baby presentation 28 weeks

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The way a baby is positioned in the uterus just before birth can have a big effect on labor and delivery. This positioning is called fetal presentation.

Babies twist, stretch and tumble quite a bit during pregnancy. Before labor starts, however, they usually come to rest in a way that allows them to be delivered through the birth canal headfirst. This position is called cephalic presentation. But there are other ways a baby may settle just before labor begins.

Following are some of the possible ways a baby may be positioned at the end of pregnancy.

Head down, face down

When a baby is head down, face down, the medical term for it is the cephalic occiput anterior position. This the most common position for a baby to be born in. With the face down and turned slightly to the side, the smallest part of the baby's head leads the way through the birth canal. It is the easiest way for a baby to be born.

Head down, face up

When a baby is head down, face up, the medical term for it is the cephalic occiput posterior position. In this position, it might be harder for a baby's head to go under the pubic bone during delivery. That can make labor take longer.

Most babies who begin labor in this position eventually turn to be face down. If that doesn't happen, and the second stage of labor is taking a long time, a member of the health care team may reach through the vagina to help the baby turn. This is called manual rotation.

In some cases, a baby can be born in the head-down, face-up position. Use of forceps or a vacuum device to help with delivery is more common when a baby is in this position than in the head-down, face-down position. In some cases, a C-section delivery may be needed.

Frank breech

When a baby's feet or buttocks are in place to come out first during birth, it's called a breech presentation. This happens in about 3% to 4% of babies close to the time of birth. The baby shown below is in a frank breech presentation. That's when the knees aren't bent, and the feet are close to the baby's head. This is the most common type of breech presentation.

If you are more than 36 weeks into your pregnancy and your baby is in a frank breech presentation, your health care professional may try to move the baby into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. It involves one or two members of the health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

If the procedure isn't successful, or if the baby moves back into a breech position, talk with a member of your health care team about the choices you have for delivery. Most babies in a frank breech position are born by planned C-section.

Complete and incomplete breech

A complete breech presentation, as shown below, is when the baby has both knees bent and both legs pulled close to the body. In an incomplete breech, one or both of the legs are not pulled close to the body, and one or both of the feet or knees are below the baby's buttocks. If a baby is in either of these positions, you might feel kicking in the lower part of your belly.

If you are more than 36 weeks into your pregnancy and your baby is in a complete or incomplete breech presentation, your health care professional may try to move the baby into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. It involves one or two members of the health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

If the procedure isn't successful, or if the baby moves back into a breech position, talk with a member of your health care team about the choices you have for delivery. Many babies in a complete or incomplete breech position are born by planned C-section.

When a baby is sideways — lying horizontal across the uterus, rather than vertical — it's called a transverse lie. In this position, the baby's back might be:

• Down, with the back facing the birth canal.
• Sideways, with one shoulder pointing toward the birth canal.
• Up, with the hands and feet facing the birth canal.

Although many babies are sideways early in pregnancy, few stay this way when labor begins.

If your baby is in a transverse lie during week 37 of your pregnancy, your health care professional may try to move the baby into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. External cephalic version involves one or two members of your health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

If the procedure isn't successful, or if the baby moves back into a transverse lie, talk with a member of your health care team about the choices you have for delivery. Many babies who are in a transverse lie are born by C-section.

If you're pregnant with twins and only the twin that's lower in the uterus is head down, as shown below, your health care provider may first deliver that baby vaginally.

Then, in some cases, your health care team may suggest delivering the second twin in the breech position. Or they may try to move the second twin into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. External cephalic version involves one or two members of the health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

Your health care team may suggest delivery by C-section for the second twin if:

• An attempt to deliver the baby in the breech position is not successful.
• You do not want to try to have the baby delivered vaginally in the breech position.
• An attempt to move the baby into a head-down position is not successful.
• You do not want to try to move the baby to a head-down position.

In some cases, your health care team may advise that you have both twins delivered by C-section. That might happen if the lower twin is not head down, the second twin has low or high birth weight as compared to the first twin, or if preterm labor starts.

