Show The third trimester of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. Here's help relieving symptoms — and anxiety — as your due date approaches. By Mayo Clinic StaffThe third trimester of pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging. Your baby's size and position might make it hard for you to get comfortable. You might be tired of pregnancy and eager to move on to the next stage. If you've been gearing up for your due date, you might be disappointed if it comes and goes uneventfully. Try to remain positive as you look forward to the end of your pregnancy. Soon you'll hold your baby in your arms! Here's what to expect in the meantime. Your bodyAs your pregnancy progresses, your baby's movements will become more obvious. These exciting sensations are often accompanied by increasing discomfort and other signs and symptoms, including:
Your emotionsAs anticipation grows, fears about childbirth might become more persistent. How much will it hurt? How long will it last? How will I cope? If you haven't done so already, consider taking childbirth classes. You'll learn what to expect — and meet others who share your excitement and concerns. Talk with others who've had positive birth experiences, and ask your health care provider about options for pain relief. The reality of parenthood might begin to sink in as well. You might feel anxious, especially if this is your first baby. To stay calm, write your thoughts in a journal. It's also helpful to plan ahead. If you'll be breastfeeding, you might get a nursing bra or a breast pump. If you're expecting a boy — or you don't know your baby's sex — think about what's right for your family regarding circumcision. Prenatal careDuring the third trimester, your health care provider might ask you to come in for more frequent checkups — perhaps every two weeks beginning at week 32 and every week beginning at week 36. Like previous visits, your health care provider will check your weight and blood pressure and ask about any signs or symptoms you're experiencing. In some cases, virtual prenatal care may be an option if you don't have certain high-risk conditions. If you and your health care provider opt for virtual prenatal visits, ask if there are any tools that might be helpful to have at home, such as a blood pressure monitor. To make the most of any virtual visits, prepare a list of questions ahead of time and take detailed notes. If you haven't yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines don't cause infection with the COVID-19 virus. Studies have shown COVID-19 vaccines don't pose any serious risks for pregnant women or their babies. Vaccination can help pregnant women build antibodies that protect their babies. If possible, people who live with you should also be vaccinated against COVID-19. Also, one dose of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is recommended during each pregnancy — ideally during the third trimester, between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. This can help protect your baby from whooping cough before he or she can be vaccinated. You will also need screening tests for various conditions, including:
Your health care provider will also check your baby's size and heart rate. Near the end of your pregnancy, your health care provider will also check your baby's position and ask about your baby's movements. He or she might also ask about your preferences regarding labor and pain management as you get ready for delivery. If you have specific preferences for labor and birth — such as laboring in water or avoiding medication — define your wishes in a birth plan. Review the plan with your health care provider but keep in mind that pregnancy problems might cause plans to change. As your due date approaches, keep asking questions. Knowing what to expect can help you have the most positive birth experience. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage
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. What changes happen to the mother in the third trimester?In the third trimester a woman may experience more aches, pain, and swelling as she carries around her baby. A pregnant woman may also begin to become anxious about her delivery. Other events that occur during the third trimester include: a lot of movement by the baby.
What are 3 things that the fetus can do during the 3rd trimester?Here are a few more fetal development milestones for the third trimester:. 28 Weeks: Eyes Wide Open. ... . 30 Weeks: Shedding Hairs. ... . 31 Weeks: Controlling Body Temperature. ... . 34 Weeks: Turning Head-Down. ... . 39 Weeks: Full-Term Baby.. When is 3rd trimester of pregnancy?A pregnancy is divided into trimesters: the first trimester is from week 1 to the end of week 12. the second trimester is from week 13 to the end of week 26. the third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy.
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