Third Trimester: What you need to know during this time!

Now you have reached the last, most important stage of your pregnancy. There are only about three months left until the baby is born. The joy and hope you feel at this time cannot be expressed in words. At the same time, it is very normal to feel tired, uncomfortable, and a little scared with every thought that comes to mind. Today, we will talk in detail about the last stage of this journey, what is happening to your body and mind, and the development of the baby in the womb.

What exactly is the third trimester?

Simply put, the last three months of pregnancy are what we call the third trimester. That is, the time from week 28 until the baby is born, which is about week 40. This time is very important for you and your baby.

Imagine, your uterus will be as big as a watermelon by the end of this period. The baby's weight is rapidly increasing, his organs are fully developed and ready to come to the outside world. You will also have to face a lot of new experiences. Things like breathing difficulties, false contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions) can be expected during this period. This is also the best time to attend classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, and prepare the baby's clothes, diapers, and crib.

How are your prenatal care going during this time?

During this final stage, your doctor will need to see you and your baby more often. So the number of clinic visits will increase slightly. Unless your pregnancy is high-risk, you will usually be asked to come to the clinic every two weeks until 36 weeks and every week during the last month .

During each of these checkups, feel free to talk to your doctor about any new symptoms or discomfort you may be experiencing. Ask any questions you may have. Your doctor will definitely check for the following:

• Your blood pressure .
• Your weight .
• The baby's position and size .
• Fundal height.
• Fetal heart rate .
• A sample of your urine .
• You will also be informed about the vaccinations you need to receive.

As you near the end of your pregnancy, some doctors will check to see if your cervix has dilated and effaced. And around 36 weeks, they will test you for a bacteria called Group B strep (GBS).

If your pregnancy is at risk or your due date is past, your doctor may recommend special tests, such as a nonstress test or a biophysical profile, to check the baby's health.

What are the most common symptoms in the third trimester?

You may feel like a balloon about to burst during this time. Not everyone experiences it the same way, but many people start to feel a little more aches and pains during this time. Your body is still growing with the baby, and it's also preparing for childbirth. Since all of this is happening at once, it's normal to have some discomfort.

You may experience some or all of the symptoms below.

How should I take care of myself during this time?

It's normal to feel tired and want to relax during the last few months of pregnancy. Don't feel bad about not having the energy you once had. Try to stay as active as you can. Many people find that light exercise, such as walking, yoga, and swimming, is beneficial during this time.

In addition, be aware of these things:

• Eat a nutritious, balanced diet .
• Drink plenty of water .
• If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it . Your husband, family, and friends will be a great support to you during this time.

Also, these things should definitely be avoided during the third trimester:

• Alcohol, cigarettes, and any medication not prescribed by a doctor.
• Raw or undercooked meat, fish high in mercury.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese.
• Hot tubs, saunas.
• Sports and activities that carry a high risk of falling.

How does the baby develop in the third trimester?

This is the time when the baby is making final preparations for the outside world. His length and weight increase rapidly. In fact, more than half of his total weight is gained in these last three months. His major organs, especially his lungs and brain, are fully maturing.

The most important thing is that the baby turns into the head-down position, which is the easiest position for delivery at this time.

What are the possible complications during this time?

Some complications can arise during this time. That's why your doctor will check you regularly. If these are identified early, you can protect yourself and your baby with proper treatment.

• Preeclampsia: A condition that causes symptoms such as high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
• Gestational diabetes: A condition in which blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy .
• Preterm labor: The onset of labor before 37 weeks.
• Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): The water breaks before labor begins.
• Intrauterine growth restriction: The baby's growth is less than expected.
• Breech: The baby's buttocks or feet are facing downwards for delivery instead of the baby's head.

It is very important to attend all of your clinical examinations to identify conditions like these early.

How do I know when labor is starting?

This is the biggest problem for many people, especially with their first baby. It can be difficult to tell if true labor is starting or if these are false contractions. Here are some of the main signs of labor starting.

• Contractions: In true contractions, the contractions come closer together (e.g., one that used to come every 10 minutes starts coming every 5 minutes), the duration of one contraction increases (e.g., one that used to last 30 seconds becomes 60 seconds), and the intensity of the contractions increases .
• Water breaking: It may feel like a lot of water is suddenly flowing out of the vagina or like water is leaking out in small amounts.
• "Bloody show": As the cervix begins to dilate, a mucus-like discharge mixed with blood may come out. Not everyone sees this.
• Mucus plug shedding: The mucus plug, which protects the uterus from infection, can break loose and come out of the vagina as labor approaches. This can happen suddenly, or you may not even notice it. This doesn't necessarily mean that you'll have a baby that day, but it's a sign that your body is getting ready.

When should you seek immediate medical advice?

It is very important to stay in touch with your doctor during the third trimester. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• Signs of premature labor (painful, regular contractions, rupture of the water bag).
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Fetal movement is significantly less than normal. (The number of times the baby moves can vary from day to day, but if the baby doesn't move for longer than usual, tell your doctor right away.)
• Severe stomach ache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Severe headache and dizziness.

Remember, it's wise to be safe before it happens. If you have any doubts, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy, Third Trimester, Childbirth, Pregnancy Symptoms, Braxton Hicks, Preeclampsia, Third Trimester