Third Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms and Baby’s Development
Contents
- Diet during Third Trimester Pregnancy
- Your Baby's Development During Third Trimester Pregnancy
- Physical Symptoms & Signs during Third Trimester Pregnancy
- 1- Abdominal Bump due to Pregnancy
- 2- Braxton Hicks contraction:
- 3- Heartburn:
- 4- Weight Gain
- 5- Swelling
- 6- Fatigue
- 7- Breast Enhancement
- 8- Lack of bladder control
- Sources
Third trimester pregnancy is the last stage of pregnancy. According to ACOG, it runs from week 28 through week 40 (and beyond, if your baby arrives late). It roughly covers the seventh, eighth and ninth months.
During these weeks, your baby gains weight quickly and the organs mature so they are ready to work after birth. Many women feel more discomfort now as the baby puts pressure on the body, along with excitement about the birth.
Aches are common in the third trimester as the uterus expands. You may also notice heartburn, backache and trouble sleeping. Most of these are normal, but call your doctor or midwife if pain is severe or you are worried.
Call right away for a severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, bleeding, fluid leaking, regular contractions before 37 weeks, or if your baby is moving less than usual.
Diet during Third Trimester Pregnancy
Your growing baby needs extra energy, but eating for two does not mean eating twice as much. MedlinePlus suggests about 2,400 calories a day in the third trimester for most normal-weight women, compared with about 1,800 in the first.
Keep taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid and iron. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, lean protein and plenty of fluids help nourish you and your baby. Women who are poorly nourished face a higher risk of complications.
Your baby's bones are hardening and storing calcium, so aim for about 3 servings of milk, yogurt or cheese a day. Fruits such as apples add fiber and vitamins.
Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated; water does not prevent preeclampsia, but staying hydrated helps with constipation and overall comfort. Include protein foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, beans and nuts, and ask your provider which foods to avoid during pregnancy.
Your Baby's Development During Third Trimester Pregnancy
In the third trimester, your baby keeps growing until birth. Here are a few developmental milestones to watch for during this trimester:
- Weeks 27 to 30: your baby's eyelids can open and close, and the brain grows rapidly
- Weeks 29 to 32: the fine body hair called lanugo begins to disappear
- Weeks 33 to 36: your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth
- Weeks 39 to 40: your baby is considered full term
Physical Symptoms & Signs during Third Trimester Pregnancy
As labor nears, hormone levels shift. Oxytocin helps the uterus contract during labor and later helps release milk from the breasts during feeding. These changes, along with your growing baby, cause several common symptoms.
1- Abdominal Bump due to Pregnancy
The round ligaments that support the uterus stretch as your bump grows. This stretching can cause brief, sharp pains or cramps in the lower belly or groin.
2- Braxton Hicks contraction:
As you get closer to your due date, you may feel irregular "practice" contractions called Braxton Hicks. They prepare your uterus for labor and usually ease when you rest or change position.
Contractions that come at regular intervals and get stronger and closer together may be real labor. Call your provider, especially before 37 weeks.
3- Heartburn:
As the uterus grows, it pushes up against your stomach and can cause heartburn. Eating smaller meals and not lying down soon after eating can help.
If heartburn is severe or bothering you, talk to your doctor. According to the NHS, some antacids and alginates are safe in pregnancy, but not all antacids are suitable, so ask before taking any medicine.
4- Weight Gain
Weight gain is expected as your baby grows. For a woman who starts pregnancy at a healthy weight, the usual total is about 25 to 35 pounds:
- The first trimester of pregnancy: about 2 to 4 pounds in total
- The second trimester of pregnancy: about 1 pound per week
- The third trimester of pregnancy: about 1 pound per week
Women who start out overweight are advised to gain less, and those who are underweight more. Ask your provider what range is right for you.
5- Swelling
Not only is your belly growing, but you may also notice swelling (edema) in your feet, ankles and hands. Your body holds more water and has a larger blood volume during pregnancy.
The growing uterus also presses on the large veins that return blood from the legs, so fluid pools in the lower limbs. Gradual swelling is usually normal, but sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet can be a sign of preeclampsia and needs urgent care.
6- Fatigue
Even after 7 to 8 months of pregnancy, your body is still changing quickly. Carrying extra weight, sleeping poorly and meeting your baby's needs can leave you very tired, so rest when you can.
7- Breast Enhancement
Hormones such as progesterone and prolactin prepare the breasts to make milk. Breasts and nipples get larger, and the areola becomes darker.
Breast swelling and tenderness are normal pregnancy symptoms.
8- Lack of bladder control
Needing to urinate often, and leaking a little when you cough or sneeze, are common late in pregnancy. The baby's weight presses on your bladder and pelvic floor. Tell your provider if you have burning or pain when you urinate.
