Third Trimester of Pregnancy

As you enter the third trimester of pregnancy, you are well over halfway there. You have successfully crossed the first two stages of pregnancy and are in the last phase. Just a few weeks more before you hold your bundle of joy in your arms. But before that happens, a lot of challenges, planning and decisions are waiting for you in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Let us understand in depth the third trimester pregnancy, common symptoms and any danger signs of pregnancy in third trimester you should be cautious about.

What is Third Trimester of Pregnancy?

Lasting from week 29 to 40, the third trimester of pregnancy is the last of the three stages of pregnancy. In other words, the months 7,8 and 9 together form the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. During the third pregnancy trimester, your baby will continue to grow and develop rapidly and begin changing position for the birth. And you know what that means, more challenges coming to your way mom-to-be. But knowing about the expected symptoms and body changes and any danger signs of pregnancy in third trimester will help you navigate this last trimester of pregnancy.

Third Trimester of Pregnancy Symptoms

With your due date nearing, your excitement knows no bound surely but you may also feel more uncomfortable now. As the baby grows in weight and size and you grow along, you may experience shortness of breath or sleeplessness. Here is a list of third trimester pregnancy symptoms you may experience during your last trimester of pregnancy:

Body Ache

You’re likely to experience more backache and abdominal pain during your third trimester of pregnancy as your baby begins to take more room in your womb. The extra weight both you and the baby have gained will put added pressure on your back and belly, causing achiness and discomfort. You may experience similar discomfort in your pelvis and hips. Try a C-shaped or U-shaped pillow for extra comfort at night, and wear low-heeled, comfy shoes. You may also use a heating pad to ease some of the pain and soreness.

Leaking Breasts

Surely, you have noticed that your breasts have grown and enlarged by the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Another symptom you may notice as you approach your due date is the discharge of yellowish fluid from your nipples. This leaking substance is called colostrum; its purpose is to nourish your baby in the early days after birth. Such a leak is completely normal and nothing to worry about. You can try maternity breast pads or nursing pads along with a supportive bra to maximize your comfort.

Vaginal Discharge

During the third pregnancy trimester, you may notice more vaginal discharge. As your due date approaches, you might see thick, clear or slightly bloody discharge. Don’t worry, this is your mucus plug and a clear sign of your cervix beginning to dilate. If the flow is more than what your panty liners can soak, call your doctor. In case you experience a sudden rush of fluid, it might be an indication that your water has broken. Rush to the hospital immediately.

Frequent Urination

As your baby grows and begins to exert extra pressure on your bladder, you may feel the need to frequent the bathroom more often. Additionally, you may pee a little every time you sneeze, cough or laugh out loud in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy. To relieve the pressure, try going to the bathroom whenever you feel the urge and empty your bladder completely. To prevent midnight bathroom trips, avoid drinking fluids before bedtime.

Hemorrhoids

Your blood circulation has increased in the third trimester of pregnancy to send extra blood to your growing baby. This may result in hemorrhoids and varicose veins around your anus, legs and feet. The extra pressure your baby is exerting on your body may cause the veins to swell and turn blue and purple. To relieve these third trimester pregnancy symptoms, try taking a warm bath, putting your feet up and moving throughout the day.

Shortness of Breath

As your uterus stretches to its maximum, it rises up towards your rib cage, leaving less room for your lungs to expand. This extra pressure on your lungs can make it difficult for you to breathe and you may experience shortness of breath throughout the day. Try exercising and propping your head and shoulders up while sleeping.

Swelling

In your third pregnancy trimester, you may notice some swelling and bloating on your face, ankles, feet and fingers. Such mild swelling is caused by excess fluid retention (edema) in the body. To reduce this swelling, try to keep your feet elevated. In case, you experience a sudden onset of swelling, seek medical help immediately as it might be a sign of preeclampsia, one of the danger signs of pregnancy in third trimester.

