Third Trimesters

Third Trimesters

Third trimesters cover weeks twenty-eight through forty, bringing on the final and highly anticipated stages of pregnancy. By this time you are probably ready for this incredible roller coaster adventure to be over.

The energy you experienced during the second trimester is replaced with sense of tiredness and restlessness

Your baby is growing, along with your uterus and the fatigue you are feeling is most likely a result of all the extra weight you are carrying around. Some studies show that women can gain up to twelve pounds during the third trimesters.

Third Trimesters – Be Careful!

During this time you should take extra care in all of your movements. Lack of coordination during late pregnancy is common. There are several symptoms that cause this. The change in the center of balance and expanding tummy contribute to stumbling and tripping. The natural loosening of joints to prepare the body for childbirth can also cause mishaps such as dropping things, losing a grip, and tripping. It is important to remember that a pregnant body cannot do things as gracefully during this period. Try to avoid situations that are “accidents waiting to happen” (slippery or wet floors, steep stairs, iced over surfaces). Use common sense, be cautious, and move slowly. Clean any cluttered areas, especially stairs, and do not climb ladders!!

Third Trimesters – Growth Behind the Scenes

Most likely, your baby has made his/her presence known by movements that you can not only feel but also see. There are also many developments progressing that cannot be seen. During these last months the baby’s eyelashes, toenails, and fingernails form. Their eyes open, and hair begins to grow. Although very fragile, bones are fully developed by week twenty-nine and the baby begins storing vital nutrients. During third trimesters lung function kicks in and babies are able to breathe, increasing the likelihood of survival if premature birth occurs. By the thirtieth week, some babies have actually been found to cry tears and suck their thumb. Usually during week thirty-three, your little one begins detecting light and their pupils begin to constrict.

By the thirty-seventh week you are at full term even though there are technically three weeks left. The baby’s living area has become quite crowded so you will probably feel more stretches than tumbles simply because your little one is out of room. Your physician will begin looking for signs of labor including dilation, effacement, and engagement.

Third Trimesters – Symptoms

By the third trimester most moms-to-be are very uncomfortable and are dealing with many symptoms including backaches, heartburn, hemorrhoids, weight gain, varicose veins, enlarged breasts, swelling, shortness of breath, and urine leakage. Here are some possible remedies for these symptoms.

Third Trimesters – Backache Remedies

• Practice good posture.
• Don’t sit or stand in one place too long.
• Wear proper shoes with support.
• When lifting, bend at the knees and the waist. Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Incorporate pelvic tilts and yoga into an exercise routine.
• Try using a support pillow.
• Keep exercising.
• Consider wearing a maternity support belt.

Third Trimesters – Heartburn

• Do not eat rich or spicy foods that tend to cause indigestion anyway.
• Wear maternity and other clothing that is loose.
• Try to keep the body in an upright position for about 2 hours after eating.
• Avoid eating 3 big meals and eat several small ones each day.
• Chew food and eat slowly.
• Don’t drink too much while eating.
• Consult the doctor about taking heartburn relievers.

Third Trimesters – Hemorrhoids

• Drink lots of water and juices, around 10-12 cups a day.
• Exercise at least 3 times a week by walking, swimming, doing some yoga, etc.
• Eat high fiber foods such as beans, vegetables, whole grain foods, and fruits.
• If you doctor approves, use over the counter topical medication.

Third Trimesters – Varicose Veins

• Do not stand or sit in the same position for long.
• When sitting, try to avoid crossing your legs.
• Elevate your feet when possible.
• Wear maternity support stockings.
• Keep blood circulating by moving around or taking short walks.
• Third Trimesters – Enlarged Breasts
• Wear comfortable maternity or nursing bras that offer added support.
• If you are leaking use disposable nursing pads.
• Take a warm bath.

Third Trimesters – Swelling

• Avoid standing or sitting for long.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try to avoid going out when it is hot.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Avoid tight clothing.
• Third Trimesters – Shortness of Breath
• Practice proper posture.
• Lay on your left side.
• Sleep in an elevated position.
• Slow down.

Third Trimesters – Urine Leakage

• Tighten your pelvic muscles by doing Kegel exercises several times a day.
• Visit the restroom regularly and do not “hold it”.
• Wear panty liners or pads.
• Third Trimesters – Braxton Hicks Contractions
• Regulate your breathing.
• Change positions.
• Take a warm bath.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Have a cup of warm tea.

Third Trimesters – Wrapping it up

Third trimesters are trying and tiring months. Dealing with existing and new symptoms can be difficult and draining. This is the time to really keep your head in the game. It will not be long before your due date so you must continue to prepare for the big day. Staying focused and productive will be greatly rewarded for moms-to-be during the third trimesters.

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