3rd Trimester of Pregnancy

You may feel as if there is no way your abdomen can get any bigger, but as your baby is still growing it will get much bigger over the course of the 3rd trimester.

From approximately 28 weeks your baby will grow from about 2 1/2 pounds to between six and nine pounds in week 40.

During week 34 a baby boy’s testicles start moving from his abdomen to scrotum.

By week 36, your baby is around six pounds, with fat continuing to accumulate.

By week 38 your baby sheds his vernix the creamy coat that protects his skin from your amniotic fluid and lanugo the fine hairy coat that keeps him warm in there.

Baby will be very busy in there right up to delivery and you should continue to feel lots of movements. If you notice a change in his pattern of movements please let your midwife or doctor know.
You may also be experiencing a few Braxton Hicks contractions as you get closer to the end of the 3rd trimester. Be aware of and get to know your Braxton Hicks contractions as it may help to know when the real signs of labour start.

You may notice some varicose veins and some stretch marks, but just keep thinking of your beautiful baby you will meet very soon.

Some mums experience strange dreams as they get closer to the due date and often less bladder control for example you can pass urine when you sneeze.

There may be some leaking from your breasts and you may experience tightenings where you think labour is going to start.

You will know when labour starts as you may experience some or all of the following:
A bloody show
your waters break
or contractions the last longer and get stronger and develop into a regular pattern.
The following is a list of items you may like to use as a guide as you count down to your baby’s arrival:
Antenatal visits
Continue to attend your antenatal visits where your midwife or doctor will monitor your baby’s growth, your blood pressure and urinalysis.
In between appointments watch out for signs of severe headaches, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your hands or feet. Contact your midwife or doctor is you develop any of these symptoms.

If you go over your date they might discuss a membrane sweep which helps you to go into labour or they may discuss methods of induction of labour.

Diet
Your diet is always important for your health and the health of your baby. Try to eat plenty of iron rich food which helps you make red blood cells. Your baby won’t run short of iron because he will take the iron from you but you may run short of iron and your body needs iron.
Good iron sources are lean meat, green vegetables and fortified cereal. A glass of orange juice with each meal helps you absorb iron.

Massage
It is safe for you or your partner to massage your bump, using gentle strokes over the contours of your body. It may help you both to feel closer to your baby and you might even feel the baby kick in response to your massage.

Baby equipment / clothes
Some people like to have the buggy / stroller and crib assembled and ready for use. This is a good idea and makes life easier after your baby arrives.
Have basic essential clothing and nappies in for your baby.
Practice putting the baby’s car seat in and out of the car.

Your hospital bag
Pack your bag well in advance as babies can come early.
Check with the hospital what you need to bring in, it is a good idea to pack a bag for labour and a separate bag for you and your baby for the early days in hospital. Dad needs to pack his bag too.

Think about labour
No one knows what their labour experience will be like but please learn everything about labour, as knowledge is power and it is essential for you to know and understand what is happening during labour and the birth of your baby. By completing your online antenatal classes www.antenatalonline.ie you will feel informed and empowered for labour.
Sleep
Sometimes it is hard to sleep as your bump gets bigger. Try out some new pillows perhaps one between your legs and on thin pillow under your bump. Once you are on maternity leave and at weekends try to get a nap during the day.

Shopping
It is a good idea to stock up on basics in the kitchen before it becomes more difficult to shop. Making meals for the freezer will be an excellent help in the early days when you go home with our baby. Accept offers of help towards the end of pregnancy and in the early days, especially with help in the house cleaning and cooking.

Protect your back
Your ligaments are soft so protect your back by avoiding lifting anything heavy. A pelvic belt from your midwife or physiotherapist might help, it is difficult if you have a toddler at home.

Your baby and breastfeeding
The third trimester is a good time to read up about caring for a new born baby. Find out as much information as you can on breast feeding, the more you know about the benefits of breast feeding the more likely you are to succeed with it. Remember to buy some nursing bras. www.antenatalonline.ie has excellent information on caring for your baby, bathing your baby and breast feeding.

Your emotions
If you have not completed antenatal / child birth classes please do during the third trimester www.antenatalonline.ie where you will learn what to expect and how to cope, from experienced health professionals. You will also hear other women’s birth experience and learn from them. You will learn about the options of pain relief, and realise there is no right or wrong way to have a baby and you will just do your best on the day.

You will feel anxious especially if it is your first baby. You will be able to practice your breathing and relaxation from your online class also. Always think about the joy your new baby will bring.

As you date approaches, ask your doctor or midwife questions, remember there is no silly question, understanding what is happening during your pregnancy and labour can help you have a more positive labour and birth experience.