The Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts nine months and it is divided into three stages known as “trimesters”. The third trimester refers to the final stage lasting from weeks 28 to 41. It is a thrilling time marked by anticipation and preparation for the Big Day. By now, your baby has developed significantly and you may be able to feel them turn, squirm, and even kick in your belly. Speaking of bellies, all those extra pounds you packed may start causing several symptoms, including backaches and belly aches. In addition, it’s possible to experience sleep issues, fatigue, and Braxton-Hicks contractions among other symptoms.
So what exactly happens during the second trimester of pregnancy? And, how can you prepare for bringing your newborn home? Let’s discuss!
Your body
The third trimester of pregnancy can be physically challenging compared to the second trimester. You may experience a series of pains, aches, and uncomfortable symptoms. Expect the following:
● Braxton-Hicks contractions. You may feel mild, irregular contractions in your abdomen. These are “warm-ups” to prepare you for real labor contractions, which are more intense. As you approach your due date, Braxton-Hicks contractions can become stronger.
● Weight gain. Look at that belly! At this stage of pregnancy, you’re likely putting on ½ or 1 pound per week. This weight gain is due to your baby’s increasing weight, the placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood and fluid volume, and extra breast tissue.
● Belly aches. Because your baby is taking more and more space in your abdomen, you may experience achiness.
● Backaches. All that extra weight you’re gaining can put pressure on your back. As a result, you may feel achy and sore. Plus, pregnancy hormones loosen your ligaments to prepare you for labor, resulting in discomfort.
● Breast enlargement. Your breasts are much larger by the end of the third trimester. It’s also possible that they start leaking colostrum, a fluid that nourishes your baby until breast milk becomes available.
● Heartburn and constipation. Your body is producing high levels of the hormone progesterone. This hormone relaxes the ring of muscles in the lower esophagus, which is in charge of keeping food and acids down your stomach. More progesterone also relaxes the muscles that move digested food through your intestines. All of this contributes to heartburn and constipation.
● Increased urination. As your baby gets bigger, their head begins pressing down your bladder, causing the frequent urge to pee. You may even leak a bit when you cough, sneeze, laugh, bend, or lift. Don’t resist the urge to pee though! Go to the WC when you need to in order to relieve pressure and avoid leakage.
● Spider veins and varicose veins. You are sending a lot of blood to your growing baby. Increased blood circulation causes small red or purple “spider veins” to appear on your skin. Pressure on your legs can also cause surface veins in your legs to swell and become blue or purple — these are known as “varicose veins”.
● Hemorrhoids. Painful and itchy varicose veins can also appear around the anus. These veins enlarge during the second and third trimesters due to the extra blood flow and increase of pressure in that area.
● Stretch marks. As your skin expands to accommodate your baby, stretch marks may appear on your stomach, breasts, thighs, and buttocks.
● Shortness of breath. Your uterus grows so much that it leaves less room for your lungs to expand, making it difficult for you to breathe. It may sound alarming, but don’t worry! Exercise can help you breathe easier.
● Fatigue. You probably feel drained of energy and there are several reasons why. For starters, you’re carrying a lot of extra weight. What’s more, you’re likely dealing with the symptoms listed above, which can be exhausting.
● Clumsiness. Because you’ve gained weight, it may be difficult to balance your body. If you drop something or feel clumsy, it’s completely normal.
● Vivid dreams. It’s believed that fluctuations in hormonal levels cause vivid dreams and nightmares. In turn, this can wake you up at night and disrupt your sleep.
Emergency symptoms
While it’s common to experience a variety of physical symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy, it’s crucial to be aware of “red flags”. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
● bleeding;
● severe nausea and/or vomiting;
● severe abdominal pain;
● severe dizziness;
● regular and painful contractions;
● signs of preeclampsia (headache, trouble seeing, or sudden weight gain);
● a decrease in fetal movement;
● pain or burning during urination;
● and an increase in vaginal discharge with odor.
Your emotions
The Big Day is almost here! As your due date approaches, the reality of giving birth begins to sink in. If it’s your first pregnancy, you’re probably anxious about what’s to come: will it hurt? How long will it last? What if something wrong happens? These and many more questions may plague your mind. You also stress about your new role as a mother and all the challenges of raising a kid in this day and age.
It is a lot. Therefore, it’s important to do your best to gain peace of mind. For instance, you can enroll in birth classes. There, you’ll learn exactly what to expect and all the available methods to have a less painful experience. If you know anyone who’s been pregnant before, have a chat with them and ask for any helpful tips.
It cannot be denied that the physical symptoms listed above can cause a great deal of stress. If you are seriously struggling with your mental health and pregnancy symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
Baby’s growth
Your baby keeps growing at an impressive speed and getting ready for its big debut. For instance, they begin to position themselves head-down for delivery and will remain in that position for the final 2 weeks of pregnancy. In other news, they are now able to open their eyes, see, hear, suck their thumb, cry, and even smile!
