28 weeks 
pregnant

Pregnancy symptoms during week 28

Leg cramps

Leg cramps during pregnancy tend to show up in the third trimester. They happen for a number of reasons: You're carrying extra weight, and you may have swelling in your legs (edema). If you're deficient in certain vitamins or not getting as much exercise, this might also contribute to leg pain.

Typically, leg cramps or pain is temporary and will go away if you change positions, drink water, or try some gentle movement. If your leg pain is persistent or severe, talk to your provider. They can suggest changes you can make to feel better.

Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks contractions start early in pregnancy, but they may be just getting strong enough to notice now. Though they aren't painful, they may be a frequent and annoying part of life in your third trimester!

These "practice" contractions are thought to help prepare your uterus for labor. (They may also help soften your cervix in advance of dilation and effacement.)

Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks are typically infrequent, unpredictable, and don't increase in intensity. They can be triggered by dehydration, physical activity, or even sitting or lying in a certain way.

Unlike labor contractions, Braxton Hicks tend to ease when you change positions or rest. Staying hydrated and taking breaks can help reduce their frequency.

If what you think are Braxton Hicks contractions ever become regular or more intense, or are accompanied by other signs of labor, call your provider just in case.

Third-trimester aches and pains

Unfortunately, the last stretch of pregnancy may bring new (or not-so-new) body aches and pains. Round ligament pain, lower-back pain with or without sciatica, and pelvic pain are common now. These unpleasant symptoms are usually caused by typical pregnancy changes: hormonal shifts that loosen your ligaments and joints, weight gain, and your growing belly throwing off your center of gravity.

You may feel dull aches, shooting pain, and even short, stabbing sensations (yikes) in your lower abdomen, pelvis, groin, back, legs, and butt. To get relief, rest and apply heat and/or cold: For example, a cold pack, hot water bottle, or microwaveable pad filled with flax or buckwheat. (Don't apply heat to your abdomen for longer than ten minutes, because you don't want to raise your internal temperature too much.) A warm bath or prenatal massage might also make a world of difference.

If these treatments don't help – or you have any concerning symptoms such as severe pain or fever – make sure to tell your provider. They may recommend a pregnancy-safe pain reliever (such as acetaminophen) and refer you to a physical therapist. Working with a physical therapist can help to relieve your pain and increase your strength as pregnancy progresses.

One of the best strategies to prevent and treat body aches in pregnancy is to stay physically active. Pregnancy-safe exercise helps relieve all sorts of common pregnancy complaints, from back pain to constipation. Also, to relieve back and pelvic pain specifically, sit in a supportive chair, sit down when getting dressed, use proper form to lift heavier objects, and try to avoid standing for long periods of time if possible.

Hemorrhoids

If you've noticed occasional blood in your stool, it's likely the result of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the pelvic area which may cause light bleeding.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are very common and are often the result of constipation, your growing uterus putting pressure on your veins, and hormonal changes.

Hemorrhoids aren't usually dangerous, but they can be very uncomfortable. Drinking plenty of water, staying active, and eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation (and thus prevent hemorrhoids). If you're struggling with regular constipation, talk to your doctor about taking a non-laxative stool softener or magnesium.

Also, it's always a good idea to let your doctor know if you have regular rectal bleeding. They can suggest ideas for treating hemorrhoids and anal fissures, and rule out any underlying medical issues.

Weird dreams

Changing hormones plus interrupted sleep can cause memorable and bizarre pregnancy dreams. Your dreams may reflect your excitement, fear, and apprehension about the physical and emotional changes happening to you. You may even have anxiety-provoking dreams about birth and parenting your new baby.

Weird dreams are a common part of pregnancy. Your dreams could feel markedly different and more vivid than what you're used to. Thanks to increased blood flow to your genitals during the last few months of pregnancy, an increase in sex dreams is typical, too!

Pregnancy rashes

Rashes during pregnancy are often triggered by an unrelated condition like eczema, contact dermatitis, or an infection. Less commonly, expecting moms can develop a rash that's caused by their pregnancy. Atopic eruption of pregnancy, the general name for three pregnancy-related rashes, is an itchy rash on the torso, arms, and legs. It's most often treated topically or with an oral antihistamine or steroid.

PUPPP, or pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, is a rare skin condition seen in 1 percent of pregnant women. It begins with small, raised bumps that itch and progresses to patches on the skin called plaques. PUPPP typically shows up in the third trimester. It isn't harmful, but the itching can be extreme. To treat PUPPP, your provider might recommend a topical ointment (corticosteroids), an oral antihistamine, or – if you have a severe case – oral steroids. Don't take any medications – even over-the-counter antihistamines or topical ointments – without talking to your provider first.

Leaking breasts

In the third trimester, you might notice small dots of a yellowish substance inside your bra cups. This is colostrum, the very first breast milk your body makes. It's so rich in antibodies and nutrients that some call it "liquid gold." Not all pregnant women leak colostrum, but if you do there's nothing to worry about. Your body is getting ready to feed your baby, and the hormone prolactin is becoming active. If the leaking is bothersome, pick up some nursing pads and start tucking them into your bra.