• Landon MB, et al., eds. Normal labor and delivery. In: Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 19, 2023.
• Holcroft Argani C, et al. Occiput posterior position. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 19, 2023.
• Frequently asked questions: If your baby is breech. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/if-your-baby-is-breech. Accessed May 22, 2023.
• Hofmeyr GJ. Overview of breech presentation. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 22, 2023.
• Strauss RA, et al. Transverse fetal lie. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 22, 2023.
• Chasen ST, et al. Twin pregnancy: Labor and delivery. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 22, 2023.
• Cohen R, et al. Is vaginal delivery of a breech second twin safe? A comparison between delivery of vertex and non-vertex second twins. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. 2021; doi:10.1080/14767058.2021.2005569.
• Marnach ML (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 31, 2023.

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28 Weeks Pregnant

At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby's brain is developing—which means your fatigue may return., by babylist staff.

At 28 weeks pregnant, there are many exciting developments happening with your baby. Baby may be able to tell the difference between light and dark and even move around in the womb in reaction to bright lights. What else? Read on to find out.

What To Expect at 28 Weeks Pregnant

How many months is 28 weeks pregnant, your baby at 28 weeks, your body at 28 weeks pregnant.

• Frequently Asked Questions About Life at 28 Weeks Pregnant

28 Weeks Pregnant Checklist

28 weeks pregnant in months is six months pregnant, which is part of the third trimester .

The third trimester happens somewhere between weeks 27 and 28 of pregnancy, so by now you are firmly in your third trimester. With the third trimester comes a lot of big development, like the brain and senses. See what’s happening with your baby this week.

• Brain power: We’ve been talking a lot about your baby’s bones and organs, but in the third trimester , brain neuron development explodes, according to the New York Times .
• Senses develop: Your baby’s ears are making better connections, and they’re understanding some of the sounds around them. Their eyes now may even be able to see some light shining through your belly.
• Sleep cycles: Your baby’s sleep cycles now include dreaming. Yep, rapid eye movement (REM) can be detected in babies by this stage. Maybe they’re dreaming of you.
• Plumping up: As your baby puts on many finishing touches for their entrance into the world, they’re also putting on more body fat.

How Big Is a Baby at 28 Weeks?

Your baby is around 14.8 inches long and weighs 2.2 pounds this week. That’s about the size of a Kit-Cat Klock.

💛 Congratulations 💛

You made it to the third trimester !

28 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

28 Weeks Baby Movement

Your baby is starting to take up more and more space, and will soon settle into a head-down position (or cephalic presentation) for labor and birth. Most babies are fully head-down between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. But others may take a little longer, need some coaxing by your healthcare provider to get there or never end up head-down, in which case, a c-section is likely.

Now that you’re in the third trimester, you’re about to lose more of your precious energy. It’s no wonder—your baby is getting bigger, and it can be tough to get comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep.

28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

The third trimester is here! And while that means you’re getting closer to baby’s arrival, it also means you might be starting to feel less comfortable. Here’s what you can expect.

Frequent urination

The need to pee all the time may return now that baby’s big enough to crowd your bladder.

Your growing baby is also putting pressure on your stomach and intestines, making heartburn a strong possibility. Try to prevent it by avoiding spicy and greasy foods, and other foods you notice bother you. “Keep a food journal to pinpoint which foods trigger you the most,” says Al Bradlea, a lactation consultant and birth and postpartum doula. “Some usual culprits are spicy and fried foods, coffee and chocolate.” Also avoid lying down within an hour of eating, and try to eat smaller meals more often—five or six mini meals, instead of three big meals, for example. “Sleep on a slight incline,” adds Bradlea. But think twice before popping an OTC remedy. “If it gets to the point where you’re in pain after every meal despite your best efforts, talk to your doctor—especially before trying antacids, some of which aren’t safe for pregnancy,” says Bradlea.

Over two thirds of pregnant people experience back pain , and with good reason: a bigger baby changes your posture and strains your spine. Not to mention the fact that hormonal changes are relaxing your ligaments, which can make you less stable while on the move.

Even worse than run-of-the-mill back pain? Feeling tingling, numbness or shooting pain through your lower back, butt and thighs. These are symptoms of sciatica —it gets its weird name from the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back and branches down both legs. It can happen during pregnancy because the growing uterus puts pressure on the nerve—and bloating, weight gain and posture changes don’t help either. Try a warm compress wherever you feel pain, remember to rest and add pelvic tilts to your Kegels routine to help strengthen your core. “When in doubt, get into child’s pose —and then, seek extra help to build strength and show your body some love,” says Bradlea.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Look out for sporadic tightening of your belly as your body preps for labor and birth. Braxton Hicks contractions are different from true labor contractions because they’re not regular and go away fairly quickly. The real deal would intensify in frequency, coming more and more often and more intensely.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS)

About 16 percent of pregnant people simply can’t keep their legs still at night. “People are sometimes surprised that after another exhausting day of pregnancy, they can get into bed and have Restless Leg Syndrome!” says Bradlea. RLS can make you antsy and really mess with your ability to get sleep. Talk to your doctor about taking a supplement if you have RLS—magnesium, iron, B12 or folate could help. Stretch and massage your legs, using a heating pad or warm bath or try ice to relieve symptoms. “Incorporating some movement into your routine is the first step. You don’t need hours of intense aerobics—an evening stroll for a half hour can provide immense relief,” says Bradlea.

