The Masterpiece Mom

Home » Misc » What to expect in your third trimester

What to expect in your third trimester


The Third Trimester | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What You Need to Know

  • As you begin the third trimester, your health care provider or midwife may change the schedule of your prenatal visits from monthly to every two weeks.
  • It’s a good idea to start taking childbirth classes in preparation for your baby’s birth, especially if this is your first pregnancy.
  • By the end of the third trimester, the fetus is about 19 to 21 inches long and weighs, on average, 6 to 9 pounds.

Prenatal Visits During the Third Trimester

During your second and third trimester prenatal visits, your health care provider or midwife may check the following, depending on your current medical condition and the health of your fetus:

  • Any current symptoms or discomforts

  • Your weight

  • Your blood pressure

  • Urine test. This is to find albumin, a protein that may indicate pre-eclampsia or toxemia, and glucose, which may indicate hyperglycemia.

  • Position, growth and development of your fetus

  • Height of the fundus (top of the uterus)

  • Fetal heartbeat

As you begin the third trimester, your health care provider or midwife will change the schedule of your prenatal visits from monthly to every two weeks. Your prenatal visits may be scheduled once every week in the last month. This schedule will depend on your medical condition, the growth and development of the fetus, and your health care provider or midwife’s preference.

Toward the later weeks of the pregnancy (starting at approximately the 38th week), a pelvic exam may be done to determine the dilation and effacement of the cervix. Your health care provider or midwife will also ask about any contractions and discuss labor and delivery procedures.

The Third Trimester: What to Expect

The third trimester marks the home stretch, as you prepare for the delivery of your baby. The fetus is continuing to grow in weight and size, and the body systems finish maturing. You may feel more uncomfortable now as you continue to gain weight and begin to have false labor contractions (called Braxton-Hicks contractions).

During the third trimester, it is a good idea to start taking childbirth classes in preparation for the big day. This is especially true in the case of first pregnancies.

Johns Hopkins Hospital Designated as Baby-Friendly

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program launched by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund, has designated The Johns Hopkins Hospital as Baby-Friendly. This designation is given to hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding.

Learn more

The Third Trimester: Changes to Your Body

 

In the third trimester, some women become increasingly uncomfortable as their due date nears. As the fetus grows in size and crowds the abdominal cavity, some mothers-to-be have difficulty taking deep breaths or getting comfortable at night for sleep, while others are free from any discomfort as they anxiously await the arrival of their new son or daughter.

The following is a list of changes and symptoms that you may experience during the third trimester:

  • Your fetus radiates body heat, causing you to feel hot from increased skin temperature.

  • The increased urinary frequency returns due to increased pressure being placed on the bladder.

  • Blood pressure may decrease as the fetus presses on the main vein that returns blood to the heart.

  • Swelling of the ankles, hands and face may happen (called edema), as you continue to retain fluids.

  • Hair may begin to grow on your arms, legs and face due to increased hormone stimulation of hair follicles. Hair may also feel coarser.

  • Leg cramps may happen more often.

  • Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor) may begin to happen at irregular intervals in preparation for childbirth.

  • Stretch marks may appear on the stomach, breast, thighs and buttocks.

  • Colostrum (a fluid in the breasts that nourishes the baby until the breast milk becomes available) may begin to leak from your nipples.

  • Dry, itchy skin may persist, particularly on the stomach, as the skin continues to grow and stretch.

  • Your libido (sexual drive) may decrease.

  • Skin pigmentation may become more apparent, especially dark patches of skin on the face.

  • Constipation, heartburn and indigestion may continue.

  • You will have increased white-colored vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), which may contain more mucus.

  • Backaches may persist and increase in intensity.

  • Hemorrhoids may persist and increase in severity.

  • Varicose veins in the legs may persist and increase in severity.

The Third Trimester: Fetal Development 

During the third trimester, your fetus continues to grow in size and weight. The lungs are still maturing, and the fetus begins to position itself head down. By the end of the third trimester, the fetus is about 19 to 21 inches long and weighs, on average, 6 to 9 pounds. Fetal development during the third trimester includes:

  • The fetus can see and hear.

