Pregnancy nutrition for weeks 25–28
Growth continues as the brain, lungs, and other systems mature; the third trimester begins around week 28.
What is developing
- Responses to sound and touch are strong; hiccups can happen.
- Eyelids can open around this time and the baby keeps gaining weight.
- Brain, lungs, and digestive system are formed but still maturing.
Nutrient highlights
These highlights organize food comparisons. Daily nutrient needs continue throughout pregnancy; priority labels are not trimester-specific intake targets or medical advice.
DHA
High priorityDHA supports ongoing brain and eye development, which is very active late pregnancy.
Omega-3s (including DHA) are structural components in the brain and retina.
Iron
High priorityIron supports blood and oxygen delivery and helps prevent anemia.
Iron needs increase in pregnancy; adequacy supports red blood cell production.
Protein
Medium priorityThis is still a growth-heavy window and protein supports tissue expansion.
Protein supports fetal growth and maternal tissue changes during pregnancy.
Calcium
Supporting priorityBone development continues, and calcium supports skeletal structure.
Calcium is essential for bones and is emphasized in pregnancy guidance.
What do sardines and salmon contribute around week 27?
This chapter highlights DHA and calcium. The foods below are examples for comparison, not a week-specific meal plan or a change in daily nutrient needs.
- Canned Atlantic sardines in oil, drained, with bones: PregNut's historical USDA-based record lists 0.50 g DHA and 382 mg calcium per 100 g. The edible bones are part of this entry; a boneless product is a different comparison.
- Cooked sockeye salmon: Its record lists 0.56 g DHA and 11 mg calcium per 100 g. Both amounts describe this cooked preparation, not every salmon product.
The FDA/EPA fish chart lists both as lower-mercury Best Choices and advises two to three 4-ounce adult servings per week from a variety of those choices during pregnancy. A 100 g chart is not a 4-ounce serving or a mercury test. Read the fish and edible-bone comparison and the nondairy calcium guide for more context.
If you do not eat fish, the DHA without fish guide explains food and supplement-label questions to discuss with your prenatal care team.
Practical notes
- Third trimester begins around week 28. Calorie needs typically rise to about +450/day for many people.
Sources
- NHS 111 Wales: Pregnancy week by week (weeks 25-28)
- CDC: Weight gain during pregnancy (calorie needs by trimester)
- health.gov MyHealthfinder: Eat healthy during pregnancy (calorie needs by trimester)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Health Professional)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron (Health Professional)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplements and Life Stages: Pregnancy (Health Professional)
- National Academies Press: Dietary Reference Intakes (Protein and Amino Acids; pregnancy RDA summary)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium (Health Professional)
- FDA/EPA: Advice about eating fish