More appointments

This technically isn’t a symptom, but it is a fact of pregnancy at this stage: In the third trimester, your OB or midwife is going to become your new best friend (if they aren’t already). At 28 weeks, you’ll have two appointments per month (every other week), and by 36 weeks pregnant , you’ll be going weekly.

Pregnancy Symptoms Coming Up In Week 29:

In week 29 of pregnancy, some common symptoms can include constipation, lightheadedness or UTIs.

Only 4% of babies are born on their predicted due date. But about 90% are born within two weeks before or after—which means baby’s birthday is narrowed down to about a full month. Want to double check it? You can use our due date calculator to figure it out.

Real Baby Bumps at 28 Weeks Pregnant

28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not To Ignore

If something feels off, run it by your doctor. Some symptoms you don’t want to ignore include running a high fever or noticing a significant increase in your vaginal discharge.

Commonly Asked Questions About 28 Weeks Pregnant

Once you hit the third trimester, the final countdown is on. Give your growing belly a rub and check out these commonly asked questions with month seven just around the corner.

How can I sneak in some fun before baby arrives?

Sometime in the next 14 weeks, life is about to get a lot more hectic. Use your final trimester to sneak in some extra fun. Schedule a few date nights, plan some visits with friends, get your nails done and head to your favorite coffee shop for a leisurely latte as often as you can.

What are the benefits of red raspberry leaf tea?

The purported benefits of red raspberry leaf tea are many, but studies have shown that the herb can actually help reduce the length of labor and help birthing parents avoid extra interventions. Check with your healthcare provider, then start with a cup a day of 100% red raspberry leaf rather than a blend. FYI: The tea doesn’t actually taste like raspberries—sorry!—but you won’t have to hold your nose to get it down.

What’s a good way to pass the time while 28 weeks pregnant?

For some people, pregnancy is a race to the finish line. For others, the weeks can really drag. If you fall into the latter camp, now’s a great time to start binging a long-running series. Try Friends or The Office for laughs, and Scandal or The Sopranos for drama and suspense. For feel-good vibes, you can’t go wrong with The Great British Baking Show . Don’t worry if you’ve already seen it before; what matters is it keeps your mind occupied and the hours flying by.

How can I prep for postpartum chaos?

If your budget allows, consider a night nurse to help in those first few weeks. These experienced individuals, also called postpartum doulas or night nannies, come to your home at the end of the day and care for your baby all night long, so you can, you know, sleep like a baby. If you’re nursing, they’ll wake you for a feeding, but afterward, the baby goes straight back into their care. Some night nurses even do your laundry and wash your dishes. The downside is that this extra help comes at a cost. Do your research to compare rates—and remember, even one night a week can make a noticeable difference. You could also add it to your baby registry—it could make a great baby shower group gift.

Managing Multiple Registries?

We can link or transfer items to your Babylist (you won’t lose your hard work!) Everything will be in one place and you’ll only have to share one registry link with gift-givers in your life.

Recommended Products for Week 28 of Pregnancy

Your body and belly are growing, so you might need help getting a little more comfortable. And you might need to size up your clothes. These products can help you with that.

Storq   Sleep Etc. Nursing Dress

Boppy   Pregnancy Total Body Pillow with Removable Pillow Cover

Parachute   Classic Turkish Cotton Robe

• Go to your 28 week prenatal visit, and if you can, schedule your remaining appointments while you’re there. As the number of visits ramp up, choosing a regular time and day will help you remember when you’re due back.
• Decorate the nursery . Now’s the time to check off all the major needs from the list. Finishing touches can come later, but you should have a safe crib or bassinet .
• Shop for a few nursing bras for the hospital and postpartum.
• Make plans! Schedule a third trimester pedicure, prenatal massage, lunch with friends and a few date nights before the baby comes and you’re super busy.
• Al Bradlea, IBCLC, Birth & Postpartum Doula
• Fetal Brain Said to Live at 28 Weeks
• Fetal Positions for Birth
• Back Pain During Pregnancy
• How accurate are ‘due dates’?
• Herbal Tea and Pregnancy

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and the Babylist Health Advisory Board.

