Week 28: Your Baby is the Size of an Aubergine
Your belly is getting noticeably larger and you may feel breathless as the baby pushes against your diaphragm. Your breasts may start leaking colostrum (early milk). Sleep disturbances are very common now, and you may feel exhausted.
Your baby at week 28
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Size of a Aubergine (brinjal)
Baby Development
Welcome to the third trimester! Your baby now weighs about 1kg. The brain is developing rapidly with billions of neurons. The baby can blink, cough, hiccup, and practise more advanced breathing movements. The lanugo (fine body hair) is starting to disappear. If born now, the baby would have a good chance of survival with intensive neonatal care.
Week 28 Highlight: Your baby now weighs about 1kg and has a strong chance of survival if born early - welcome to the third trimester!
Common Symptoms
Tips for Week 28
Start counting kicks - aim for 10 movements in 2 hours during baby's active time.
Pack your hospital bag with essentials for you and baby.
Finalise your birth plan and share it with your birth team.
Consider a tour of your chosen birthing facility.
South Africa Specific Info
From 28 weeks, your antenatal visits become more frequent - typically every two weeks in both public and private sectors. If you are Rhesus negative, your anti-D injection is given now. Start kick counting daily. In the public sector, your haemoglobin will be rechecked. This is also when you should submit your UIF maternity benefit claim forms to the Department of Labour.
All Pregnancy Weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Due Date Calculator SA Editorial Team
Our content is reviewed by healthcare professionals familiar with South African maternal health practices. We combine evidence-based medical information with local knowledge to support South African mums throughout their pregnancy journey. Our team includes contributors with backgrounds in midwifery, obstetrics, and maternal health education.
Last reviewed: February 2026