The third trimester is the last phase of your pregnancy. It included the 7th, 8th and the 9th month or the 28th to the 40th week. The baby undergoes some important changes and also shifts positions for birth. You also have some symptoms too. Let’s know about them.
The baby’s growth during the third trimester
By the 40th week the baby is fully grown now. It weights around 6 to 9 pounds and around 19 inch long. Don’t be surprized if you feel more of kicks and punches. This is because your baby is trying for more space now. The baby now has developed bones, digestive system, hair and nail. Its skin has also turned opaque. The baby’s brain development is the fastest in the third trimester. It can now open its eyes, hear, cry, smile and suck its thumb.
Symptoms you experience during the third trimester
- Abdominal achiness – As your baby is growing, it needs more space. You might feel some achiness in your abdomen.
- Backpain – You weight gain may give you a bad back. You might also feel the discomfort as your pelvic and ligaments and loosening to prepare for labor.
- Bleeding – During the end of your third trimester you might notice some spotting or blood discharge. This may be the sign of labor. However, if you are bleeding heavily, call your doctor immediately.
- Leaking breasts – Your body is preparing itself to feed the baby. Leaking breast is a common sign.
- Braxton Hicks contractions – You may call this as warming up contractions. These are not actually the labor but sudden contractions. These are not very strong and often subdues after sometime.
- Vaginal discharge -Slight blood-tinged discharge is common. This is the mucus plug; this means that your cervix is preparing to dilate for labor.
- Fatigue- the weight gain, the anxiety of the upcoming labor might lead to fatigue. Try to take a nap whenever possible and stay relax.
- Frequent urination- You baby’s weight is pushing your bladder. This leads to frequent urination urge. Leakage during sneezing, laughing or exercising is also common.
- Constipation and heartburn- The increased production of progesterone that relaxed the muscles of esophagus caused heartburn. The intake of iron supplements can cause constipation during the final stages of pregnancy.
- Shortness of breath- as the uterus expands, the lungs do not get much space. Hence you experience breathlessness during the third trimester.
- Swelling- The excess fluid retention or edema caused swelling in your feet. Your face may also appear bloated.
- Stretch marks – Since your skin expands, you may see stretch marks on your tummy, thighs, breasts and bums.
- Weight gain- It is obvious that you will gain weight during pregnancy. Gaining 25 to 30 pounds is normal. The doctor will tell you the correct weight you must have during pregnancy.
When to see a doctor?
Some mild back and abdominal aches, swellings, discharges and cramps are common during the third trimester. But there are certain conditions that needs immediate care. Call you doctor immediately if there is
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Severe vomiting or nausea
- Excessive bleeding
- Dizziness
- Burning sensation during urinating
- Excessive weight gain
Do’s and Don’t during the third trimester
As you are advancing towards giving birth, you must follow certain dos and don’ts
Do’s
- Have a kick count. Count your baby’s movement throughout the day
- Go for walk for do light exercise on the advice of your doctor
- Keep a check on your weight
- Go for regular check ups
- Plan for your baby’s arrival and post-partum requirements
- Educate about the labor and managing the labor pain
Don’ts
- Avoid excessive exercise
- Don’t sleep on your back
- Travel less
- Avoid uncooked, under-cooked or raw food
- Avoid smoking, drinking and drugs
- Avoid hot baths and saunas
- Avoid exposure to chemicals or radio-active items
At OvenYr.com, we try to bring you all the required information about pregnancy, prenatal and post-partum. Visit the website to educate yourself on various stages of your oven year. Book a tele appointment today to talk to the doctor.