28 Weeks Pregnant

Before you got pregnant, you may not have thought too much about whether or not to circumcise a baby boy if you had one. But if you've got a son on the way, it's a decision you'll have to make — and it may be a tricky one if you don’t have religious or cultural traditions guiding you.

If you're having a boy, you may want to think about this now. Get your pediatrician’s POV too!

Do you know if you're Rh positive or Rh negative? If not, it’s important to find out.

The Rh factor is a protein found in most people's red blood cells. If you have it, you're Rh positive; if you don't have it, you're Rh negative.

Unless you're pregnant, your status usually doesn't matter much, but problems can occur if, for example, you're Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive.

In the case of Rh incompatibility, your immune system may view your baby's blood cells as "foreign" substances and mobilize an army of antibodies to attack them.

If you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive, you’ll need a vaccine-like injection of Rh-immune globulin, known as RhoGAM, this week to prevent the development of antibodies.

Though finding a breast lump during pregnancy can be scary, rest assured it’s more than likely nothing to worry about. Having breast cancer during pregnancy is very rare, especially if you’re under 35, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) — plus the many changes that are happening to your breasts while you’re expecting can cause them to feel much more lumpy, heavy and firm than you’re used to.

Tender lumps are common during the third trimester, but still, they shouldn’t be ignored. Ask your provider for a breast exam at your next checkup.

Babies absorb the majority of their iron stores during the third trimester, so nosh on iron-rich foods like chicken, beans, spinach, tofu, beef and enriched cereals.

Apart from Popeye, vitamin C is iron's best bud since it can improve iron absorption. So take a glass of OJ with that iron supplement during pregnancy, a side of red pepper with those shrimp or some fresh strawberries in your oat bran cereal.

Getting the Tdap vaccine when you're pregnant is not only safe, it's smart. Tdap — short for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis — protects your baby from whooping cough, which can be very dangerous for newborns. When you roll up your sleeve, your vaccination passes antibodies to your baby, providing protection until your infant is ready for their TDap shot at 2 months. 

Now is a good time to research childbirth classes. You can choose a class at the hospital or with a local instructor, but sign up early so you can finish several weeks before your due date. Ask whether your course includes lessons on infant care, CPR and breastfeeding (it should).

Have special requirements? There are classes for second-timers who need to brush up on their techniques, classes for moms who are attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and classes designed for those expecting multiples. Many places also now offer virtual classes.

Whichever class you choose, make sure your instructor is certified by a national childbirth education organization. And here's a bonus: Your insurance company may cover your tuition, so be sure to submit your bill.

The start of the third trimester (month 7) is a good time to schedule a tour of the hospital or birthing center where you'll be having your baby. If you've signed up for childbirth classes and they're at the same place where you'll welcome your new arrival, check whether a tour will be included (it usually is).

You can also ask your practitioner about how and when to set one up. It's a good way to get the lay of the land, and it helps to visualize where the magic will happen!