A normal or full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks ranging from 37 to 40 weeks. Being aware of the changes in your body and fetal growth gives a state of peace as there are more hormonal, physical, and emotional changes in a woman’s body.
Overall 9 months of pregnancy is divided into 3 months each:
1st trimester- from week 1 to end of 12 week
2nd trimester – week 13 to end of 26 week
3rd trimester – 27 weeks until the baby is born
Along with women, the fetus is growing and it’s the last stage of pregnancy with a soft and cutie baby on the way.
The following is the list of changes and symptoms that you may experience during 3rd trimester:
● Increased urination – as your baby moves forward deep down in the pelvic, you will feel more pressure on your bladder. Pelvic exercise will help.
● Heartburn, indigestion, and constipation – eat small portions, frequent meals, and avoid spicy and fried food.
● Shortness of breath – practice good posture to give more space to the lungs.
● Spider and varicose veins – increased blood vessels might cause red purplish veins to appear on your face, neck, and arms. To relieve it, exercise and elevate your legs frequently. Eat plenty of fiber and drink lots of water.
● Backache may increase in intensity- doing regular exercises, wearing low-heeled shoes, and sleeping on the left side will ease a bit of pain.
● Breast enlargement and leaking – by the end of pregnancy your breast has grown up to 2 pounds. Make sure to wear a supportive bra.
● Colostrum – is the pre-milk that provides your baby with calories and nutrients for the first few days. The milk gland in your breast starts to make
colostrum, it might leak also, buying a breast pad will help.
● Weight gain – by the end of pregnancy, you have put on a total of 25 to 35 pounds of weight.
● Braxton hicks (false labor) may begin to happen at irregular contraction in your abdomen
● Swelling of hands and legs and hands as you retain fluids.
● Legs cramps may often happen.
● Stretch marks may appear on the stomach, breast, and thighs
Fetus development during the third trimester includes:
● The fetus gains 6 to 9 pounds of weight and 19 to 21 inches in length.
● Weight grows faster than the length
● Head and face are in proportion.
● Adding layers of fats rapidly and has less space in the womb to move.
● Kicks are more powerful than before.
● Billions of neurons are formed. The brain and nervous systems are formed.
● The eyes can detect light and pupils can constrict and dilate in response to light.
● Bones are becoming harder but only skull bone remains softer to make it easier to pass through the birth canal.
● Lungs, kidneys, and liver are matured by 38 to 40 weeks.
● By the 36th week, the head may engage in the pelvic area.
● Hair on eyebrows, and eyelashes are evident.
Your doctor will regularly check your
● Blood pressure
● Listen to the Fetal heart rate
● Position, growth, and development of your fetus
● Measure fundal height
● Pelvic examination for dilation and effacement
● Baby’s position
● Check your hands and legs for swelling
● Advise screening of gestational diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, urine test
for protein and Group B streptococcus
● Vaccination of whooping cough, tetanus toxoid
● Advice Covid vaccination
● Ask for travel restriction
During the third trimester, it is a good idea to take childbirth classes and mild exercise will keep you going. Try to remain positive and calm throughout the pregnancy.
