Week 28 of Pregnancy
This week, the fetus is expected to start opening and closing its eyes. Additionally, the iris is now filled with pigment. Even if you could see the color of the baby’s eyes, it might not be permanent, as a baby’s eye color can change up until 6 months of age, and possibly up to 1 year, especially if your baby is born with blue eyes.
Tests and Screenings in the 28th Week
Several tests and screenings may be conducted this week to ensure the health of both mother and baby if they haven't been done in previous weeks. These tests and screenings may include:
The glucose screening test is performed to diagnose gestational diabetes. If this test has not been done in previous weeks or the results require further review, it may be repeated in the 28th week.
A complete blood count (CBC) test is conducted to check for anemia, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit. Anemia during pregnancy needs to be monitored to ensure that both the mother and the fetus have sufficient iron and other nutrients.
A urine test is performed to check for the presence of protein, glucose, and infection. Protein in the urine can be a sign of preeclampsia, which requires special care.
Additional ultrasounds may be prescribed if needed, depending on the pregnancy status and the doctor’s opinion, to assess the baby’s growth and the amount of amniotic fluid. This ensures that the fetus is growing properly and that there are no problems.
The anti-D test is conducted if the mother is RH negative, as there may be a risk of RH incompatibility if the father is RH positive. To prevent this issue, the mother may receive an RH immunoglobulin anti-D injection in the 28th week.
At this stage, the doctor may recommend the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to protect both the mother and the baby from these diseases.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial to early detection of preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension. As in previous weeks, the doctor may ask the mother to monitor and count the baby’s movements. A decrease in fetal movements can be a sign of a problem that needs further investigation.
These tests and screenings are conducted to ensure the health of both mother and baby and to prevent potential problems. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and discuss any questions or concerns with them.
