Third Trimester Of Pregnancy

Key Points for the Third Trimester

The third trimester refers to the last three months of pregnancy, from weeks 28 to 40 (or till birth). A pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each lasting around 12 weeks.

Pregnancy in the last three months may cause various mental and physical difficulties. You can be juggling feelings like exhaustion, excitement, and anxiety and finding comfort might seem more difficult. Many women start breastfeeding or delivery courses in the third trimester as well. The third trimester is also a good time to finish buying all your baby supplies like cribs and diapers.

The third trimester of pregnancy is all about development and readiness for you and for the baby. By the conclusion of the third trimester, your uterus will have grown to about the size of a watermelon. New symptoms including Braxton Hicks contractions and shortness of breath should be expected. The foetus will grow faster and its organs will develop to prepare it for delivery.

When It Starts and Ends

The third trimester of pregnancy begins at week 28. Although everyone you question may have some different answer, most doctors agree that the third trimester begins at 28 weeks. The third trimester of pregnancy usually lasts until delivery, which occurs during weeks 39 or 40.

Fetal Development

Your foetus keeps growing larger and heavier throughout the third trimester. The foetus starts to position itself head down at this stage, while the lungs continue to develop. The foetus weighs, on average, 2-4 kg and is around 19 to 21 inches long at the end of the third trimester. Third trimester foetal development covers:

• The brain develops constantly
• The lungs and kidneys keep growing
• By the 36th week, the baby's head can engage, sinking into the pelvic region, a process known as "lightening."
• The delicate nature of the skull's bones facilitates passage through the birth canal
• Many newborns have slate blue irises of the eyes. The permanent eye color won't show until several days or weeks after delivery
• The fetus's lanugo, that is, fine, silky hair on the torso and limbs, has almost entirely vanished by 38 to 40 weeks
• The lungs have grown completely by 38 to 40 weeks
• The baby has a creamy, protective layer on her skin called vernix caseosa, also known as just vernix
• Over the final several weeks of pregnancy, the head will often turn down

Emotional and Psychological Changes

As your due date approaches, you may experience some emotional and psychological symptoms in addition to the physical ones. One might naturally be both thrilled and apprehensive. Though you still want to meet your baby, you start to worry about becoming a parent or giving birth. Remember, everyone goes through pregnancy differently. Everything you are feeling at this stage is valid. If you need help, consider speaking to a therapist.

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

• Preparing for labour and delivery is essential as you approach the final stages of pregnancy. This critical period requires careful preparation and information to ensure a smooth delivery experience.
• Creating a birth plan allows you to express your choices and expectations for labour and delivery. While remaining adaptable to any unexpected changes, learn how to outline your goals for pain management, labour positions, and support staff
• Organising a hospital bag can help you to ensure you have what you need for your stay. Add basics like cosy clothes, personal hygiene products, critical paperwork, and baby supplies like diapers and clothes
• Learn the symptoms of labour, including contractions, water breaking, and other signals that it's time to travel to the hospital or birthing centre. Knowing what to watch for will enable you to stay calm and proactive when labour starts
• Assemble your support team, which can include your partner or family member. Talk about their duties and how they can help you throughout labour and delivery to guarantee a safe space
• Getting your house ready for after the birth means arranging baby supplies and creating a comfortable recovery area. To ease your return home, arrange for any necessary assistance with housework
• Finish logistics by verifying crucial information such as your hospital or birthing centre registration, travel schedule, and any required documentation. Being orderly will enable you to concentrate on the birth experience instead of rushed plans

Final Prenatal Care

To monitor the foetus's condition, your pregnancy care provider will plan more regular prenatal appointments. Unless your pregnancy is high-risk, this usually involves visits every two weeks up to the 36th week of pregnancy.

At these appointments, you should tell your physician about any new or altering symptoms and ask them any questions. They will check the following, same as on past prenatal visits:

• Your blood pressure
• Your mass
• The location and dimensions of the fetus
• Fundal height
• Foetal heart rate
• Your urine
• Your shots. They will inform you about recommended vaccinations for pregnancy.

What to Pack for the Hospital

One of the most important steps in getting ready for the birth of your baby as your due date approaches is to pack your hospital bag. Having what you need ready and organised can assist in guaranteeing a more pleasant stay and a more seamless arrival at the hospital. Your hospital bag should have the following complete list of basics:

For You:

• Comfortable clothing
• Maternity Bras and underwear
• Toiletries
• Nursing Pads and cream
• Phone and charger
• Documents

For Your Baby:

• Outfits: Bring a few clothing items for your baby, including onesies, a going-home dress, and any unique items for pictures
• Blankets
• Diapers and wipes

For Your Partner or Support Person:

• Snacks and drinks
• Comfort items
• Entertainment

What to Avoid

• Intense workouts or weight training that might harm you or the baby
• Alcohol
• Caffeine (take advice from your healthcare provider)
• Smoking
• Illegal drugs
• Raw fish or smoked seafood
• Shark, mackerel, swordfish, or white snapper (because of the elevated mercury levels in them)
• Raw sprouts
• The toxoplasmosis-causing parasite that may be found in cat litter
• Unpasteurized milk or other dairy products
• Deli meats or hot dogs
• Avoid long car trips and flights

Practical Tips

While you ensure your well-being and that of your baby, the third trimester is essential for preparing for labour and delivery. These useful pointers will enable you to confidently and comfortably navigate these last months:

Kick Counts

Monitoring your baby's movements helps you monitor their well-being and might notify you of any problems. Kick counts are very important.

Food and Diet

• Eat a balanced diet; concentrate on one high in vital nutrients to promote your baby's development as well as your own. Add many fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and good fats
• To keep hydrated, sip on plenty of water. Enough hydration improves general health and helps to preserve amniotic fluid levels
• Make sure you get plenty of iron and calcium, which are vital right now.

Exercise

• Moderate exercise helps control common discomforts, increase circulation, and lift your mood. Among great options are prenatal yoga, swimming, and strolling
• Kegels, among other pelvic floor exercises, help to build the muscles supporting your bladder, bowel, and uterus. This helps with recuperation during labour
• Lower back discomfort can be managed with support pillows or maternity belts. Additionally, maintaining good posture and performing gentle stretches can help.

Third Trimester: When to Reach Out to Your Doctor

During the third trimester, it is essential to communicate with your pregnancy care provider. Ask them what you can expect from the third trimester, including indications of labour and what symptoms could point to a problem.

If your last months of pregnancy bring any of the following symptoms, you should contact your provider:

• Preterm labour symptoms including your water breaking or uncomfortable contractions
• Vaginal bleeding
• Less foetal movement. (How frequently the foetus moves will vary, but if you spend longer than normal without experiencing any movement, see your physician.)
• Extreme stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vertigo and terrible headaches

Medically approved by Dr Neerja Goel, Senior Gynecologist, Sharda Care - Healthcity and Dr Yogesh Jadhav, Gynecologist, Arogya Hospital, Baramati