  • The brain continues to develop.

  • The kidneys and lungs continue to mature.

  • By the 36th week, the head may “engage” (drop into the pelvic area), a process called lightening.

  • The bones of the skull remain soft to make it easier to pass through the birth canal.

  • For many babies, the irises of the eyes are slate blue. The permanent eye color will not appear until several days or weeks after birth.

  • The fetus can suck its thumb and has the ability to cry.

  • By 38 to 40 weeks, the fetus’ lanugo (fine, soft hair on the body and limbs) has disappeared almost completely.

  • By 38 to 40 weeks, the lungs have matured completely.

  • The baby is covered in vernix caseosa (or simply called vernix), a creamy, protective coating on the skin.

  • The head will usually turn downward during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy.

Third Trimester: What to Expect | Week by Week

The third trimester can be physically and emotionally challenging for pregnant women. It brings back some of the toughest symptoms of early pregnancy such as fatigue and the frequent need to pee and introduces new ones like Braxton-Hicks contractions and bad aches and pains. In addition to being uncomfortable, you likely are feeling anxious. Researching and understanding what to expect during this final stage of pregnancy can help alleviate worry and help you prepare.

How Long Is the Third Trimester?

The third trimester spans between 9-13 weeks, starts week 29 and lasts until you give birth around week 40. A baby is considered full term at the end of week 37.

What to Expect During the Third Trimester

At this stage, you’re probably feeling a mix of tiredness, worry, excitement and impatience. You’re still having many of the same discomforts. Except, as your body grows, you’re even more uncomfortable. Take good care of yourself. Your baby is busy putting on her finishing touches and needs you to stay healthy.

Third Trimester Symptoms

Your baby is getting bigger, which puts more stress on your body. During your third trimester, you’re likely feeling lots of aches and pains. You’re beginning to slow down after the energy burst from your second trimester. Fatigue is setting in again and you’re feeling anxiety spike.

During your third trimester, you’ll gain half a pound to 1 pound per week, meaning by the end of your pregnancy, you’ll gain between 25 and 35 pounds.

You may notice the following symptoms as you get closer to delivery:

  • Baby “drops”
  • Baby moves around a lot
  • Belly button pops out
  • Braxton-Hicks contractions (“fake” contractions)
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Heartburn
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Larger breasts
  • Leaky breasts
  • Lower back and hip pain
  • More frequent need to pee
  • Nipples and areolas darken and are more pronounced
  • Pelvic spread (pregnancy “waddle”)
  • Sciatica (tingling, numbness or shooting pain in lower back, butt and thighs)
  • Shooting pain in your pelvis
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swollen ankles, fingers, or face
  • Tender breasts
  • Trouble sleeping

While you don’t feel it, as you near your due date your cervix becomes dilated and effaced to get ready for delivery. Here’s how to know when you’re in labor.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • Bleeding at any time
  • Extreme swelling
  • High fever
  • Painful contractions of increasing intensity and frequency
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Severe cramping or abdominal pain
  • Sudden decrease in activity by your baby
  • Vomiting

What’s Happening to Baby in the Third Trimester

Babies are considered full term after 37 weeks. Full-term babies are 19 to 21 inches and weigh 6.75 to 10 pounds.

During the third trimester, your baby’s brain development is in overdrive. Her bones harden and she can open and close her eyes. After week 30, your baby puts on 1.5 pounds per week. Around week 36, she moves head-down to get into position for birth. After week 37, her organs can function on their own.

Third Trimester Prenatal Care

You meet more frequently with your doctor during the third trimester - every two weeks until week 35, then weekly until delivery.

At every visit, your doctor collects a urine sample, takes your blood pressure, measures your fundal height, asks about fetal movement (kick counts). Your doctor also conducts a vaginal exam to see if your cervix is dilated (opening) or effaced (thinning). For a successful vaginal birth, your cervix needs to be 10 cm and 100% effaced.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about how you are feeling and any symptoms you’re having. Also, now’s the time to make your birth plan and decide on what kind of pain relief you want during labor and delivery.

