Wow, you have reached the final 3 months of your pregnancy! By the end of this stage your baby will be born!
As your baby continues to grow and gain weight, it becomes more and more crowded in the uterus. You will feel your baby’s movement even more and be able to determine when your baby is quiet or awake and active. You may even sense when your baby has hiccups, which is normal.
It is during this stage that you will find that some of your clothes are no longer comfortable to wear. For many moms, they no longer feel the nausea and vomiting of the first trimester and their appetite improves. Many moms may become anxious about their
weight gain.
Baby’s continued growth impacts mom’s body and how she will feel. For some moms this is the period when they have more
discomforts. Mom may continue to feel the same discomforts that she felt in the second trimesters, such as inflamed gums;
breast changes,
lower or upper back pain,
groin or pubic pain,
mild swelling of hands, ankles, and feet,
heartburn,
hemorrhoids,
constipation,
shortness of breath and
skin changes. New or previous discomforts may appear, such as
fatigue,
Braxton Hicks contractions (often referred to as pre-labour contractions), and
leg cramps. As you get close to the end of your pregnancy you may have the following discomforts reappear –
frequent urination,
increased vaginal discharge and pressure in the pelvis. Don’t forget, there are measures you can take for relief. These discomforts may contribute to mom having difficulty sleeping –
there are strategies that you can use to help you sleep. Remember to contact your health care provider if you encounter any of the
Pregnancy Red Flags.
During this period, Mom may focus on birth and her ability to cope with this experience. She may feel overwhelmed and become anxious by the stories that others share with her about labor and birth. There are ways to cope with this
unwanted advice. By late pregnancy, Mom’s hormones begin to change prior to giving birth and emotional swings can re-occur. If you are concerned in any way about the emotions you are having review
emotional red flags and be sure to talk with your health care provider about them.
Continue to keep healthy by
eating nutritiously, being physically active, managing your stress, avoiding or limiting harmful substances, maintaining proper dental care and getting enough rest and sleep and limiting lifestyle practices that could be harmful.
Once you are about 30 weeks pregnant, your health care provider will likely increase your regular prenatal visits to every two weeks. From 36 weeks on expect to be visiting your health care provider’s office every 1-2 weeks until you go into labor. If complications arise with either your baby or you during this trimester your health care provider may see you even more frequently.
Further tests during this stage of your pregnancy may be done to monitor your baby’s health and development and include; ultrasound, Group B Streptococcus screen, Fetal Fibrinectin Test or a special type of ultrasound called biophysical profile. Some health care providers also suggest that you be aware of any changes in your baby’s movement. Baby should have both periods of activity and quiet.
If there is a marked change such as more activity than what has been normal or no activity contact your health care provider or go to hospital. This change could indicate a change in your baby’s health. Remember and discuss with your partner the questions you should ask if complications or further tests or treatment arise.
- Why is this test, screen, procedure or treatment being done?
- How will this test, screen, procedure or treatment be done?
- When will this test, screen, procedure or treatment be done?
- What are the risks to baby if we have this test, screen, procedure or treatment?
- What are the risks to baby if we have this test, screen, procedure or treatment?
- Are there any alternatives?
- What might happen is we don’t do this test, screen, procedure or treatment now?
It is a good idea if you have not already done this to talk with your health care provider about any questions you may have about labour and delivery, what pain relief methods your health care provider suggests and your health care provider’s use of medical interventions during labor.
Premature or preterm labour is still a concern until your baby has reached 38 weeks. Babies who are born premature may have problems with their lungs, digestive system, eyes, ears, skin and immune system. Some of these can affect them the rest of their life.
Review the signs and symptoms of preterm labour and what you should do if you should have any of these signs and symptoms.