Pregnancy Guide

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Admin2025-11-18
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4.4m

Weeks 25-28: Preparation for Third Trimester ​

This is the final stage of the second trimester. Fetal development enters the fast lane, and weight will exceed 1 kg. This period requires starting to prepare for the third trimester and delivery.

Fetal Development ​

Physical Development ​

  • Length: About 35-38 cm
  • Weight: About 1000-1200 g
  • Subcutaneous Fat: Significantly increased, skin becomes fuller
  • Hair: Hair and eyebrows become thicker

Important Development Characteristics ​

Brain Development ​

  • Cerebral cortex develops rapidly
  • Neural connections are more complex
  • Establish more regular sleep cycles
  • Memory and consciousness begin to form

Sensory Perfection ​

  • Vision: Eyes can open, can perceive light
  • Hearing: Hearing is sharper
  • Touch: Whole body touch is fully developed
  • Taste: Can distinguish different tastes

Respiratory System ​

  • Lungs continue to develop, but function is not perfect
  • Respiratory movements are more regular
  • Start practicing swallowing amniotic fluid
  • Prepare for breathing after birth

Maternal Changes ​

Physical Changes ​

Weight and Abdomen ​

  • Total weight gain about 5-7 kg
  • Fundus of uterus is about 2-3 finger widths below the xiphoid process
  • Abdomen significantly enlarged
  • Waist circumference increases significantly

Other Changes ​

  • Fetal movement is more obvious and powerful
  • Braxton Hicks contractions may occur
  • Breathing becomes shallower and faster
  • Easy to feel tired

Emotional Changes ​

  • Start to feel excited and anxious about delivery
  • Full of expectations for the upcoming new life
  • Need more rest and support
  • Start seriously preparing newborn supplies

Important Checkups and Preparations ​

Checkup Content ​

  • Fetal position check
  • Abdominal circumference and fundal height measurement
  • Blood pressure and urine protein monitoring
  • Anemia and blood sugar review

Rh Factor Check ​

  • If Rh negative blood type
  • Need to inject Anti-D immunoglobulin
  • Prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn

Third Trimester Preparation Items ​

  • Choose hospital and doctor
  • Understand delivery knowledge and skills
  • Prepare hospital bag and newborn supplies
  • Arrange maternity leave and postpartum care

Life Guidance ​

Dietary Suggestions ​

Key Nutritional Needs ​

  • Iron: Prevent anemia, 27 mg daily
  • Calcium: Support skeletal development, 1200 mg daily
  • Protein: Support tissue growth
  • DHA: Promote brain development

Dietary Arrangement ​

  • Ensure protein quality
  • Eat more dark green vegetables
  • Moderately increase calorie intake
  • Control weight gain

Exercise and Health Care ​

  • Walking: Best pregnancy exercise
  • Prenatal Yoga: Helps prepare for delivery
  • Pelvic Tilt Exercise: Relieve back pain
  • Kegel Exercises: Strengthen pelvic floor muscles

Exercise Precautions ​

  • Avoid excessive fatigue
  • Do not exercise in overheated environments
  • Stop immediately if uncomfortable
  • Maintain correct posture during exercise

Rest and Sleep ​

Sleep Suggestions ​

  • Adopt left lateral position
  • Use pregnancy pillow to support body
  • Elevate legs to reduce edema
  • Take appropriate naps during the day

Work Arrangement ​

  • Start considering maternity leave time
  • Adjust work intensity
  • Avoid standing for a long time
  • Get necessary support and help

Prenatal Education Reinforcement ​

Music Prenatal Education ​

  • Play music at a fixed time every day
  • Choose soothing music
  • Moderate volume, not too loud
  • Best effect when pregnant woman is relaxed

Father-Fetus Communication ​

  • Father talks to the fetus more
  • Tell interesting things about daily life
  • Read picture books or stories
  • Pat abdomen gently to interact

Tactile Prenatal Education ​

  • Gently massage abdomen
  • Pat gently with warm hands
  • Parents participate together
  • Observe fetal movement reaction

Delivery Preparation ​

Knowledge Preparation ​

  • Attend childbirth preparation classes
  • Understand the delivery process
  • Learn pain relief techniques
  • Understand various delivery methods

Item Preparation ​

  • Prepare hospital bag checklist
  • Gradually buy baby supplies
  • Prepare breastfeeding supplies
  • Arrange postpartum recovery supplies

Psychological Preparation ​

  • Discuss birth plan with partner
  • Find support resources
  • Understand postpartum recovery
  • Prepare for role transition

Possible Problems ​

Common Discomforts ​

  • Braxton Hicks Contractions: Irregular, change posture to relieve
  • Back pain: Use cushions, avoid sitting for a long time
  • Edema: Elevate legs, reduce salt
  • Shortness of breath: Breathe slowly and deeply, avoid strenuous activity

Symptoms to Watch Out For ​

⚠️ Seek medical attention in time:

  • Regular contractions (once every 5-10 minutes)
  • Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
  • Significantly reduced fetal movement
  • Severe headache or visual impairment
  • Hypertension symptoms

Entering Third Trimester ​

As week 28 ends, you are about to enter the third trimester. This means:

  • Fetal viability rate increases significantly
  • More frequent prenatal checkups are needed
  • Delivery preparation enters countdown
  • Physical burden will further increase

Friendly Reminder: The second trimester is coming to an end. Enjoy this relatively comfortable time, and at the same time start to make full preparations for the third trimester and delivery.