Now the 2nd trimester is coming to an end. When it separates varies greatly depending on who you ask, but around week 28 is the transition between the second and third trimester.
The little one’s main purpose now is to gain weight. In fact, about 200 grams per week from now on - that's about 30 grams a day.
What is happening in the belly?
All the organs are still maturing in the fetus's body. The lungs are still developing a lot, and with each passing week, they become better equipped to breathe on their own on the other side of mom's abdominal wall.
The baby is going to gain a lot of weight from now on, which is partly caused by the fat deposits growing. This means that the skin takes on a different and more familiar character, but also that the baby becomes rounder and thicker.
It is also around this week that the baby begins to be able to open its eyes. The eye color of the fetus depends on genetic traits, but the color that the eyes have at birth is not necessarily the final eye color. It can change up to 6 months after birth.
Placenta working hard
One of the hardest working organs in this process is the placenta. Now here in week 28, it really has to deliver, as it needs to provide nutrition to a rapidly developing fetus and weight gain.
This requires a lot, and it is the mother’s blood in particular that contributes to this hard work. The mother's blood is transported from the heart to the placenta, and from there to the fetus through the umbilical cord. Conversely, the baby's waste products and similar substances are disposed of by the mother's blood.
For all of this to happen without problems, the mother's heart must pump quite a bit extra, and this amount increases by about 30-40% from this week onward.
Size of the fetus
The fetus now weighs about a whole kilo. Some around 1100 grams as well. The length has crept up to 34 cm. Although it seems like a big baby in there, the little one should ideally manage to triple or quadruple its weight before it comes into the world.
You have probably heard someone say that a pregnant belly looks like one has eaten a large watermelon. There are mixed opinions about such statements, but the fact is that the fetus is now about the same weight as a small melon, like a cantaloupe melon.
Advice for the partner
It is important that there is no damage to the growing belly during pregnancy. Perhaps you have noticed that your pregnant partner is a bit more distracted, and therefore the perception of the size of the belly may also fade a bit.
Help your partner park a little further away from parked cars, so she doesn’t have to squeeze through doorways. Remind her to hold on to the railing extra tight so she doesn’t fall down the stairs, and drive a little more carefully to avoid any accidents.
If the worst happens, you should call the midwife immediately so you can have the little one checked. Fortunately, the fetus is well protected by everything in there, but for safety's sake, advice should always be sought after major pressure or injuries to the belly.
