
Written by Dr. Varsha Sharma Kapila
Now that you have finished your second trimester and entered the third and the last trimester of your pregnancy, you have only some more weeks to go, but this phase of your pregnancy can be the most taxing as it can be very tiring and uncomfortable.
The size and position of your baby may make your movements difficult.
By the time you step into the third trimester, you must have already been tired of pregnancy and eager to have the delivery. You must try to be positive as soon you shall be holding your baby in your hands. The third trimester of pregnancy begins from the 28th week onwards. By the time you reach the third trimester, your bump shall be evident.
In This Article
Symptoms experienced during the third trimester of pregnancy may differ from woman to woman. With pregnancy evolving, most of the symptoms lessen or disappear.
A few of the symptoms that you may experience during the third trimester of pregnancy are as follows:-
Extra weight gain during pregnancy shall exert pressure on your back, making it painful. Discomfort may be experienced in the pelvis and hips due to the loosening of the ligaments that prepare for labor.
As your due date approaches, you may notice a yellowish fluid leaking from the nipples. This fluid is known as colostrums, which shall nourish your baby in the initial days after birth.
When your date of delivery is nearing, you may notice thick, clear, or slightly blood-tinged discharge. This indicates that your cervix has started dilating, preparing for labor. In case you experience a sudden gush of fluid, this indicates the breaking of your water bag. Contact your doctor as soon as the water bag breaks.
Fatigue is experienced in this phase due to additional weight gain, getting up several times during the night to urinate, and anxiety about preparing for a baby.
As the baby grows bigger, the baby’s head starts exerting pressure on the bladder, which shall increase the frequency of urination. You may also leak urine when you cough or sneeze.
Veins around the anus may enlarge during pregnancy, because of the extra flow of blood and due to increased pressure on them because of the growing uterus.
[Read: Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy]
Altered hormone levels make the skin appear flushed. Stretch marks appear which shall fade post-delivery.
As the blood circulation is increased to send additional blood to the growing baby. This excessive blood flow can lead to the formation of tiny red veins, known as spider veins, which appear on your skin.
Spider veins intensify in this trimester but fade after the delivery. The pressure exerted on the legs of the growing baby can cause the veins in the legs to swell, they are known as varicose veins. Within a few months after delivery, varicose veins disappear.
Extra weight gained by you during pregnancy is due to your baby’s weight, placenta, increased blood and fluid volume and additional breast tissue.
Braxton Hicks contractions are felt. These are mild contractions, which prepare your uterus for the approaching labor.
As the uterus expands to just under the rib cage, sparing very little space for the lungs to expand hence, making it difficult to breathe.
Slight swelling occurs due to excessive fluid retention. Your ankles and face may appear bloated.
Cramps in the legs, heartburn and constipation due to excessive production of progesterone hormone are also experienced by pregnant women during the third trimester.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the below-mentioned warning symptoms:-
Development of the baby that takes place during this trimester is –
During this phase, the below-mentioned tests may be advised:-
[Read: What Prenatal Tests are Done in the Third Trimester?]
One needs to be extremely cautious when –
A nutritious and balanced diet should be taken.
Some of the dietary regime to be followed is:-
[Read: Pregnancy Foods And Exercises For Third Trimester]
Tips to follow during the third trimester of pregnancy are as follows:-
Wishing you good luck with an uncomplicated and smooth delivery!!!
Read Also: Early Signs That Labor is Coming Soon
Carbohydrates During Pregnancy – Importance and Sources
Urinary Incontinence During Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Numbness During Pregnancy – Causes And Tips To Deal
Cervical Ripening During Labor – Is it Necessary, Methods Used and Tips to Prepare
Sore Breasts During Pregnancy- Causes and Tips to Relieve Breast Pain
Uterine Tachysystole During Pregnancy – Causes, Risks and Treatment
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