These are some of your baby’s milestones during the third trimester of pregnancy.
● Your baby weighs approximately 6 to 9 pounds and is 19 to 21 inches long by the end of the trimester.
● The brain continues to develop while the lungs and kidneys mature.
● The lanugo (fine, soft hair that covers the body) disappears by weeks 38 to 40. However, the baby remains covered in vernix caseosa, which is a creamy, protective coating.
● Your baby gains a lot of muscle tone and body mass.
● Their skull remains soft for an easier delivery.
● It’s likely that the eyes’ irises are slate blue. The permanent color will only appear several days or weeks after birth.
● Your baby is highly active! You’ll notice active periods where they mostly roll and squirm. You may even feel hard and strong kicks.
Prenatal care
You’ll be seeing your healthcare provider more frequently during the third trimester of pregnancy. For example, you’ll have a prenatal visit every 2 weeks until week 36. Then, you will see your healthcare provider every week. Similarly to previous checkups, your doctor will:
● check your weight and blood pressure;
● measure your abdomen;
● take a urine sample;
● ask about any symptoms you may have;
● check your baby’s size and heart rate;
● check your baby’s position (near the end of the trimester);
● and ask your preferences on labor and pain management.
Remember, it’s OK to tell your provider about any concerns or doubts you may have, even if they seem silly or not necessarily related to your pregnancy.
A couple of weeks before your due date, your healthcare provider will screen you for several conditions such as gestational diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, and Group B strep (a bacteria found in the vagina or rectum). Women with high-risk pregnancies, health issues, or who are overdue (over 40 weeks) will undergo certain lab tests to monitor the baby.
Tips for staying healthy
You are about to welcome your baby! So it’s crucial to continue taking proper care of yourself by following a healthy diet, exercising, and avoiding any potentially harmful activities. Consider the following do’s and don’ts.
● Stay active. However, if you’re experiencing pain and/or swelling, it’s best to refrain from physical activity. You should also avoid any strenuous activities or strength training that may cause an injury to your stomach.
● Try Kegel exercises. As your baby keeps on packing on the pounds inside your uterus, your pelvic floor muscles have to support that extra weight. Kegel exercises are excellent for decreasing the risk of having pelvic floor issues.
● Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy. Opt for foods with high quantities of Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and iron and calcium.
● Continue taking any prenatal supplements green-lighted by your doctor.
● Avoid seafood with high mercury levels such as mackerel, swordfish, shark, or white snapper. You’ll want to stay away from raw fish, raw sprouts, unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and hot dogs.
● Drink lots of water.
● Refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking, and consuming illegal drugs. You’ll also want to limit your caffeine consumption.
● Don’t keep on your feet for too long. Standing for long periods puts a strain on your back and legs. In the last half of pregnancy, standing for hours can disrupt blood and increase your chances of developing high blood pressure and premature birth.
● Don’t lift heavy items. Pregnant women can lift items that weigh 25 pounds or under. They can also lift items that weigh 50 pounds occasionally.
● Avoid any activities that raise your body temperature such as hot yoga, hot tubs, and saunas.
● Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB protection) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Even if it’s not too sunny, you should apply a good amount of it.
● Keep dental hygiene and get dental care.
● Avoid long car trips and flights.
● Avoid laying flat on your back.
Your to-do-list
As you enter the final stage of pregnancy, your “to-do list” keeps on expanding. It’s time to start thinking about your hospital stay and all you need to welcome your newborn home. So use this list to cover all the essentials.
- Write up a birth plan. However, bear in mind that your best-laid plans and preferences may go out of the window once the real thing is underway.
- Take a childbirth and breastfeeding class if you haven’t yet.
- Pre-register with the hospital (if you have to).
- Tour the hospital and get familiar with it.
- Pick up a pediatrician.
- Pack for the hospital.
- Get the baby gear (car seat, stroller, monitors, etc).
- Sort out your post-partum help or support network (the grandparents, friends, a babysitter, etc).
- Babyproof your home.
- Start setting up the nursery.
- Stock your freezer and cook and freeze meals so you can have them ready at hand.
- Assemble a baby first aid kit.
- Buy any baby items or clothing you may need.
- Go to your prenatal checkups and get screened for any available tests.
Beginning.com and your pregnancy
We are here to support you on your pregnancy journey! Beginning.com offers numerous informative resources and interactive features for expectant mothers. Not sure where to start? Check out the following resources:
● Sound journeys. “The Moment” is a series of soundscapes specifically designed to help you have a mindful and stress-free childbirth. Immerse yourself in soothing 3D sounds to reduce stress and anxiety and boost deep relaxation.
● Masterclasses. Our team of health and wellness experts has curated a series of masterclasses and blogs, which provide important information and practical advice on how to have a healthy and safe pregnancy.
● Pregnancy tracker. Beginning.com’s pregnancy mode offers week-by-week information about your changing body and growing baby.