You are now in the final stages of your pregnancy. In just a few more weeks, you will be holding your baby in your arms. This can be a time filled with a lot of hope, but it can also be a bit challenging. Along with the physical discomfort you feel, your mind is filled with the anticipation of your baby's arrival. So let's take a look at what this third trimester is all about and what happens during this time.
What is the third trimester?
Simply put, this is the final stage of your pregnancy. It's from week 29 to week 40, which is months 7, 8, and 9. During this time, your baby has grown a lot, gained weight, and even changed position in preparation for birth. Now you're at the end of the journey. There are only a few more weeks left, but this can be the most difficult time of your pregnancy.
What is happening to your baby during this time?
Just think, your baby is growing very quickly during this time. By the end of this stage, a full-term baby is usually about 19-21 inches (48-53 cm) long and weighs about 6-9 pounds (2.7-4 kg).
During this time, the baby is turning his head down to prepare for birth. At about 36 weeks, the baby's head starts to descend into your pelvic area. We also call this ``lightening''. The baby is in this head down position during the last two weeks of pregnancy.
Not only that, the baby develops in other important ways during this time.
- The baby can open his eyes and see.
- You can hear the sound.
- You can suck your thumb .
- You can cry and laugh.
The baby's brain continues to develop. The lungs and kidneys are maturing well. The body is gaining muscle mass, and body fat is increasing to about 16%. The bones on the top of the skull are softened to make childbirth easier. Most babies' eyes are blue at this time, but that color may change within a few days or weeks after birth. The fingernails and toenails are also well-developed. In the case of a baby boy, the testicles have descended into the scrotum.
During this time, the baby's skin is covered in a protective coating called `( vernix caseosa )`. Also, the fine down called `(lanugo)` is largely shed by 40 weeks.
What changes are you feeling in your body and how do you cope with them?
You may feel a lot of discomfort during this time. As your baby grows, your body will feel it too. Let's see what they are and what you can do about them.
| Change / symptom | Description and what you can do |
|---|---|
| Stomach discomfort | As your baby grows, you may feel discomfort and pain due to the lack of space in your abdomen. You may have difficulty sleeping at night and may find it difficult to take deep breaths. |
| Back pain | The increased weight can put pressure on your back and cause back pain. Keep your back straight. Sit in a chair with back support. Keep a pillow between your legs when you sleep at night. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels. Applying a hot water bottle can help. Always ask your doctor before taking painkillers. |
| Minor bleeding | Light spotting at the end of pregnancy can sometimes be a sign that labor is about to begin. However, it can also be a sign of a serious problem , such as placenta previa or placental abruption. If you notice any bleeding, call your doctor right away. |
| Abdominal contractions (Braxton-Hicks) | These are not real contractions, but rather mild contractions that are like a training exercise. These ``Braxton-Hicks contractions'' are not as intense as real contractions. Real contractions come closer and get stronger. If you have persistent contractions or find it difficult to breathe, call your doctor . |
| Breast enlargement and milk leakage | Your breasts may have grown by about 2 pounds by this time. Wear a bra that has good support. As you get closer to delivery, you may notice a yellow fluid coming from your nipples. This is called colostrum. This milk provides the baby with the nutrients it needs in the first few days after birth. |
| Frequent need to urinate | As your baby grows and presses his head on your bladder, you may need to go to the toilet more often, especially at night. You may also leak some urine when you cough or laugh. Go as soon as you feel the need to. Reduce your fluid intake before going to bed at night. If you have any burning or pain when you urinate, tell your doctor, as this could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. |
| Inflammation of the larynx and constipation | A condition caused by the hormone progesterone. For heartburn, eat small meals several times a day instead of eating large meals. Reduce oily, spicy, and sour foods. For constipation, eat fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables) and drink plenty of water. If these are bothersome, talk to your doctor about a medication you can use. |
| Swelling | Your feet may feel a little tight, and your ankles and face may feel swollen. This is due to fluid retention (edema). Keep your legs elevated when you sit. However, if you experience sudden swelling, it could be a sign of a dangerous pregnancy complication called preeclampsia, so seek medical advice immediately. |
It's normal to feel tired, have strange dreams, feel out of balance, and develop stretch marks during this time. Take some time to rest when you feel tired. You'll need your energy after the baby is born, so save it now.
Red Flag Symptoms That Should Promptly See a Doctor
Any of these symptoms could be a sign of a problem during your pregnancy. If you notice anything like this before your regular clinic visit , call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- Severe stomach pain or cramps
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Any type of vaginal bleeding
- Severe dizziness
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Sudden rapid weight gain (more than 3 kg per month) or weight loss
Some special advice for mothers expecting twins
If you are expecting twins, think about these things in particular.
- Get advice on breastfeeding: Breastfeeding two babies is a challenge, but it's not impossible. Ask your doctor for advice on this in advance.
- Check your iron levels: Ask your doctor if you should take iron pills. Mothers of twins are four times more likely to develop iron-deficiency anemia.
- Be aware of the symptoms of preeclampsia: The risk of this serious condition doubles when you are carrying twins. Tell your doctor right away if you have headaches, blurred vision, or sudden weight gain .
- Find a support group: Find a group of moms of twins in your area. The support from people who have had similar experiences as you can be invaluable.
Take-Home Message
- The third trimester is the final and most challenging part of pregnancy. During this time, both your body and your baby are going through major changes.
- Back pain, insomnia, and shortness of breath are common, but there are simple ways to cope with them.
- Always be on the lookout for warning signs like severe stomach pain, bleeding, and sudden swelling . If you notice any of these, call your doctor immediately.
- During this time, it is very important for you and your baby to get enough rest, eat nutritious foods, and stay mentally happy.
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