Day 198 of 280, third trimester
You are 28 weeks and 2 days
The coiled umbilical cord connects your baby to the placenta, his life-support system until birth.
82 days until your due date
Most umbilical cords end up about the same length as the baby (with exceptions), reaching 20–23.5 in (50–60 cm). The cord has up to 40 twists along its length, seven times more likely to twist left than right. The coiling pattern was set nine weeks after conception, with more coils at the baby's end than the placenta's, possibly in response to your baby's movements.
The cord contains three blood vessels: two arteries carrying used blood and waste from the baby to the placenta, and one vein carrying oxygen-rich blood back. It's usually less than ¾ in (2 cm) across, and the vessels are embedded in and protected by a layer of jelly. The jelly's watery makeup and the cord's coils stop it being squashed.
After the birth, your doctor will check the number of vessels, because in 1 percent of single pregnancies the cord has only one artery.
Ask a Doctor
If my baby has a low birth weight, will he have health problems?
Low birth weight is under 5½ lb (2.5 kg). Most small babies thrive, but some have difficulties, and most are small because they're premature. You can reduce the risk by eating enough healthy food to gain the right amount of weight, not smoking or drinking, reducing stress, and going to all your prenatal appointments so you and your baby can be monitored.
Focus on
Your body: Restless legs
Some pregnant women get restless legs syndrome (RLS), an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually when resting, so it can badly disrupt sleep. The exact cause isn't known, but it may be linked to an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which can be affected by low iron. It goes away after pregnancy.
To minimize it:
- Make sure you get enough iron in your diet.
- Help yourself sleep well: keep your bedroom cool, quiet, comfortable, and dark; don't watch TV, use a laptop, talk on the phone, or work in bed; and keep a regular sleep schedule.
- Try challenging your brain before bed with a crossword, word puzzle, or Sudoku, which may help ease restless legs.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
- 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.