Babylist Staff

Babylist editors and writers are parents themselves and have years of experience writing and researching, coming from media outlets like Motherly, the SF Chronicle, the New York Times and the Daily Beast, and the fields of early childhood education and publishing. We research and test hundreds of products, survey real Babylist parents and consult reviews in order to recommend the best products and gear for your growing family.

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28 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is the size of a

head of lettuce

If you are 28 weeks pregnant, congratulations! You are now officially in the third trimester and your baby is continuing to grow and develop quickly. This article will provide you with information on what happens at 28 weeks pregnant, including the symptoms you may experience, your baby’s development, and tips and advice on how to prepare for the upcoming birth. Read on and find out what you need to know to get ready for your little one’s arrival.

Highlights at 28 Weeks Pregnant

Here's what may be happening for you and your baby at 28 weeks pregnant:

Not only can your little one open and close their eyes now, but they also have little eyelashes.

Your baby may be moving around and changing positions a lot at 28 weeks pregnant and over the next few weeks—prepare for some little somersaults!

Now might be a good time to start counting those little kicks.

Your growing baby and bump may feel heavy and cause some aches and fatigue around 28 weeks pregnant. Remember to take some time to rest and relax now.

You might consider creating a baby name short list with all your favorites. If you need more ideas, try our fun Baby Name Generator below:

RELATED PREGNANCY TOOL

Baby Name Generator

By gender :, 28 weeks pregnant: your baby’s development.

Welcome to the third trimester ! At 28 weeks pregnant, you have some exciting baby developments in store, including the following:

Your little one is now able to open and close their eyes. They may even have some eyelashes!

Your baby’s brain is still developing, but the central nervous system has developed enough to allow your baby to begin to control their body temperature.

When you’re 28 weeks pregnant, your baby’s position in the uterus could be with their head facing down—or with their buttocks, feet, or both pointed down, known as the breech presentation .

Your healthcare provider may be able to tell you which direction your baby is facing if you have an ultrasound at 28 weeks pregnant or at your next appointment, but don’t worry if your little one has assumed the breech presentation or another unusual position. Over the next few weeks, they’ll likely turn themselves around.

You may decide to begin tracking your baby’s movements (more on this later) at 28 weeks pregnant. You might find they’re more active when you’re resting or after a meal. Think of counting those little kicks as one of your first bonding experiences!

How Many Months Is 28 Weeks Pregnant?

How far along is 28 weeks pregnant? It’s natural to wonder what month you’re in at 28 weeks pregnant. The 40 weeks of pregnancy don’t fit precisely into 9 months; however, you’re often considered to be at the beginning of your seventh month when you’re 28 weeks pregnant.

So, when does the third trimester start—at 27 or 28 weeks pregnant? Although there’s no standard beginning point, 28 weeks is generally accepted as first week of the third trimester.

Baby's Size at 28 Weeks Pregnant

How big is a baby at 28 weeks? At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a head of lettuce, weighing about 2 and 1/4 pounds and measuring about 10 inches long, crown to rump.

Your Baby: What Does 28 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

Check out the illustration below for a glimpse of what your baby may look like this week. Snug as a bug!

Your Body at 28 Weeks Pregnant

As you start the third trimester, keep in mind that you and your baby still have some growing to do. Your expanding belly bump at 28 weeks pregnant may get in the way at times, and throughout the remaining weeks, you might find yourself getting tired more easily. Your body is doing a great (and tough) job of providing a home for your little one as they continue to grow and develop during these final months and weeks.

Continue paying attention to your diet by eating healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. Eating well may also help keep your energy levels up if you’ve been feeling worn out.

If this is recommended by your healthcare provider, take prenatal vitamins or supplements to make sure you’re getting enough calcium and iron .