Around week 36, your doctor performs a Group B strep test, a bacterium harmful to a baby that has to be treated with antibiotics. Around this same time, your doctor feels your abdomen to see if baby has settled into a head-down position for birth. Most babies who are breech (butt down) naturally turn head-down by 37 weeks.

Third Trimester Checklist

As with the previous trimesters, it’s important to continue to stay healthy. Also, keep moving! Little walks several times during the day can help alleviate pain. You also may need to stop long car trips and airplane flights after 34 weeks in case you go into labor.

In addition, here’s a list of things you may want to do before baby arrives:

  • Develop a birth plan with your doctor
  • Research and decide on pain relief during labor 
  • Schedule your postpartum follow up appointments
  • Go on a tour of Banner Health’s Maternity Ward
  • Pre-register at Banner Health
  • Attend a Banner Health prenatal class to learn about what to expect during labor
  • Take a breastfeeding class at Banner Health
  • Pack your hospital bag
  • Plan your route and transportation to the hospital
  • Pick a pediatrician
  • Decide on circumcision
  • Make a labor playlist
  • Meditate to calm your mind
  • Finalize paperwork for your maternity leave
  • Create a maternity leave plan for your coworkers
  • Make a few freezer meals
  • Spend some time with your partner
  • Download a contraction app timer
  • Check with your insurance to see how to add your baby
  • Check with your insurance to see if they cover a breast pump
  • Install the car seat
  • Make a plan about how to deal with visitors
  • Find a family member or friend who can care for your pets or other children
  • Wash your baby’s new clothes and linens
  • Get your nursery ready
  • Stock up on baby supplies, like diapers, wipes, and baby clothing in different sizes
  • Check that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home
  • Celebrate your pregnancy with friends and family

Learn more about Banner Health’s pregnancy resources, classes, education materials and support groups.

Third trimester of pregnancy (from 28 to 40 weeks)

At 30 weeks pregnant, you are ready to go on maternity leave. In the case of twins, prenatal leave is from 28 weeks. Active work, physical and mental overload during this period can provoke premature birth.

It's time to put on the bandage - it will help your baby stay in the right position and you in good shape after childbirth.

The child still needs a lot of nutrients, vitamins, mineral salts. Use your vacation to relax, but don't lie around all day. We hope that hiking in the fresh air has become a habit for you. nine0003

Do not forget to keep track of the ratio of drunk and excreted liquids. Accumulating in the body, the fluid disrupts the functioning of the kidneys, increases the load on the heart, which causes an increase in blood pressure. As a result, the child suffers: he lacks nutrients, oxygen.

A sharp headache, flashing flies before the eyes, convulsions are signs of eclampsia, a severe complication of pregnancy that poses a threat to the life of the mother and child. Urgently call the ambulance. nine0003

At this time, the uterus becomes very sensitive to the pushes and movements of the child, its muscles periodically tighten. It's like she's doing gymnastics. If this rarely happens and you do not feel pain, then everything is in order and there is no cause for concern. But if the uterus tenses often, pain appears - call an ambulance. If spotting appears, amniotic fluid is pouring out, do not wait for contractions - immediately to the hospital!

Sex life from 32-33 weeks is not recommended. nine0003

At 32 weeks, another scheduled ultrasound examination is scheduled to assess the correct functioning of the placenta, if necessary, the study of fetal heart sounds.

The last month is the most difficult. The load on the body has increased to the maximum. You are already tired of the long wait. Approximately two weeks before delivery, a mucous plug will come off the cervix, which is a lump, sometimes slightly stained with blood.

Do not forget to make up for the lack of calcium in the body - until the last day of intrauterine existence, the child intensively stores minerals. Eat fully and properly - the fetus eagerly takes everything valuable for the formation of the body. He needs protein now. Be sure to take a prenatal multivitamin. Rest during the day. Lie on your side, slightly raise your legs. nine0003

Many women suffer from constipation at this time. Only a rational diet will help. Eliminate grapes, fresh cabbage, peas and other legumes, fresh milk, muffins, sweets. Useful: curdled milk, fermented baked milk, kefir. Steamed dried fruits normalize bowel function well. Don't take laxatives. In the last trimester of pregnancy, they can provoke uterine contractions and cause premature birth.

