Pregnancy and birth can weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor and you may notice you leak pee when you cough, sneeze or strain your stomach muscles.
Your pelvic floor is made up of layers of muscles inside your body that stretch like a hammock from the pubic bone (in front) to the end of the spine.
Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles so they work better.
You at 27 weeks
Nosebleeds are quite common in pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Often there's nothing to worry about and they usually stop with a treatment you can do yourself.
Find out more about treating a nosebleed.
Not everyone gets stretch marks. If you do, they may appear on your tummy, thighs or breasts. Stretch marks are not harmful and there's no treatment for them, but they usually fade with time.
Your baby at 28 weeks
By 28 weeks, your baby weighs around 1kg and is perfectly formed.
The baby's heartbeat can now be heard through a stethoscope. Your partner may even be able to hear it by putting an ear to your bump, but it can be difficult to find the right place.
Your baby keeps putting on weight, as more and more fat appears under the skin.
You at 28 weeks
At your 28-week antenatal appointment, your midwife or doctor will:
- measure your blood pressure
- test your urine for protein
- discuss the results of any screening tests from your last appointment
Heartburn or acid reflux is common in pregnancy. It can be uncomfortable but is not harmful.
If you've been told your blood type is rhesus negative, you'll be offered an injection in pregnancy to protect your unborn baby. You'll be offered tests for your blood and your baby's blood at birth, and you may be offered a second injection to protect your babies in any future pregnancies.