Finally, continuing to exercise (moderately, and as your healthcare provider suggests) will help boost sagging energy levels. If you’re concerned about your weight gain at 28 weeks pregnant, check in with your provider to make sure your weight is increasing at a healthy rate. You can also try out our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator below:

28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

At 28 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

Back pain. Brace yourself, because lower back pain comes with the territory for many pregnant people, especially in the last trimester. To prepare for labor and delivery, the joints and ligaments in your pelvis start to loosen, which sometimes causes lower back and pelvic pain. You may notice these pains when taking a flight of stairs or getting in or out of your car. As your body expands, your center of gravity shifts and your posture changes, often straining your back muscles. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about back, pelvic, or hip pain . Try wearing low-heeled, supportive shoes, and stay off your feet whenever possible. You can also place a pillow behind you when sitting in a chair. You can take some comfort in the fact that these symptoms usually subside after you give birth.

Shortness of breath. As your uterus expands, your abdominal organs start to get a little crowded. Your stomach and diaphragm can place pressure on your lungs, making it more difficult to take deep breaths. Don’t worry, though. Your baby is getting plenty of air, even if it feels like you’re not. If you find yourself out of breath, try to be mindful of your posture. Standing up straight can give your lungs a bit more room to expand, and you may find breathing becomes easier.

Hemorrhoids. Your ever-growing uterus also puts pressure on veins, which can sometimes lead to painful or itchy varicose veins in your rectal area—which are hemorrhoids. If you’re also suffering from constipation, the strain on your bowels can make hemorrhoids worse. To help keep hemorrhoids at bay, make sure to stay hydrated and include plenty of fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole-grain bread or cereal. If hemorrhoids do strike, soaking in a warm bath may relieve some of the discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider for further treatment recommendations.

Braxton Hicks contractions . These so-called practice contractions are one way your body prepares to give birth and can strike at any time. However, they don’t open your cervix, so you’re not actually going into labor. You may feel sensations ranging from a slight tightness in your abdomen to something more painful. These contractions are more likely to hit in the evening or after physical activity like exercise or sex. They can get stronger as your pregnancy progresses, and sometimes it can be tricky to tell whether you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions. If you have any concerns about what you’re experiencing, ask your healthcare provider for advice.

Frequent urination. You might have encountered this pesky symptom early in your pregnancy, and it can return in the third trimester. In the early weeks of your pregnancy, your urge to pee was caused by the increase of blood in your body, causing your kidneys to work overtime. Frequent urination in the third trimester is likely due to your growing baby putting pressure on your bladder. Don’t cut back on water and other fluids, but you could try wearing a panty liner if you’re dealing with any bladder leakage.

How Big Is a Pregnant Belly at 28 Weeks?

Your baby is growing rapidly as you enter your third trimester, and this will increase the size and weight of your uterus at 28 weeks pregnant and onwards. Some side effects of this growth, such as body aches and pains, may be more noticeable right now.

If your healthcare provider measures your fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) this week, it’s likely to be around 28 centimeters—give or take a centimeter or two.

What Does 28 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

For an idea of what your belly might look like at around 28 weeks pregnant, check out the image below.

28 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

Here are some things you might consider at 28 weeks pregnant:

Your healthcare provider may suggest that 28 weeks pregnant is a good time to start “ kick counting ” . Here's one way to do this: Sit in a comfortable spot with your hands on your abdomen. Check the time when you start, and then wait until you feel 10 kicks, rolls, or other movements. Make sure you’re counting good, strong fetal movements, and not your baby’s hiccups, for example. At 28 weeks pregnant, if you don’t feel at least 10 baby movements in two hours, contact your healthcare provider. If you don’t feel much movement, your little one could simply be sleeping. It’s usually helpful to choose a time of day when your baby is more active, such as after a meal. Download our fetal movement tracker to help you keep up with your little one’s moves.

Are you practicing your Kegel exercises ? It’s never too late to get started! If you’re struggling with bladder leakage, Kegels are a great way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control. Some pregnant people find that they have urine leakage after giving birth, and Kegel exercises can help strengthen these pelvic muscles and help get things back to normal sooner. Read more about Kegel exercises and their benefits.

Think about the type of birth control you may want to use after your baby is born, and discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Some birth control methods may not be suitable to use while breastfeeding, so talk to your provider, who will give you specific advice.

As your bump gets bigger you might like to ask your healthcare provider about comfortable and safe sleeping positions. You might also like to buy a pregnancy pillow , which can help support your body in all the right places.