Sometimes, if the fetus is very large, the navel turns outward. Don't be scared and don't try to push it back. After giving birth, everything will return to normal. nine0003

By the last weeks of pregnancy, the mammary glands are greatly enlarged. The appearance of colostrum is another harbinger of close childbirth. The bra should be tight, with wide straps, always cotton.

Be prepared for contractions to start at any moment. Trim your fingernails and toenails short, and shave your pubic hair. Prepare things for the newborn and for yourself. Show your husband or relatives where they lie. An exchange card, passport, insurance policy, birth certificate should always be with you. nine0003

Think that you have to help your child come into the world. Everything will be ok!

3rd trimester of pregnancy: everything you need to know | Mamovedia

All you need to know about the peculiarities of the course of pregnancy during the first and second trimesters, see the website.

You are in the last phase of your pregnancy and are probably already a little tired. Try to hold on for a few more weeks so that your baby is ready to be born soon

He is now rapidly gaining weight and will eventually become the size of a watermelon.
You can already start thinking about packing a bag for the hospital, filling it with everything you need on the day of delivery and the subsequent stay in the hospital.

Development of the child in the third trimester

At the beginning of the third trimester the fetus weighs about 900 grams , but by birth it will grow on average to 3.1 kg .
"Normal" pregnancy lasts from 37 to 41 weeks . However, already at 37/38 weeks of pregnancy, we can talk about a full-term pregnancy.

During the last trimester, your baby's skin will smooth out and a layer of fat will form. His fingers and nails continue to grow. His bone structure is fully developed, but it still needs to be strengthened. All his main organs are formed, and many of them have already begun to function; the lungs are developing, and will continue to develop from day to day until the moment of birth.

As early as 30 weeks your baby can open and close his eyes. nine0039 During this period, the baby will develop hearing, smell and taste: in particular, he will "practice" inhaling and swallowing amniotic fluid in order to be ready at the time of birth to smell and swallow food.

Until now, the baby has had plenty of room to move and change position in the uterus. However, in the last weeks of this trimester, due to its size, it will fit quite tightly to the stomach. For this reason, it will be easier for you to feel his small movements.
In addition to the usual kicks and punches, you're likely to hear other "thumps" - that's your baby's little hiccups! nine0003

After the thirty-fourth/thirty-fifth week, in preparation for childbirth, most babies gradually turn in the womb.

Symptoms and changes in your body in the third trimester

Now that the second trimester is behind you, you will probably feel tired and sore all over your body: you will be looking forward to the birth of your child.
The most common symptoms in the third trimester include Braxton-Hicks contractions, round ligament pain, pelvic pain, and back pain. nine0003

The symptoms you experienced in the early months, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination, and depression, may also increase in the last months of pregnancy.
Because the uterus grows and puts pressure on the chest, it is also normal to have shortness of breath during this period, especially during the first weeks of the third trimester.

Your weight gain in the third trimester

Total weight gain should not exceed 9 throughout pregnancy0044 11-15 kg .
Continue to eat a healthy diet as you only need 450 extra calories a day during these three months.

Third trimester antenatal exams

During the third trimester, most women have an antenatal exam every two weeks.
However, some women may require a medical examination at least once a week during the last month by a doctor's order.

Regular urinalysis and complete blood count to control possible anemia, planned third ultrasound with Doppler, according to the results of which the doctor can prescribe the procedure CTG (cardiotocography) to assess the child's heart rate and identify possible pathologies.

In the period from 30 to 36 weeks, the doctor will examine the chair, take a smear on the flora, to rule out infections (which can be transmitted to the child during the passage of the birth canal).

What you need to know

Count the shocks
Since the child is in the final stage of his development, regular counting of his shocks is necessary. He must move up to 10 times per hour during his active period, except when he sleeps. If you do not feel the movement of the child for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

Fetal Nutrition
Your baby has already begun to store some nutrients such as iron, calcium and phosphorus, so eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. nine0003

Traveling in the third trimester of pregnancy
Although flying before the thirty-sixth week is generally considered safe, during the last period of pregnancy, a specialist should be consulted before travel planning.

Learn more