It’s here 28th week of pregnancy. The baby’s weight at 30 weeks (weeks of amenorrhea) is 1,150 kg and his height is 35 cm. He grows less quickly, but his weight gain accelerates during this 3rd trimester.

He is still very active: he kicks or kicks the ribs or the bladder, which is not always pleasant for the mother. Therefore, from this 7th month of pregnancy pain under the ribs may appear. The future mother can even sometimes see a bump moving on her stomach: a small foot or a small hand. However, the baby has less and less room to move, even if its size at 30 SA changes less significantly than in previous quarters.

His senses are in full swing. His eyes are now open most of the time. He is sensitive to the alternation of shadow and light, and as the functions of his brain and retina refine, he becomes able to distinguish shades and shapes. He thus sets out to discover the world around him: his hands, his feet, the vault of the placenta. It is from this 28th week of pregnancy that his sense of touch accompanies this visual discovery.

His senses of taste and smell are also refined through the absorption of amniotic fluid. In addition, the permeability of the placenta increases with term, increasing the olfactory and taste palettes of the 28 week fetus. Studies have shown that the baby’s taste experience begins in utero (1).

His respiratory movements are more regular. They allow him to inhale amniotic fluid which contributes to lung maturation. At the same time, the secretion of surfactant, this substance which lines the pulmonary alveoli, in order to prevent their retraction at birth, continues. Detectable in the amniotic fluid, it allows doctors to assess the lung maturity of the baby in the event of a threat of premature delivery.

At the cerebral level, the process of myelination continues.

6 months pregnant, the scale shows 8 to 9 kg more on average for the pregnant woman. 

Digestive problems (constipation, acid reflux), venous (feeling of heavy legs, varicose veins, hemorrhoids), frequent urges to urinate may appear or intensify with weight gain and compression of the uterus on surrounding organs.

Under the effect of the increase in blood volume, the heart beats faster (10 to 15 beats / min), shortness of breath is frequent and the mother-to-be may be subject to minor discomfort due to a drop in blood pressure, hypoglycemia or just fatigue.

Au 3nd quarter, stretch marks may appear on the sides of the stomach and around the navel. They are the consequence of a mechanical distension of the skin combined with the weakening of the collagen and elastin fibers under the effect of pregnancy hormones. Some skin types are more prone to it than others, despite daily hydration and moderate weight gain.

It is the 30th week of amenorrheaEither the 28th week of pregnancy and abdominal pain with a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, pain in the groin and buttocks are common. Therefore, pain in the lower abdomen can be felt by the mother-to-be. Grouped under the term “pelvic pain syndrome in pregnancy”, they are the leading cause of pain in pregnant women with a prevalence of 45% (2). Different factors favor the appearance of this syndrome:

• the hormonal impregnation of pregnancy: estrogen and relaxin lead to relaxation of the ligaments and therefore abnormal micromobility in the joints;
• mechanical constraints: increased belly and weight gain tend to increase lumbar lordosis (natural arch of the back) and lead to low back pain and pain in the sacroiliac joints;
• metabolic factors: a magnesium deficiency would promote lumbopelvic pain (3).

Just like iron or folic acid, a mother-to-be can avoid mineral deficiencies. Six months pregnant, she needs to get enough magnesium. This mineral is essential for the body in general and needs increase during pregnancy (between 350 and 400 mg / day). Additionally, some pregnant women experience nausea resulting in vomiting, which can lead to an imbalance of minerals in her body. Magnesium is exclusively provided by food or water enriched with minerals. As the baby draws on the resources of its mother, it is necessary to provide magnesium in sufficient quantity. The fetus at 28 weeks needs it for the growth of his muscles and his nervous system. As for the future mother, a correct magnesium intake will prevent her from cramps, constipation and hemorrhoids, headaches or even bad stress. 

Magnesium is found in green vegetables (green beans, spinach), whole grains, dark chocolate or in nuts (almonds, hazelnuts). Magnesium supplementation may be prescribed for a pregnant woman by her doctor, if she is suffering from cramps or other symptoms related to magnesium deficiency.

• pass the visit of the 7th month of pregnancy. The gynecologist will carry out the usual checks: blood pressure measurement, weighing, measurement of uterine height, vaginal examination;
• continue preparing the baby’s room.

This 3rd quarter is generally marked by the return of fatigue. It is therefore important to take care and allow yourself time to rest.

A balanced diet rich in magnesium, limited weight gain, regular physical activity before and during pregnancy (aquatic gym for example) are recommended to prevent pelvic pain syndrome pregnancy. Pregnancy belts can provide some comfort by overcoming hyperlaxity of the ligaments and correcting posture (preventing the mother-to-be from arching too much). Also think about osteopathy or acupuncture.