28 Weeks Pregnant

Today I’m sharing details of my pregnancy as I enter my third trimester at 28 Weeks. Enjoy my 28 Week Bump Update for my third pregnancy.

28 Week Bump Update

How far along are you? 28 weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: 20lbs. Funny story, I misread the scale last appointment and thought I gained 12 lbs in one week. Oops.

How I’m feeling: Like I’m on an emotional rollercoaster 🙂 I have been very uncomfortable physically, which makes me short tempered. Combine that with anxiety over the findings from my ultrasound – I’m happy one moment, worried the next.

Level 2 Ultrasound Findings: First I have to say – Baby A looks great. She is right on track for growth/size and a quick anatomy scan was unremarkable. My placenta is another story though. I shared during my 26 week bump update that my OB was sending me off to Maternal Fetal Medicine for a Level 2 Ultrasound after suspected placental abruption. The Level 2 ultrasound showed areas of old bleeding and new bleeding on my placenta. The post appointment notes also state evidence of marginal separation of the placenta.

With all of this being said, my MFM Doctor and the Sonographer spoke to me about the risks of pre-term labor and premature rupture of membranes. Those are two phrases no pregnant woman wants to hear. There is no medical evidence as to why placental abruption occurs, but the doctor implied the bleeding can happen for no reason. OR the bleeding occurs after I do “too much” so I’m told to take it easy, listening to my body for cramping as a sign to slow down. We want my placenta to stay attached and work hard for the remainder of my pregnancy so our baby grows at the right pace.

Over the next three weeks Baby A should go through a growth spurt, so they’ll perform another ultrasound at the end of the month. They’ll be looking at the health of my placenta, signs of premature rupture of the membranes, and the baby’s growth. On one hand, I feel like everything will be just fine if I stay calm and discontinue my fervent nesting around the house. On the other hand, I know our bodies can do wild and crazy things out of our control. The lack of control over my placenta’s performance and safety is quite unnerving.

Moral of the story: I’m scared of what could happen and just want the baby to continue growing safely.

Baby’s Position: She’s thankfully moved head down – and I’m a bit more comfortable now that she isn’t standing on my bladder.

Second Trimester Glucose Screening: Headed to my 3 hour Glucose test this week (read about my failed one hour Glucose screening here).

Vulvar Varicosities: They have been horrendously swollen by the end of the day – and nothing seems to help but ice and rest. I can’t wear the pelvic support strap all day long without hip/back irritation, but when I take it off everything blows up. I am also starting to wonder if the swollen veins can aggravate my internal situation – could they effect any type of pressure on my placenta? I’ll be asking my OB and the specialist this soon. (Read more about vulvar varicosities here)

Pelvis/Hips: The Webster Technique helps balance out my hips – and I appreciate the round ligament massages from the chiropractor. Other forms of pain relief I’m using: perineal ice packs, a belly support band, a heating pad, and rest.

More About Being 28 Weeks Pregnant

Cool baby facts: Baby A is the size of Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers or a head of lettuce. She actually weighs close to 2 1/2 lbs – which is exactly what the What to Expect App predicts for a 28 week old in utero. She is really busy blinking in my belly, as well as HICCUPING. I felt her hiccup a few days ago for a solid ten minutes. I remember her big sisters had frequent hiccups – it’s cute at first but after a few weeks the little taps become more intense (and kind of annoying). One final fun fact: Baby A looks like her sisters.

Sleep: I jinxed myself at 26 weeks at sleeping like a log. Now I’m waking 3-4 times nightly to use the bathroom and sometimes I’m unable to quickly fall back asleep. I know sleep doesn’t get easier during the third trimester – it’s just preparation for the newborn stage! I’m totally okay with it too… considering I didn’t sleep for a few years after both girls.

Charlie Horse/Leg Cramps: I thought taking an iron supplement and using a night cream with magnesium may help keep the Charlie Horses away – but I was wrong. Last week I had my first really bad leg cramp that kept me up for the day at 3am. Muscle cramping during pregnancy is totally normal – and can be alleviated with magnesium drinks/lotion at bedtime, hydration, and massage. Fun fact – they are often unavoidable if you are prone to Charlie Horses (which I am).

How are your daughters doing? They are very excited to be big sisters, but I’m noticing some not-so-subtle feedback from Ailey that she may be jealous once the baby arrives. It’s completely expected for emotions to go through the roof once the new baby is born, but my therapist said it’s important to establish a few things now. Brandon and I have to ensure Ailey feels secure and loved, as well as a helpful part of the family. I am going to dedicate an entire blog post on how my daughters are adjusting to my pregnancy soon!

Hello Third Trimester…

More Third Pregnancy Posts

26 Week Bump Update
22 Week Bump Update
20 Week Bump Update
16 Week Bump Update
First Trimester Recap
We are Having a Third Baby!
The Story Behind Our Decision to Have Another Baby

Read my 26 Week Bump Update during Past Pregnancies
27 Week Bump Update – First Pregnancy
28 Week Bump Update – First Pregnancy
28 Week Bump Update – Second Pregnancy

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