What to expect as you move closer and closer to completing your pregnancy and experiencing the wonderful moment of your baby’s birth!
The third trimester of pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging.
The size and position of your baby may now start making it harder for you to feel comfortable. You may feel tired from the pregnancy and wish to move forward more quickly to the final stage. Try to stay positive as you look forward to the end of your pregnancy. Soon you will be holding your baby in your arms!
Your body and its final changes
As your pregnancy progresses, your baby’s movements will become more noticeable. These exciting, stronger movements are often accompanied by increasing physical and breathing discomfort, as well as other symptoms, such as:
Braxton Hicks preparatory contractions
You may feel these mild, irregular contractions as a slight tightening in your abdomen. They are more likely to appear in the late afternoon or evening, after increased physical activity or sex. These contractions tend to become more frequent and stronger as you approach your expected due date.
Back pain
Pregnancy hormones loosen the connective tissues that hold your bones in place, especially in the pelvic area. These changes can be challenging for your back and often lead to discomfort during the third trimester of pregnancy. When sitting or lying down, choose chairs or pillows that provide good back support.
Shortness of breath
During the third trimester of your pregnancy, you may find yourself getting tired much more easily. Practice good posture to give your lungs more room to expand.
Heartburn
Pregnancy hormones relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus. This can allow stomach acids to flow back into your esophagus and cause heartburn. To help prevent severe heartburn, eat small, frequent meals. Also, avoid fried foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, and spicy or greasy foods.
Spider veins, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids
Increased blood circulation can cause tiny red-purple veins (spider-like in appearance) to develop on your face, neck, and hands. This redness usually fades after childbirth. You may also notice swollen veins (varicose veins) in your legs. Painful, itchy varicose veins can also appear in the rectal area (hemorrhoids). To relieve swelling, exercise regularly and elevate your legs often, include plenty of fiber in your diet, and drink plenty of fluids. To ease hemorrhoid discomfort, soak in a warm bath or apply soothing pads to the area.
Frequent urination
As your baby moves down and settles into your pelvis, you will feel increased pressure on your bladder. You may notice that you need to urinate more and more often. This extra pressure may also cause urine leakage — especially when you laugh, cough, sneeze, bend, or stand up.
Your emotions
As anticipation grows, fears about labor may become more persistent.
How much will it hurt? How long will it last? How will I cope? If you haven’t already, consider attending childbirth classes with your midwife. You’ll learn in detail what to expect — and you’ll meet other expectant mothers and couples who share your excitement, worries, and concerns. To stay calm, write your thoughts in a journal, read uplifting books, and engage in gentle exercise.
Prenatal care
During the third trimester, your doctor will ask you to come in more frequently for your ultrasound check-ups — possibly every two weeks starting at week 32, and every week starting at week 36. As in previous visits, your doctor or midwife will check your weight and blood pressure, ask about any signs or symptoms you are experiencing, and recommend vaginal cultures. They will also check your baby’s size and heart rate, its position in your pelvis, and ask in detail about your baby’s movements. During these weeks, weekly non-stress tests (NSTs) also begin for more complete and thorough monitoring. You will also discuss your preferences regarding labor and pain management as you prepare for childbirth. If you have specific wishes for your birth — such as a water birth or avoiding medication — outline them in a birth plan. Review the plan with your doctor and midwife, but keep in mind that certain complications during labor may require adjustments. As your due date approaches, gather all necessary information and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Knowing what to expect can help you have the most positive labor experience and a truly unique and beautiful birth of your baby!