If you have an unusually strong urge to clean or organize your home now or in the coming weeks, it could be what’s called the “nesting” instinct that some experience during the second and third trimesters. If you experience it, it’s OK to give in, whether that means cooking batches of food to freeze for later, cleaning, or getting everything ready in your baby’s nursery. Just don’t overdo it—take plenty of time to rest and relax, and make sure you conserve your energy for all that’s to come.

Have you picked out your favorite baby names yet? If you’re still looking for inspiration, we have a variety of lists to help you, including:

Top Japanese Girl Names

Italian Boy Names

Gender-Neutral Baby Names

And names from every letter of the alphabet, including girl names starting with the letter A and boy names starting with the letter A .

28 Weeks Pregnant: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider

Don’t hesitate to raise any questions you may have or reach out for advice at 28 weeks pregnant and throughout your entire pregnancy journey—your provider is always there for you. Here are a few questions to ask at your 28-week appointment:

Am I at risk of gestational diabetes ?

Is a decrease in a baby’s movement normal around 28 weeks pregnant? What causes a baby to move less?

What should I include in my birth plan ?

If I was diagnosed with placenta previa earlier in my pregnancy, is there anything I should look out for in the coming weeks and months?

Is there anything I can do to help prevent stretch marks ?

Are there any changes I should make at work now that I'm in the third trimester? When should I stop working? (You can do some reading on working while pregnant here .)

28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

Check out our short list of to-dos for 28 weeks pregnant:

☐ Make sure you and your partner have your healthcare provider’s contact information (including after-hours phone numbers) handy. Save it to your phones, and stick it on the fridge.

☐ Find out who your provider’s backup practitioner is, and make sure you also have the that person’s contact details.

☐ Check with your insurance company about ordering a breast pump and how to get support for breastfeeding.

☐ Sign up for a childbirth or breastfeeding class if you haven’t already. Your healthcare provider can share more info about what may be available in your area.

☐ As you browse baby gear, you’ll notice just how many options you have. It can be pretty overwhelming! We surveyed thousands of Pampers Parents so that you could get a list of the best baby products, whether you’re looking for a crib, car seat, stroller, or any of the other essentials you’ll need. If you have some spare time this week, check out the lists of best baby products —as voted by Pampers Parents—before you make a purchase.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, 6th ed. (Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2015).
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, 7th ed. (Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
• Cleveland Clinic. “Fundal Height.”
• Kids Health. “Week 28.”
• Mayo Clinic. “Fetal development: The 3rd trimester.”
• Mayo Clinic. “3rd trimester pregnancy: What to expect.”

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You at 28 weeks pregnant

This is the start of the third trimester . You might want or need to start taking things easier around now, if you can.

From 28-36 weeks of pregnancy, your antenatal appointments are likely to be every 2-3 weeks.

Work You might start thinking about when to stop working while pregnant . It can be good to stop work at 34-36 weeks, but it's OK if you need to stop earlier or work longer.

Depending on your job and work duties, you might need a doctor's certificate to keep working past a certain point in your pregnancy.

Pregnancy health problems Common third trimester issues include:

• swollen hands and feet – drink as much water as you feel like, get your feet up as much as you can, and take off any tight rings or other tight jewellery
• breathlessness – your uterus is pushing further up into your ribcage, which means there’s less room for your lungs
• heartburn and reflux
• lower back and leg pain – try to stand up straight and tilt your pelvis forward
• leaking breasts, as your breasts start producing colostrum .

If you suddenly experience any symptoms of pregnancy health problems or your symptoms feel severe or won’t go away, see your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.

Feeling stressed, worried or sad Pregnancy check-ups are a chance to talk about any worries or problems at home. What’s happening and how you’re feeling are as important as physical symptoms or health problems.

If you feel very stressed , worried or sad, it can affect your health and your baby’s health. If you need it, your doctor or midwife can refer you to another health professional like a counsellor or put you in touch with support services.

More than mood swings Pregnancy is a powerful and life-changing experience for all parents-to-be. It can stir up some strong, deep and unexpected emotions and issues.

Hormone changes can affect your mood or energy levels, or there might be occasional days when you or your partner feels flat or irritable. This is normal.

But emotional changes that last longer than 2 weeks and get in the way of your or your partner’s daily life could be signs of  antenatal anxiety ,  antenatal depression or another problem.

Make an appointment with your doctor or midwife to discuss changes like these. You could also call Lifeline on 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or PANDA on 1300 726 306.

