Guest Pregnancy Journal Entry
After receiving this 28 week pregnancy journal entry, I wanted to find out more. This first-time mama has taken a calm, relaxed approach to pregnancy and birth. She’s hoping for a water birth with gas and TENS for pain relief and has chosen not to find out the baby’s gender — she’s holding out for a surprise on the day.
28 Weeks Pregnant
Baby is the size of a: Cauliflower
You’re almost 28 weeks pregnant and currently symptom-free. Has your pregnancy been good all the way through?
All in all, it has been pretty good. I haven’t had any vomiting. In the first 16 weeks I was extremely sensitive to smells — especially meat cooking and cigarette smoke — and I was very tired. I had a constant nausea feeling, but it never actually eventuated into spewing.
Compared to many stories I’ve heard, I feel very lucky.
Have you found out the baby’s gender?
We didn’t find out. We’re having a surprise.
I’ve always said my whole life I wanted a surprise. I don’t like the idea of buying things — or being given things — that won’t work for a second baby. I want newborn items to be practical and reusable, even if we have children of different genders.
I’ve also heard of situations where the gender was guessed wrong at a scan. That would stress me out too much.
My partner wasn’t fussed either way, so it was an easy decision for us. I haven’t seen anything at a scan to sway me one way or the other. I’ve tried a few old wives’ tales and they’ve all said “boy”… so we’ll see how accurate they are!
If you’re thinking about the bigger picture of family life, you might also enjoy Celebrate – Our Family Memory Book, designed to capture moments beyond just the newborn stage.
Do you know where you’re planning to give birth?
I’m planning to birth in Dannevirke. It’s a small hospital without facilities for major complications like c-sections, and there’s no epidural option. Pain relief is limited to gas and a TENS machine.
Ideally, I’d love a water birth — but we’ll see how the day unfolds.
I’m trying to keep a relaxed mindset and stay open to whatever happens.
You seem very calm. Do you recommend anything for getting to 28 weeks feeling this way?
I’m trying to have a calm, cool and relaxed approach. Everyone says if you stay calm, your baby will be calm too — so that’s what I’m choosing to believe.
I found antenatal classes really helpful. They made everything feel less mysterious and more manageable.
For me, staying informed — but not overwhelmed — has been key.
A Different Kind of Pregnancy Story
Not every pregnancy is full of discomfort or anxiety. Some are steady. Some are comfortable. Some are simply uneventful in the best way.
If you’d like to read another perspective, you may also like:
- 18 Weeks Pregnant – Feeling Low in the Second Trimester
- 12 Weeks Pregnant – Unplanned Pregnancy & Anxiety
Gentle Affirmations at 28 Weeks
- My body knows how to grow this baby.
- I can hold excitement and uncertainty at the same time.
- I do not need to control every outcome.
- It is safe to trust the process.
Share Your Pregnancy Story
If after reading this you would be happy to share your own experience, we would love to hear from you.
Explore the Pregnancy Journal to record your own journey — calm, chaotic or somewhere in between.