The change of pregnant women at week 28

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Phuong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital. Dr. Le Thi Phuong has 29 years of experience in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
Women who are 28 weeks pregnant are prone to sciatica because the baby's head-down activity causes the uterus to expand. Pregnant women are also prone to insomnia, leg cramps, leg swelling, shortness of breath, back pain and frequent urination due to the increased activity and size of the baby.

1. The change of the 28th week pregnant woman

Women who are 28 weeks pregnant are prone to sciatica with sharp pain in the spine, tingling or numbness in the buttocks spreading down the back of the legs. The pain occurs because the baby's head begins to roll downward, causing the uterus to expand further, compressing the sciatic nerve. The best way to ease the pain is to use a heating pad or soak in warm water.
28 week fetus has fully developed and become hyperactive. Being constantly "disturbed" by the baby can affect the mother's sleep (waking up, having trouble falling asleep, or losing sleep). In addition, pregnant women are also more likely to experience leg cramps and mild swelling of the ankles and feet, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, lower abdominal pain, back pain, or scattered Braxton Hicks contractions (contraction and dilation of the uterus). .
In addition, 28 weeks pregnant women may also urinate more often because the uterus continues to push causing pressure on the bladder.

2. Symptoms of pregnancy week 28

2.1 Bloating The growing uterus is increasing pressure and causing loss of control of the muscles at the back of the rectum. To reduce bloating, pregnant women should apply a diet of 6 meals a day instead of 3 large meals to digest food more easily.
2.2 Dizziness, even fainting For some women, the bulging uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain resulting in dizziness. To minimize dizziness, ie increase blood circulation to the brain, pregnant women should drink enough water during the day by dividing the drinking time, avoid drinking too much causing edema.
2.3 Pubis Mating Dysfunction (SPD) This strange pregnancy symptom occurs when the hormone relaxin stretches the ligaments in the pelvic joints, making the pelvic joints unstable. If SPD is causing pain, a pregnant woman should consult her doctor about wearing a pelvic support belt to help stabilize ligaments and help keep the pelvic joint in place.
2.4 Stuffy nose

High levels of estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to the mucous membranes in the nose, causing them to swell. If nasal congestion makes it difficult to breathe at night or makes you snore, you should wear a decongestant bandage at bedtime to clear your nose.
2.5 Bleeding Gums Inflamed gums are quite common during pregnancy because of hormone overproduction. This makes the gums more susceptible to swelling and infection. Pregnant women should pay attention to proper oral hygiene to prevent the risk of gingivitis.
2.6 Melasma: Hormonal spikes can increase skin pigmentation – especially for those with a dark complexion. Manifestations are pronounced freckles or moles on the face, patches of brown, bluish or gray skin. However, pregnant women should not be too worried because most melasma will fade a few months after giving birth. To avoid melasma, pregnant women should minimize direct exposure to the sun.

3. Advice for pregnant women at 28 weeks

3.1 Advice on circumcision If the fetus is determined to be a boy, the pregnant woman should discuss with the doctor whether or not to circumcise the baby after giving birth.
3.2 Find out the Rh blood type of mother and baby If the mother is Rh negative and the baby is Rh positive, you will need an injection of Rh immune globulin (which acts like a vaccine, called RhoGAM). ) is given this week to prevent the development of antibodies against your baby's Rh blood type.
3.3 Observe unusual breast changes According to the American Cancer Society, getting breast cancer during pregnancy is rare (especially if the woman is under 35). Signs of cancer can be confused with normal breast development before childbirth. In general, the breasts will become rougher and heavier. If there are soft lumps on the breast, pregnant women should go to the doctor to check immediately.
3.4 Supplement iron with pills or in the daily diet

Your baby is most likely to absorb iron in the third trimester, so include iron-rich foods like chicken, beans, spinach, tofu, beef and whole grains in your daily diet. day. At the same time, Vitamin C should also be supplemented because it has the ability to improve iron absorption. Ideally, pregnant women should drink a glass of OJ and use iron supplements in their daily diet.
3.5 Limit Fish Oil Supplements Fish oil supplements are the easiest way to provide your baby with adequate DHA but it's not a wise approach, especially during pregnancy. The first reason is that there are no studies to determine the safety of these functional products. The second is because fish oil is an indigestible product (can make pregnant women burp fish oil all day). A safer and gentler way to supplement is with DHA supplements derived from marine algae.
3.6 Soothes sensitive skin Skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, even for someone who has never had sensitive skin before. Manifestations are skin that is easily dry and flaky, heat rash or itchy rash... The most sensitive places on the skin are the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks. Skin is more sensitive to sunlight, heat, chlorine cleaners, and even certain foods. For pregnant women with a history of eczema, several major flare-ups can occur during pregnancy. If there are symptoms of skin irritation, pregnant women should report it to their doctor for treatment advice.
For peace of mind with pregnancy health, pregnant women at 27 weeks can register to participate in the Maternity Care Program implemented by Vinmec International General Hospital with the aim of supporting and standing side by side with pregnant mothers until Day "Mother is round and child is square". The program includes the following service packages:
Maternity care program 2019 – 12 weeks Maternity care program 2019 – 27 weeks Maternity care program 2019 – 36 weeks Maternity care program 2019 – Labor The medical team at Vinmec are all experts and leading prestige in the field of obstetrics and gynecology; system of modern facilities to optimally support examination and screening techniques; A civilized, luxurious medical examination space and professional services - all these advantages have helped Vinmec become a hospital highly appreciated by experts for maternity care, the first choice of women. pregnant.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Article reference source: Webmd.com; Whattoexpect.com; parents.com