Congratulations, you are nearing the end of your pregnancy, and soon you will be embracing the arrival of a new member in your family. Although these final weeks may bring about some discomfort, they also carry the anticipation of a new beginning.
Note: This article is the last part of 3 part series on pregnancy milestones. Also read
i) First Trimester Pregnancy Milestones: A Comprehensive Guide
ii) Second Trimester Pregnancy Milestones: A Comprehensive Guide
How You Are Feeling
Many of the discomforts you experienced in your second trimester are likely to persist, and you may also find it challenging to breathe and have more frequent trips to the bathroom. This is because your growing baby is exerting more pressure on your organs. Do not worry, though; your baby is perfectly fine, and these issues will ease after childbirth.
Common Symptoms
While every pregnancy is unique, some typical symptoms you might encounter in your third trimester include:
Acid reflux (heartburn)
Hemorrhoids
Shortness of breath
Breast tenderness
A protruding belly button
Difficulty sleeping
Swelling in your fingers, face, and ankles
Self-Care
As your baby reaches full term, you may experience more discomfort compared to earlier in your pregnancy. To alleviate some of these discomforts, consider the following methods after consulting with your healthcare provider. Remember to base your choices on your preferences and available options:
For heartburn, consult your healthcare provider for dietary and lifestyle recommendations. If these do not help, you can use antacid preparations for relief.
To improve sleep quality, try using a pillow to support your body or specific areas that require additional comfort.
Maintain a healthy diet and continue with regular exercise during your third trimester and throughout your pregnancy. Do not overexert yourself; aim to maintain a conversation during workouts. Always seek advice from your healthcare provider regarding exercise during pregnancy. Read Health Benefits of Daily Physical Activity during Pregnancy.
Ensure a balanced diet to provide adequate energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Also, keep yourself sufficiently hydrated.
Read Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Braxton Hicks (False Contractions)
In your third trimester, you will experience contractions, which can be either signs of real labor or Braxton Hicks contractions, often referred to as “false labor.” These may feel like menstrual cramps or tightening in your abdomen. While there is no medical treatment for Braxton Hicks, you can try the following to ease discomfort:
Stay Hydrated
Change your position (if lying down, try going for a walk, and vice versa)
Relax by taking a nap, reading, or listening to calming music
If these measures do not alleviate the pain or if you notice more frequent and intense contractions, contact your healthcare provider.
Going into Labor
Most women give birth between 38 and 41 weeks of pregnancy, but the exact moment of labor remains unpredictable. When labor begins, your cervix dilates, and uterine muscles contract regularly and become closer together over time. Contractions will resemble menstrual cramps but intensify. You may also feel pain in your back, pelvis, and a hardening of your abdomen during contractions. Other signs of labor include:
“Lightening” (feeling the fetus move lower)
Loss of the mucus plug (increased clear or pink discharge)
Water breaking (membranes rupturing)
Note: that you may not notice all of these changes before labor starts. If you suspect you are in labor, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
How Your Baby Is Growing
In this final stage of development, your baby is preparing to leave the womb. Between the start of the third trimester and birth:
The eyes can sense changes in light.
The head may have some hair.
Your baby can kick, grasp, and stretch.
Limbs begin to look plump.
Bones harden.
The circulatory system is complete.
The musculoskeletal system is fully formed.
Lungs, brain, and nervous system are developed.
Fetal growth can vary for various reasons, but at the beginning of the third trimester, your baby will be approximately 35 cm (4 in) long and weigh between 1 to 2 kg. By the time you give birth, your newborn will measure about 46 to 51 cm (18 to 20 in) in length and weigh slightly over 3 kg.
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Conclusion
The third trimester of pregnancy is a phase with both challenges and rewards. Your body prepares for childbirth and your family prepares for a new baby.
Discomforts such as increased fatigue, swelling, and heartburn may become more prominent during this period, but looking forward to meeting your baby makes these challenges easier to handle.
Self-care is important during pregnancy. Regular prenatal check-ups and support from loved ones help. With proper care, the third trimester can be a positive experience as families await the birth of their baby.