Pregnancy at Weeks 25 to 28

Leg cramps can also become more noticeable, especially at night. Stretching the leg, pulling the toes back toward the knee, standing carefully, fluids, gentle movement, and supportive shoes may help. Severe pain, one-sided swelling, redness, warmth, chest pain, or shortness of breath should be checked urgently rather than treated as a normal cramp.

Your centre of gravity can shift in week 26, so balance, walking, stairs, and getting in and out of cars may feel different. Backache and pelvic strain can increase as pregnancy weight and hormonal ligament changes affect the lower back and pelvis. Gentle movement, stretching, rest, supportive footwear, and pelvic physio can be practical registry or support-list items if your care team agrees.

Your own weight and shape may change more quickly from this point. You do not need to eat for two, but regular meals, iron-rich foods, fibre, fluids, and realistic snacks can matter. Stretch marks, itchy skin, changing breasts, more heat, and harder sleep can also appear. Mention intense itching, especially palms or soles, a rash that worries you, or symptoms that do not feel like ordinary stretching.

The baby may still be breech at week 28, with head up and bottom down. That is common this far from birth because there is still time and space for position changes. Your care team will keep watching position later, so this is a moment to note it rather than panic about it.

From 28 weeks, sleep position becomes more important. Australian pregnancy information advises sleeping on your side as pregnancy progresses, especially from 28 weeks, because lying on your back can put pressure on major blood vessels. If you wake on your back, roll onto your side again; the aim is a safer default, not staying frozen all night.

Appointments may also become more regular after 28 weeks. The Australian pregnancy timeline lists 28-week care as a point for mental wellbeing discussion, depression and anxiety screening, blood tests for anaemia, blood group and antibodies, and anti-D if you are Rh-negative and eligible. Your actual schedule can vary by model of care, risk factors, and local service.

Vaccine timing can overlap with this stage. In Australia, influenza vaccine is recommended at any time during pregnancy, dTpa is preferably timed between 20 and 32 weeks, and RSV vaccine is recommended from 28 weeks where current guidance and eligibility apply. Ask your provider what is available for you now, especially if you are outside Australia.