Day 196 of 280, third trimester
You are 28 weeks exactly
If you're the first of your friends to have a baby, be prepared for friendships to change.
84 days until your due date
Friendships often change as you move through life. You've probably had different groups of friends through school, college, and jobs, with one or two close friends throughout. Friendships tend to form with people at a similar life stage, so during pregnancy and while your children are young, you may feel most comfortable with women in the same situation. You'll meet new friends at postpartum classes and groups, or at toddler swimming and music classes.
As you make new friends, older friendships may change. Friends without children may struggle to understand your new role and the intense love you feel for your child, and you may drift apart. Of course that's not always so; some friendships stay the same however different your paths.
Ask a Doctor
I've seen a secondhand car seat advertised. Is there any reason not to buy it?
Don't use a secondhand car seat unless you're absolutely certain of its history, because it may have been in an accident or damaged. If you must, only accept one if you know for sure it hasn't been in a serious crash.
Don't use a seat that's cracked, lacks the original instructions, is missing parts, has been recalled, or is too old. Don't buy a car seat from a secondhand store, classified ads, or online.
Focus on
Nutrition: Choosing organic
Eating organic is one way to eat more healthily in pregnancy. Organic fruit and vegetables are grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy come from animals not given growth hormones or antibiotics. So organic foods are free of pesticide residues, additives, and preservatives, are usually higher in nutrients, and organic farming is more environmentally friendly. Most additives are safe in pregnancy, but going organic can add to a healthy diet.
The downside is cost, and many families can't afford it. If you can't, eating whole foods in their least processed, most natural form, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, is the next best thing and still a very healthy diet.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
- 28-week appointment
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 28 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.