. See our full how to count baby kicks guide.

Get the Tdap Vaccine

ACOG and CDC recommend the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of every pregnancy. It protects newborns from whooping cough by passing antibodies through the placenta.

Discuss Rh Status

If you’re Rh-negative, you’ll likely receive RhoGAM (Rh immune globulin) at 28 weeks to prevent Rh sensitization.

Review Glucose Test Results

If your glucose challenge at 24–28 weeks was elevated, you may have had or will have the 3-hour glucose tolerance test. If diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your OB will guide you through diet, monitoring, and possibly medication. Read our gestational diabetes guide.

Start Pre-Hospital Prep

It’s not too early to:

Pack the basics for your hospital bag
Pre-register at your hospital
Install the car seat (have it inspected by a CPST)
Tour the labor & delivery unit
Choose a pediatrician

Doctor Visit at Week 28

Visits often switch from monthly to every 2 weeks starting now.

Test or Activity	Purpose
Weight, BP, urine	Routine screening
Fundal height	Track growth
Fetal heartbeat	Confirm well-being
Tdap vaccine	Pertussis protection
RhoGAM (if Rh-negative)	Prevent Rh sensitization
Hemoglobin/CBC	Check for anemia
Glucose follow-up if needed	Diabetes diagnosis

Looking Ahead: Weeks 28 to 36

Week 32: Often a growth ultrasound; baby gaining ~½ lb per week
Week 35–37: GBS (Group B strep) swab
Week 36: Most babies move into head-down position
Week 37: Considered “early term” — labor anytime is OK
Visits usually shift to weekly starting around 36 weeks

See our full pregnancy week-by-week guide for what’s next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kicks should I feel per day at 28 weeks?

There’s no exact number, but you should feel at least 10 distinct movements within 2 hours during your daily counting session. Movement patterns matter more than total counts — know what’s typical for your baby.

Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal at 28 weeks?

Yes. They’re irregular, usually painless tightenings of the uterus. They become more common in the third trimester. Call your OB if contractions become regular, painful, or come more than 4–6 times per hour before 37 weeks.

Can my baby survive if born at 28 weeks?

Yes. With modern NICU care, survival is roughly 94% at 28 weeks, though premature babies often need weeks of NICU support and may face short- and long-term complications. The goal is always to keep baby in until at least 37 weeks.

Do I really need the Tdap vaccine every pregnancy?

Yes. CDC and ACOG recommend Tdap during every pregnancy between 27–36 weeks. Antibody levels wane, and a fresh dose ensures the highest level of newborn protection from whooping cough.

Is shortness of breath at 28 weeks normal?

Mild shortness of breath with exertion is common as the uterus pushes on the diaphragm. Sudden severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or shortness of breath at rest needs urgent evaluation.

💡 Related Resources: After baby arrives, visit our sister site baby.chparenting.com for newborn care, sleep training, feeding guides, and developmental milestones.

References

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your OB/GYN about your symptoms and care plan.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your OB/GYN, midwife, or healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.

Written by

Vega Lin

Founder & Editor — Mother of 2 (Taiwan)

Vega writes Pregnancy Guide from the intersection of evidence-based research (ACOG, CDC, WHO) and her own experience as a mother of two. Completing her Master's in Digital Innovation at Tunghai University. Read more →