Three months til you're a mom!
If your wee bundle of joy came flying home with the stork today, there is an extremely high likelihood that they would survive and flourish. Yes they would be tiny and yes they would have difficulties, but 28 weeks is developed enough to survive life outside the womb. Three cheers for making it this far! Do the dance of joy or sit and rest. But remember: babies are like bread and taste best when perfectly baked (with a slice of tomato and a pinch of Maldon salt)!
Around now is when most women start seeing their health care provider more frequently. You will likely start scheduling appointments once every two weeks until you are about 34 weeks. After that you will probably see them weekly until delivery. Obviously this is different for women who have previous health conditions or who develop pregnancy-related health conditions such as gestational diabetes. Your health care provider will keep a close eye on you to monitor you for signs of labour or developments such as pre-eclampsia during this time.
If someone wants to throw you a baby shower, you might let them know now is the time to start planning. You may find several people offering to throw you a shower. How about suggesting they get together to plan a single event. Going to various parties while waddling is a pregnant woman's nightmare – what to wear, where to pee, how to sit or stand for long periods of time…not a fun combination.
Word of warning. Gett'er done. We've heard about showers being scheduled as late as 34 weeks that were disasters. By then, the baby was born, mummy was in the hospital with post-partum medical issues, causing her to miss her own shower. So poke, nudge or generally make a stink to whoever is planning your shower.
You also might want to consider going for a baby-stuff-shopping-spree (before you get any more massive) and stock up on some necessary nursery supplies. You will need more diapers, wipes and onsies than you ever thought necessary. Also receiving blankets are amazing for swaddling, wiping, wrapping, wiping, warming, wiping and generally anything else you can think of to use a big square of soft fabric for.
While you don't actually have to set up your nursery before delivery you will want to have at least the basic supplies on hand. Some women actually prefer to set up their nursery after they come home from the hospital, which can work to your benefit. When friends and family members ask what they can do to help, you can suggest they get down to the nitty-gritty and help decorate the nursery, while you supervise from the most comfortable seat in the house.
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