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.

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.

Don't see your symptom?

Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.