You have reached the last stage of your pregnancy. It is a very exciting time as you wait for baby but do you know what to expect in the third trimester?
The Last Stage Of Pregnancy
The real excitement begins here. You are now two thirds of way through your pregnancy. Your baby will do most of its growing in this last trimester and will descend into your pelvis ready for birth.
You will be feeling more tired now and ready to start your maternity leave. Your bump is going to get a lot bigger so try to take it easy. You will also be having more checks with the midwife in this trimester.
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This is a very exciting time, use these last few weeks to prepare for your baby’s arrival. Although it is perfectly normal to worry during the third trimester of pregnancy and for apprehension to creep in knowing what to expect in the third trimester will certainly help. Ensure that your birth plan is finalised and that everything is in order for when you go into labor.
You can create a free baby registry at Amazon.com. The registry is universal so you can add items from other sites if you wish.
When you sign up you will receive a free baby gift box filled with items for both mom and baby and you get free returns for 90 days for anything bought from your registry.
As well as giving your friends and family gift ideas, having a registry is a great way to keep track of what you need for baby.
What To Expect In The Third Trimester
Third Trimester Symptoms
Back Pain – As you get closer to the birth of your baby hormones will relax the connective tissues between your bones. This mainly happens in the pelvic area to prepare your body for giving birth. This can result in pain in the lower back and pelvis.
Braxton Hicks – These are mild contractions that will feel like a tightening in your abdomen. You will most likely get them in the late afternoon or evening and they will occur more often the closer you get to your due date.
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Heartburn – If you have been suffering from heartburn during your pregnancy then it will most likely continue into the third trimester. However as you get closer to the birth your baby will drop into your pelvis relieving the pressure on the upper digestive tract. This should relieve your heartburn.
Swelling – Your feet and ankles will begin to swell more during the third trimester of pregnancy. This is caused by your body retaining fluids for your baby and your uterus putting pressure on the veins in your groin and legs.
Urinating More Frequently – The downside of your baby dropping into your pelvis is that it puts more pressure on your bladder. This results in many trips to bathroom and you may notice slight leakage when you sneeze, cough, or laugh.
Shortness Of Breath – You will find that you will be more easily winded on exertion as you get closer to the birth. You will also feel more tired in general during this time.
Spider Veins – Increased blood circulation may cause small, very fine, red veins to appear. You are most likely to get them on your face, neck, and arms.
Leaky Breasts – You may start to leak breast milk in preparation for feeding your baby.
Feeling Anxious – As you get further into the third trimester it’s normal to feel anxious about the birth and being a mom. Many women worry about what’s to come and if they are fully prepared for baby.
Your Baby’s Development In The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy
Week 28 – Your baby’s eyes will be partially open now and they have eyelashes. The nervous system is able to control body temperature.
Your baby is now about 10 inches long and weighs approximately 2 pounds.
Week 29 – Your baby is now able to stretch and kick. They can also make grasping movements with their hands.
Week 30 – Baby’s eyes are now wide open. Their hair is growing and red blood cells are forming in the bone marrow.
Your baby is now 10 1/2 inches long and weighs almost 3 pounds.
Week 31 – Most of your baby’s major development has finished now. This is the time that the rapid weight gain starts.
Week 32 – Your baby’s toenails can now be seen. The downy hair covering the body is starting to fall off and your baby is 11 inches long. Their weight will be approximately 3 3/4 pounds.
Week 33 – Your baby’s bones are hardening now, but their skull remains flexible. Their pupils are now responding to light.
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Week 34 – Baby’s fingernails have started to grow. They will weigh 4 1/2 pounds and be 12 inches long.
Week 35 – Your baby’s skin is now pink and smooth. They are starting to fill out and their limbs will appear chubby.
Week 36 – It’s starting to get crowded inside your uterus now as your baby is taking up most of the space in the amniotic sac. You are less likely to feel punched and kicks now as the baby doesn’t have the room for that. However, you will still feel them wriggling around.
Week 37 – Your baby can now grasp firmly with their hands and will most likely have started to descend into your pelvis in preparation for birth.
Week 38 – Babys toenails are now fully grown and the circumference of their head and their abdomen will be roughly the same.
They will now weigh approximately 6 1/2 pounds.
Week 39 – Your baby’s chest is becoming more prominent and fat is being added to their body to help keep them warm after birth.
Week 40 – Labor will soon start. Your baby is approximately 14 inches long and will weigh approximately 7 1/2 pounds. This is not an exact science and your baby may be lighter or heavier than this and still perfectly healthy.
Take the time to relax now you know what to expect in the third trimester and enjoy your pregnancy as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.
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