At 28 weeks, your baby is growing and developing at a rapid rate and is roughly 2.2 lbs. Now marks the beginning of the third trimester, when you'll start to notice reduced fetal movement due to a lack of space in your uterus. Still, your 28-week-old baby should continue to be active until the last few weeks of pregnancy. If you're concerned about both the quality or and quantity of your baby's movements, do a kick count and discuss your findings with your OB to see if there's a potential problem.
Movement Frequency
At 28 weeks gestation, your baby is beginning to exhibit some of the typical signs of baby movement. While newborn babies spend the brunt of their time sleeping, your baby rolls, kicks and stretches at various times throughout the day. As a general rule, you should easily feel 10 kicks of movements in a two-hour period. While you still have room in your uterus for your baby to move around, that space is quickly closing as your baby grows and developments, leaving a tighter squeeze for less overall but more disruptive kicks.
Movement Types
By 28 weeks, your baby's muscle tone is beginning to improve and develop. Because of this, it's easily noticeable when you feel your baby move. In fact, babies are often so active that their movement is noticeable from the outside of the womb. Your baby is starting to suck his fingers, roll over and stretch his limbs as he tests his new limits, which is extremely disruptive when you're trying to rest or get comfortable.
Kick Counts
If you're concerned about your baby's movement, a kick count gives your OB a clearer picture of your 28-weeker's activity level. To complete a kick count, lay on your side and set a timer. Count 10 kicks, then check the clock to see how long it took you to log 10 kicks. Kick counting is recommended from 28 weeks on, when your baby becomes regularly active. In general, your baby should reach 10 counts in under two hours, but some babies complete the kick count much faster depending on their normal activity levels. Record kick counts in a journal and talk to your doctor about changes in your baby's activity level.
When to Worry
Your baby's activity level naturally fluctuates during the day. If you don't reach 10 kicks in two hours, wait a few hours and repeat the process, since your baby might be sleeping. If you still don't count 10 kicks in two hours, contact your OB. She'll listen for your baby's heartbeat or arrange for an ultrasound to ensure that your baby is healthy. Talk to your doctor as soon as you experience decreased fetal movement;. The American Pregnancy Association notes that perceived decreased movement was reported in 50 percent of stillbirths.
