Do you remember the constant nausea and bone-weary exhaustion of your first trimester? We bet you weren't expecting to miss those difficult early days.
Now that you're entering the challenging third trimester of pregnancy, however, we're willing to bet that a bit of queasiness and fatigue seem like child's play. Welcome to the final stretch. Do you know what to expect?
We've created this third trimester guide to help moms-to-be navigate the highs and lows of the final weeks of pregnancy. We'll let you know what's coming so you can prepare for a successful conclusion to your pregnancy journey.
Read on to fortify yourself in preparation for the biggest challenge to come.
When Is the Third Trimester?
The average healthy pregnancy lasts forty weeks, and doctors break this period down into three equal trimesters of approximately thirteen weeks each. Your third trimester is the final third of your pregnancy. It begins during the twenty-seventh week and ends when you give birth.
When your third trimester begins, your baby will be the size of a head of cauliflower or a large eggplant. At this stage, your baby's lungs should be fully developed, and they will begin breathing in amniotic fluid. If your baby is active, it will start developing muscle tone from all that kicking and flipping.
New Third Trimester Symptoms
The final three months are when your baby must "finish cooking" so they can thrive outside the womb. As their body shifts and changes, so will yours. Unfortunately, many of these final changes are uncomfortable.
Here are the symptoms you can anticipate as your body prepares to evict its tiny tenant.
Your First Birth Contractions
Your body is ready to rehearse for the big show. Braxton Hicks contractions are your body's way of preparing for the demands of labor. These mildly uncomfortable spasms will be irregular and feel like a tightening in your abdomen.
The contractions will become stronger and more regular as you approach labor. If your contractions grow stronger and more predictable, it may be time to reach out to your doctor regarding the next steps.
Frequent Urination
Your eager baby is already getting into its birth position, which means shifting lower and lower into your pelvis. This shift puts a lot of pressure on your bladder. Extra pressure leads to a feeling of urinary urgency throughout the day and night.
Unfortunately, this extra weight on your bladder can lead to a more embarrassing secondary issue: urinary incontinence. Many women begin wearing panty liners to catch any drips.
Low Energy and Mood Swings
It's exhausting to carry something that you can't put down. As your baby grows, so will your fatigue level. The demands of your body will begin to take a physical toll as you approach your baby's birthday.
You may also find that you get less sleep during this dynamic period. It's challenging to get comfortable, even with a great pregnancy pillow on hand. If you're also waking up to urinate throughout the night, it's unlikely you're getting a restful night of sleep.
As a result, your energy and mood will be less stable. Anxiety surrounding your major life change can also contribute to your shifting mood. The beginning of the third trimester is a great time to take a childbirth class to assuage some of your creeping stress about the process.
Extra Edema
The longer you're pregnant, the more time fluid has to gather in the tissues of your body. Thanks to gravity, it often settles in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This extra fluid causes swelling and puffiness in about two-thirds of pregnant women, which can be uncomfortable.
Edema tends to worsen in the evening after you've been on your feet all day.
Speak to your doctor if you suddenly experience increased painful swelling. This symptom could signify issues such as preeclampsia or deep vein thrombosis.
An Aching Back
Your pelvis plays a significant role in your delivery, so it has to get ready weeks in advance. The connective tissue in your body will begin to relax to prepare for the challenge. This loosening can lead to back pain, especially in conjunction with the heavy weight you're carrying in your belly by the third trimester.
Embrace the Final Trimester
The third trimester is challenging, but that doesn't mean it needs to be miserable. There are many ways for moms-to-be to reclaim the difficult final weeks of pregnancy.
Here are a few things you can do to make the most of your final weeks as a pregnant woman:
- Take advantage of expectant mother parking spots
- Throw yourself into the nesting process
- Let others handle the chores
- Experience the excitement of friends and strangers
- Enjoy a fantastic baby shower
- Take the opportunity to "eat for two" and indulge
Remember that when your baby arrives, you won't remember the pain and strife surrounding the final months of pregnancy. Keep your eyes on the prize, and you'll be snuggling that sweet baby in no time.
Conquering the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
If you've made it to the third trimester of pregnancy, the finish line is now in sight. We understand you're tired and achy, but we encourage you to remember the prize waiting for you. Once your sweet baby is in your arms, all the stress and strife of those final weeks will have been worth it.
After all that hard work, you deserve to spend as much time as possible enjoying your little one. The Pixsee smart baby monitor makes it possible to capture memories, moments, and milestones without lifting a finger.
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