Pregnancy Third Trimester: What to Expect

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Most women find the third trimester to be the most difficult, as it’s both uncomfortable and exhausting. By this stage you may be tired of being pregnant, ready to have your body back to normal and anxious to meet your child. Here’s a look at the physical and emotional changes you can expect during your third trimester, as well as the doctor’s appointments you’ll probably have.

Pregnancy Third Trimester: Physical Changes
Your baby’s movements are now very easy to feel. While this may be exciting, it can also be very uncomfortable and even painful. Here is what you should expect with your body during your third trimester.

• Breast growth. By your third trimester, you may have an extra two pounds of breast tissue. Your nipples can also begin leaking colostrum, which is a yellowish-white fluid that feeds your child for their first few days.
• Weight gain. During a healthy pregnancy, you’ll gain between 25 and 35 pounds before your due date. Your baby accounts for about 7-9 pounds, while the rest is extra breast tissue, your growing uterus, fat stores, the placenta, amniotic fluid, water and increased blood volume.
• Braxton Hicks contractions. Some women experience Braxton Hicks during their second trimester, but most begin feeling these practice contractions into the third trimester. They’re generally weak and unpredictable. You’ll know when you’re experiencing true labor because the contractions will become stronger, longer and timed closer together. They’ll also be very predictable, so you may begin tracking them to know when labor has started. If your contractions become regular or very painful, you should contact your doctor.
• Back ache. Your baby continues to grow throughout your third trimester, while hormones are relaxing your joints, including those between bones in your pelvis. This is very hard on your back, so it’s important to sit on a chair or sofa with proper back support. Use an ice pack or heating pad if the pain is bad and avoid high-heeled shoes.
• Shortness of breath. This symptom, which probably started during your second trimester, is now getting worse as your uterus continues to expand under your diaphragm. When you experience lightening, which is when the baby drops into your pelvis shortly before delivery, this feeling may subside.
• Heartburn. Your uterus is also starting to push your stomach out of its regular alignment, which worsens the heartburn you’ve probably been experiencing for some time. Eating small, frequent meals and drinking plenty of water can help this.
• Swelling. You may notice your feet and ankles swelling during your third trimester, as blood has trouble returning to your heart from the pressure on your veins. This can also put pressure on nerves, which causes numbness or tingling. Your may also notice a puffy face in the morning from water retention.
• Hemorrhoids, varicose and spider veins. These problems are caused by increased circulation, which makes spots with small blood vessels pop up on your arms, neck and face if you’re fair-skinned. You may also see blue or red lines, or varicose veins, on your legs. Hemorrhoids are a form of varicose veins that appear in the rectum. Prevent hemorrhoids by getting plenty of fiber and water, and keep your feet elevated to fight varicose veins in your legs.
• Urinating frequently. Your child is now moving into the pelvis, which increases the pressure on your bladder.
• Vaginal discharge. You may notice heavy discharge as your pregnancy nears the end. If you notice a continued leak or a gush, it may be amniotic fluid, which has a sweet smell. Contact your doctor if you believe you’re leaking amniotic fluid.

Pregnancy Third Trimester: Emotional Changes
Your fears surrounding childbirth are probably growing and you may have many questions. Childbirth classes may help you cope with these fears and prepare for the big day. You can also ask your doctor any questions you have, and look for support from your partner. You may also find the reality of the situation setting in, so there may be a great deal of anxiety if this is your first child. Do your best to plan ahead and consider whether you’ll breast feed. You may also want to discuss other issues with your partner, including circumcision.

Pregnancy Third Trimester: Doctor Appointments
You may begin seeing your doctor every 2 weeks from the 32nd week of pregnancy through the 36th week. During these appointments, your doctor will check your blood pressure and weight gain and ask you about any problems you’re experiencing. They’ll also start checking for swelling of your ankles and feet. You’ll also receive screening for anemia, gestational diabetes and group B strep. Group B strep is a bacteria that lives in the rectum and vagina and may cause an infection in your baby after birth. If you’re positive for the bacteria, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics that you’ll receive during labor.

Your doctor will also measure your child’s heart rate and growth. Vaginal exams are also common during the end of your pregnancy to check for cervical softening and dilation. These exams will also check the baby’s position. From the 36th week through delivery, you’ll also start seeing your doctor once a week. During these final appointments, go over any last questions with your doctor and consider whether you want an epideral. You may also want to clear up any confusion you have between false labor and the real deal.