Congratulations, you have reached the finish line (third trimester) ! Soon you will have a wonderful new family member. You may feel more tired and uncomfortable in these final weeks, but you have many joyful events ahead!
How you are feeling.
Some of the discomfort you experienced in the second trimester will persist. In addition, many women have difficulty breathing and notice that they have to go to the bathroom more and more often. This happens because the baby is growing and putting more pressure on your organs. Don’t worry: there is nothing wrong with your baby; these problems will diminish after delivery.
Common symptoms
Every pregnancy is different, but in your third trimester you may experience some of these symptoms:
- Acid reflux (heartburn)
- hemorrhoids
- shortness of breath
- Breast engorgement
- bulging belly button
- sleep problems
- Swelling of the fingers, face, and ankles
Self-Help
Because your baby has gone through almost the entire cycle of intrauterine development, you may experience more discomfort in the third trimester than in the second trimester. In order to cope with individual discomfort, try some of the following methods after consulting your doctor in advance. Remember that in all cases you should be guided by your own preferences and the options that are available to you.
For heartburn, consult your doctor about diet and lifestyle changes. If these measures do not help, antacid medications can be used in case of unpleasant symptoms.
For sleep problems, try using a pillow to support the whole body or parts of the body that need it to relieve tension while resting.
Healthy foods and regular exercise are important for the third trimester and all stages of pregnancy. Continue your normal exercise routine, but don’t push yourself to exhaustion. As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to keep up the conversation during your workouts. Always consult your doctor about exercise during pregnancy. Continue to eat a variety of foods to get enough energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor)
In the third trimester, you will also experience contractions, which can be a sign of true or false labor. False labor contractions are called Braxton Hicks contractions and are a way for your body to prepare you for true labor. They can feel like menstrual cramps or abdominal tension.
When Braxton Hicks contractions occur, there are no medical interventions, but there are several ways to reduce discomfort, including through the following measures:
- drinking water
- Changing your position (if you are lying down, try walking, and vice versa)
- relaxation (take a nap, read a book, or listen to soothing music).
If these actions do not reduce the pain and you notice that the contractions become more frequent or intense, contact your doctor.
Beginning of labor
Most women go into labor between 38 and 41 weeks of pregnancy, but there is no way to know exactly when labor begins.
When labor begins, the cervix dilates and the uterine muscles begin to contract at regular intervals, with the intervals between contractions gradually decreasing. The contractions will be similar to menstrual cramps but of greater intensity. As your uterus contracts, you may feel pain in your back or pelvis and your abdomen will become hard. When the uterus relaxes, it will become soft again.
In addition to contractions, signs of an incipient labor include:
- Abdominal prolapse (feeling that the fetus is lower)
- The release of mucus plugs (you will notice an increase in clear or pink discharge)
- Water breakage (rupture of membranes)
It is important to note that you may not notice some of these changes before labor begins. If you think you are going into labor, talk to your doctor.
As your baby grows
In this final stage of development, your baby prepares to leave the womb. Between the beginning of the third trimester and birth:
- Your eyes may respond to changes in light
- Your baby may have hair on his or her head
- Your baby may kick, squeeze, and stretch
- Limbs may look puffy
- Bones harden
- The circulatory system is complete.
- The musculoskeletal system is complete
- The baby’s lungs, brain and nervous system are developed
- Fat accumulation is continuing
Fetal development can vary widely for a number of reasons, but at the beginning of the third trimester, your baby will be about 35 cm tall and weigh 1 to 2 kg. By the time you give birth, your baby will have grown to about 46 to 51 cm and will weigh just over 3 kg [Cleveland Clinic data]. Contact the Department of Health for information regarding your country.
When should I go to the doctor?
You should see your doctor five times in your third trimester: at 30, 34, 36, 38 and 40 weeks. For recommendations that apply in your country, contact the Ministry of Health or your doctor.
What to look out for
All women experience pregnancy differently, but you should talk to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heavy bleeding
- Persistent headaches with spots or flashes in front of your eyes
- Sudden or severe swelling
- fetal distraction (your baby should be moving every day)
- water breakage in the absence of contractions
- Constant pain between contractions.
