3rd Trimester What to Expect
Thursday, March 24th, 2022
Everything you need to know – third trimester edition Well done, you’ve made it to the end of this exciting journey! The last trimester of pregnancy will leave you restless and eager to hold your angel. You’ll soon be spending lots of time with the apple of your eye, so hold on to your dreams. Your baby now smiles whenever you say “I love you” and moves within you! How Big Is My Little Bundle Of Joy?- Your little one’s eyes open and they notice changes in light during the 28th week of pregnancy
- A baby’s coat of fine hair, called lanugo, starts to shed. Normal hair is also likely to begin showing on the head
- As your baby’s brain matures they are able to regulate their body temperature from the temperature of your amniotic fluid
- You can expect your little one to turn head down at 34 weeks, or soon thereafter. That means they are preparing to see the world ASAP
- Abdominal aches: Your baby will take up more room in your abdomen, making it harder for you to get comfortable
- Backache: Weight gain adds pressure to your back. Your ligaments will loosen as you prepare for labor, causing discomfort in your pelvis and hips
- Bleeding: Some light bleeding toward the end of your pregnancy might be a sign that labor is starting. However, spotting can sometimes indicate a serious problem. Call your doctor if you notice unusual bleeding
- Braxton-Hicks contractions: These are warm-ups to prepare your uterus for the real labor to come. They often aren’t as intense as real labor contractions, but they may feel a lot like labor and can eventually progress to it
- Colostrum leak: Close to your due date, you may start to see a yellowish fluid leaking from your nipples. This substance will nourish your baby in the first few days after birth
- Discharge: You might see more vaginal discharge during the third trimester. Close to your delivery date, a thick, clear, or slightly blood-tinged discharge is a sign that your cervix has begun dilating in preparation for labor. This is known as breaking water
- Frequent urination: Now that your baby is bigger, its head may be pressing down on your bladder. That means you’ll have to go to the bathroom more frequently. You might also find that you’re leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise. Let your doctor know if you have any pain or burning with urination
- Heartburn and constipation: To relieve heartburn, eat more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day and avoid greasy, spicy, and acidic foods. For constipation, increase your fiber intake and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly.