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Practices you MUST follow in your 3rd trimester

Monday, April 4th, 2022

Hello! Soon-to-be mummas, I know you are impatiently waiting to hold your little bundle of joy in your arms and laugh as everything you’ve imagined your baby to be finally comes true.  You’re almost there! How mothers feel in the 3rd trimester  But like most long waits, this too feels like eternity. Remember how impatient we used to get when we’d hear that our train had arrived at the station? And then it would take half an hour just to get into the correct platform at snail’s pace. That is exactly how this last phase is. Hang in there, it is worth the wait. 

Why you need to be extra careful in the 3rd trimester 

Your rapidly growing baby needs you to be extra careful in the final phase of pregnancy. While you have a baby bump worth flaunting, your baby will also make you feel heavy and tired. Your baby is also very active by now, and will make their presence felt by kicking, turning and waving their arms. So you need to be extra cautious in this phase. 

Precautions you can take in the 3rd trimester 

We have curated a 3rd trimester list for all moms so that you keep a track of your activities
  • Continue to take prenatal vitamins
  • Stay active unless you’re experiencing swelling or pain
  • Work out your pelvic floor by doing Kegel exercises
  • Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat forms of protein, and fiber
  • Drink lots of water and stay hydrated
  • Eat enough calories
  • Keep your teeth and gums healthy. Poor dental hygiene is linked to premature labor.
  • Get plenty of rest and sleep
  • Attend a prenatal class if you haven’t already. Learn about what to expect during labor and the different options available for delivery
  • Have a pregnancy bag packed and ready
  • Develop a birth plan with your doctor, decide who you want in your labor room, concerns you have about hospital procedures
  • Arrange maternity leave with your employer
  • Have a crib and other baby essentials ready for your baby
  • Have emergency numbers, Identify people who can help you in an emergency
  • Stock up on baby supplies, like diapers, wipes, and newborn clothing
  • Get the COVID vaccine. There is sufficient evidence to prove that the vaccine is safe for an expecting mother
  • Take a high protein diet with adequate milk and milk products. A balanced diet is very essential to ensure there is no weight gain
  • Explore new mother training classes and apps during your last trimester to be prepared for your child
  • Baby proof and prepare your home to receive the new member

What to avoid:

  • Strenuous exercise or strength training that could cause an injury to your stomach
  • Raw fish or smoked seafood
  • Unpasteurized milk or other dairy products
  • Deli meats or hot dogs
  • The following prescription drugs: isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne, acitretin (Soriatane) for psoriasis, thalidomide (Thalomid), and ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure
  • Long car trips and airplane flights.
  • Avoid alcohol, smoking, and excessive intake of caffeine..
  • Avoid undercooked meat to prevent diseases like Toxoplasmosis and Listeriosis.
  • Avoid hot sauna baths.
  • Travel during pregnancy
Decide where you plan to give birth and how, if you have not already. While making such decisions, remember that it is your body, so don’t let anyone else’s opinion influence your judgment. And of course, we trust you to decide on what is the best for your little one.  To know about the third trimester, check our previous blog on the same (attach link to Cucumber blog 1|March’22)