Bleeding

Towards the end of your third pregnancy trimester, you may notice some light bleeding, a sign that labor is starting. However, sometimes spotting can be one of the danger signs of pregnancy in third trimester and may indicate a serious problem such as placenta previa, placental abruption or preterm labor. If you notice any bleeding, call your doctor immediately.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Some of you might be familiar with these false contractions from your second trimester while others may experience them during their third trimester of pregnancy. Braxton-Hicks are mild contractions that may feel like labor but aren’t actually. They are just warm-ups to prepare your uterus for real labor. If you feel like the contractions are getting more intense, closer and regular, then call your doctor.

Third Trimester Changes in Body

During your 3rd trimester of pregnancy, you will experience a plethora of body changes and growing discomfort as your due date nears. Besides the above-mentioned third trimester pregnancy symptoms, you can expect to notice the following changes:

• You may feel hotter than usual as your baby will begin to radiate body heat, causing your skin temperature to rise.
• You may notice stretch marks on your belly, back, butt and thighs, which may even cause itching and dryness.
• You may notice hair growth on your arms, legs and face due to increased hormone stimulation of hair follicles.
• Skin pigmentation may become more apparent and you may notice dark patches around your face.
• You will notice you’re gaining weight each week. By the end of your third pregnancy trimester, you may have gained a total of 10-15 kgs.

Baby's Growth in The Third Trimester

During your third trimester of pregnancy, your baby will continue to grow in weight and size. By the end of your third pregnancy trimester, your baby will weigh around 3.4 kgs and measure 19-21 inches long. But there’s a lot more internal development going on, let us understand it in more detail.

• Your baby’s lungs are still maturing and the head may begin to sit lower in your pelvis, assuming the birth position.
• Your baby can now see and hear, suck the thumbs and even cry and smile.
• The brain continues to develop while the skull bones remain soft to make passing through the birth canal easy.
• Around week 38, lanugo, the soft hair covering your baby’s body and limbs, will also disappear almost completely.
• The baby will be covered in vernix caseosa, a creamy and protective skin coating.

How to Stay Healthy During Third Trimester

To give your baby a healthy and happy start, you must eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly during all the stages of pregnancy but especially the third trimester of pregnancy.

• Ensure to include a variety of fresh fruits and veggies in your diet and foods rich in protein, iron and calcium.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Try to remain active throughout the stages of pregnancy- even during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
• Practice yoga or safe, gentle exercises that are recommended for pregnant women as they’ll help ease some of the symptoms and assist in an easy birth.
• Try to keep an eye on your weight gain, anywhere around 10-15 kgs is normal.

Third Trimester of Pregnancy Precautions

Exercising caution during the third trimester of pregnancy is just as important as in all the stages of pregnancy. By avoiding certain activities and foods, you can stay clear of the danger signs of pregnancy in third trimester and hope for a safe and healthy birth and baby.

Here are some precautions to take in your third pregnancy trimester:

• Avoid long car or train trips and air flights, if possible.
• Stay off of alcohol, caffeine, smoking and drugs.
• Avoid sleeping on your back, instead you can sleep on your side.
• Don’t take any medications without the approval of your doctor
• Avoid wearing high heels and try to move every few hours.
• Continue to follow all the dietary restrictions of the first & second trimesters.

Tests During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Tests during the third trimester of pregnancy become even more important than in the earlier stages of pregnancy. During the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, you will have more frequent prenatal visits, about every 4 weeks until week 36 and then every 2 weeks until birth.

Depending on your current medical condition and the health of your baby, the doctor may check the following:

• Your blood pressure
• A urine test
• Fetal heartbeat, position, growth and development
• Fundus height (top of the uterus)
• A pelvic exam

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References:

1. Watson, S. August, 25 2020. Third Trimester. www.webmd.com
2. Stanford Medicine. The Third Trimester. www.stanfordchildrens.org
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Third Trimester. www.hopkinsmedicine.org

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