Your baby when you’re 28 weeks pregnant

Your baby is getting bigger:

• Your baby measures about 25 cm from head to bottom and weighs about 1 kg.
• Some babies prefer the breech position at this time – head up, bottom down. Don’t worry about this just now – most babies move to the head-down position in time for their birth.
• Your baby’s immune system is developing.
• Your baby is covered in vernix – a white, creamy substance that protects their skin from amniotic fluid.
• Your baby’s eyelashes are growing.
• If you have a boy, his testicles are lowering into his scrotum.

Babies born at this stage are premature. They have a good chance of survival when they have special care and equipment.

Your baby’s movements should be regular and strong. If you notice a change in the number or strength of your baby’s movements at any stage, call your doctor, midwife or hospital immediately.

You and your baby at 28 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 28 weeks.

By 28 weeks, your baby weighs around 1kg and is perfectly formed.

The baby's heartbeat can now be heard through a stethoscope. Your partner may even be able to hear it by putting an ear to your bump, but it can be difficult to find the right place.

Your baby keeps putting on weight, as more and more fat appears under the skin.

You at 28 weeks

At your 28-week antenatal appointment, your midwife or doctor will:

• measure your blood pressure
• test your urine for protein
• discuss the results of any screening tests from your last appointment

Heartburn or acid reflux is common in pregnancy. It can be uncomfortable but is not harmful.

Find out how to avoid indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy and how to ease the symptoms.

If you've been told your blood type is rhesus negative , you'll be offered an injection in pregnancy to protect your unborn baby. You'll be offered tests for your blood and your baby's blood at birth, and you may be offered a second injection to protect your babies in any future pregnancies.

RSV vaccination

You can have the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks. This will help protect your baby from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the first few months after they're born.

Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the RSV vaccine.

Things to think about

The stages of labour and birth and signs labour has started.

What happens when you have a caesarean section .

Exercise is good for you and your baby at any stage of pregnancy – find out about exercise in pregnancy and the sports and positions you should avoid.

Start4Life has more about you and your baby at 28 weeks of pregnancy .

You can sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Video: Sex during pregnancy

This video explores the myths surrounding sex during pregnancy.

Page last reviewed: 13 October 2021 Next review due: 13 October 2024

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What Is a Transverse Baby?

Although rare, a baby can be in a transverse lie position in the third trimester. Here's what that means and how it impacts delivery.

What Does Transverse Lie Mean?

What are the causes of a transverse lie position, what are the possible risks and complications, how can the transverse lie position affect pregnancy, what about delivery, can you turn a transverse baby.

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During pregnancy, the fetus moves around into different fetal positions , but most end up in the optimal head down, face down (cephalic occiput anterior) position in the last few weeks. When the fetus doesn’t move into the cephalic position for birth, it’s called fetal malpresentation.

One of the rarest positions is the transverse lie, where the fetus lies horizontally, often with one shoulder down or pressing against the birth canal. If you have a transverse baby at term, the provider will intervene because a vaginal delivery is not possible.

Here’s all you need to know about transverse lie causes and how it may affect pregnancy and delivery.   

The transverse lie position is when the fetus lies across the pregnant person’s abdomen horizontally. Because the shoulder is often in the pelvic inlet, it is also sometimes called shoulder presentation. But the fetus can also have its back facing the birth canal or with feet and hands facing it.

The chances of the baby being in the sideways position at term are only around 1 in 300. But before term, at 32 weeks gestation, it’s as high as 1 in 50.

“Transverse lie is normal in the first trimester, common in the second, unusual in the third, and it’s not a position where vaginal birth is possible,” says Gail Tully, CPM, creator of Spinning Babies, a website which offers ways to ease a baby’s rotation through the pelvis based on its position. 

Often, a clear cause or risk factor for a transverse lie position is unknown. “But two of the most common risk factors for transverse lie at term include having extra amniotic fluid —often associated with diabetes but can be found on its own—and multiple gestation , such as twins or triplets,” says Layan Alrahmani, MD , maternal and fetal medicine specialist and assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at Loyola University Medical Center. 

Other possible risk factors for transverse lie include: 

• Multiparity (previous births may lead to lax abdominal muscles)
• Premature labor
• Low amniotic fluid
• Placenta previa (placenta is covering the pregnant person’s cervix)
• Pelvic, uterine, or fetal abnormalities (the latter is more common in primiparity, or first time births)

“Sometimes the baby is in the position for a reason,” says Karolyn Zambrotta, CNM , an obstetrics and gynecology specialist. “And after the doctor does the C-section you’ll find the problem, like a short or tight umbilical cord.” 

Transverse lie at term can be risky for both the pregnant person and baby. 

“The transverse lie is frequently found early in the pregnancy. But if the baby does not change position, then a vaginal delivery cannot occur and we have to plan differently,” says Carolina Bibbo, MD , maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “If the water were to break when the baby is in a transverse lie position, the cord could prolapse which is an obstetrical emergency.”  

Other possible complications include:

• Obstructed labor
• Uterine rupture
• Birth trauma
• Postpartum hemorrhage
• Birth defects 

Some pregnant people feel abdominal and back pain during pregnancy when the fetus is in the sideways position. This is related to the uterus being stretched in different ways and can cause tightening in the ribs and cramping lungs. If your health care provider approves, you can try deep breathing and gentle yoga exercises at home to help relieve pain and encourage the fetus to turn. 

If the health care provider still suspects the fetus is lying horizontal at 36 weeks, an ultrasound will be performed to confirm. Because a baby in the transverse lie position cannot be delivered vaginally, your providers will develop an alternate birth plan which can include a procedure called external cephalic version (ECV) to try and turn the fetus for vaginal delivery, or a C-section.

In the case of multiples, triplets are almost always delivered via C-section. But for twins, if the first is head down, the second may drop into the cephalic position for normal delivery having more room after the first one comes out. “You could also try ECV or internal podalic version (IPV) on the second twin if needed,” says Dr. Alrahmani. “It’s really case by case and depends on the provider’s experience and preference too.” 

After 34 weeks, it is very unlikely for a fetus in transverse lie to spontaneously change to the optimal head down position. But, in some cases, it is possible to turn a transverse baby.

Natural methods

If the fetus is not head down by 32 weeks, and there are no health concerns, midwives like Zambrotta might first recommend trying some natural techniques. As Dr. Bibbo notes, the data is limited for different approaches but yoga positions can help in some cases. 

Low-risk methods to encourage transverse babies to turn include sound or light (putting music or a bright light near the bottom of the uterus), temperature (placing something cold like frozen peas behind the head and something warm like a rice-filled sock at the bottom of the stomach), and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) like moxibustion , which involves heating acupuncture points with a stick of mugwort.

Small studies have shown that the Webster technique, a gentle chiropractic approach that aligns the pelvis, can help correct fetal malpresentation. And the forward leaning inversion, also developed by a chiropractor, is the most effective position for transverse lie babies, according to Tully, who trains labor and delivery nurses on body balance techniques. 

Always speak with your health care professional before trying any methods to turn the fetus.

Intervention

If natural methods have not helped by 36 weeks, your provider will likely want to try an ECV in which they use their hands to put pressure on your belly to try and turn the fetus head down. This procedure should be done in a hospital setting to monitor the fetal heart rate, and for the rare case where an emergency C-section is needed. Possible complications include placental abruption, fetal heart rate abnormalities (FHR), premature rupture of the membranes , preterm labor, fetal distress, and vaginal bleeding. 

ECV may not be safe if you have placenta previa, a low amount of amniotic fluid, a significant uterine abnormality, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure, multiples (before delivery of the first twin), or fetal distress.

“In general, the success rate for external cephalic version is 60% of babies,” explains Dr. Bibbo. “But there’s a greater chance for ECV to turn a fetus in transverse lie than in a breech position.”

A baby in the transverse lie position cannot fit through the pregnant person’s pelvis. If gentle exercises, chiropractic techniques, or other natural methods don’t help your baby turn by 36 weeks, you may be a candidate for ECV to move the baby into the optimal head down position for birth. But if ECV doesn’t work, then the health care provider will schedule a C-section.

Whatever ends up being needed to ensure the safety of both parent and fetus, it's always important to ask any questions you may have. That includes information on postpartum recovery should you need a C-section.

Chapter 26: Transverse Lie . Oxorn-Foote Human Labor & Birth, 7e . 2023.

Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Pregnant Women with Noncephalic Presentation: An Overview of Systematic Reviews . Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine . 2019.

The Webster Technique: a chiropractic technique with obstetric implications . J Manipulative Physiol Ther . 2002.

External Cephalic Version . StatPearls. 2022.

External Cephalic Version . Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies (Seventh Edition) , 2017.

External Cephalic Version: A Dying Art Worth Reviving . J Obstet Gynaecol India . 2018.

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