What is the third trimester of pregnancy? Three more months before you can finally hold your baby in your hands. If you are in your 28th -40th weeks of pregnancy, welcome to the third trimester of your pregnancy!
There are still plenty of things happening in your body, as well as the list of tasks you need to do. It can be both exciting and daunting, so get the most out of this experience with our survival guide to your third trimester of pregnancy.
In this article, a simple guide will help you learn changes in your body and your growing baby during your third trimester and list of tasks you need to do before childbirth.
How Your Baby is Growing During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Eyes:
On the 28th week, your baby’s eyelashes are formed, and eyelids can now partially open. At the same time, they are also increasing up to ten inches in size, weighing a thousand grams. Their central nervous system can now control body temperature.
Baby Movements:
From week 29, you’ll feel a lot of stretching and kicking from your baby. It looks like he’s getting excited to come out.
Hair:
30 weeks after conception, your baby’s getting a good head of hair. At this moment, the red blood cells are also forming in their bone marrow.
Weight Gain:
The week after, your baby is gaining a lot of weight quickly, so don’t be surprised if you’re feeling heavier.
Breathing Practice:
On the 32nd week, your baby practices breathing. Hurrah! Also, their lanugo or that downy hair covering their skin will start to fall off.
Detecting Light:
At week 33, your baby’s pupils start to detect light and respond by changing its size. The bones are also hardening, but the skull remains soft.
Fingernails:
Give it another week, and their fingernails continue to grow, reaching their fingertips. Your baby is also growing in length – up to twelve inches.
Skin:
One week later, the baby’s skin is getting smooth.
Amniotic Sac:
By the 36th week, your baby is taking most of the space in the amniotic sac, giving him difficulty to give a punch or a kick. He will continue to roll and wiggle.
Descending to Your Pelvis:
From week 37, your baby is positioning its head down in preparation for birth. You need to check with your doctor to ensure that your baby is positioning all right, or they’ll give you alternatives in dealing with this issue.
Toenails:
Aside from shedding all the baby’s lanugo, his toenails have also reached the tips of his toes on the 38th week. By now, the circumference of your abdomen is matching the circumference of your baby’s head. The weight also is expected to be around 6.5 pounds.
Chest:
By week 39, the baby’s chest is getting prominent. To keep him warm, fat is being added all over his body.
Due Date:
Finally! This is the time we’ve all been waiting for – the due date. This is when your baby drops down your pelvis with their head facing down the birth canal. He is expected to weigh around 7 pounds and about 18 – 20 inches long.
Changes in Your Body in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Your baby is getting busier as weeks pass by. Your bump will get even bigger, too, along with other changes such as:
- Varicose Veins or these bulging veins in your lower body caused by the extra blood you’re pumping.
- Stretch Marks, the tiny tears appearing because your skin is being stretched to the limit.
- A backache that’s caused by your growing belly that also comes with an aching lower abdomen too.
- Leaking Breasts, a result of your body’s preparation to feed your baby.
- There’s fatigue coming your way with all the baby’s demands.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions is when you’ll feel the irregular contractions until the real labor starts.
- Overdrive Pregnancy Hormones will make you a little forgetful and brings you crazy dreams too. Don’t worry because it’s totally normal. Just remember to have a little sense of humor with you.
What to Do in Your Third Trimester?
The list of things to do in this period to ensure you and your baby are healthy and happy is quite long. Here are the most important things to note:
Time to prepare the nursery.
Where’s your baby going to sleep once he arrives? Are the baby’s things in order? Are they in a safe place where you can easily access them? Is the nursery clean, in order, and has good lighting and ventilation?
Watch out for your weight.
Keep it moving, mama! This is a great time to do prenatal yoga, the Kegel exercise, or walk around the park.
Check out the hospital.
Prepare your route to the hospital once your water breaks. Reconfirm your third-trimester checkups and learn the stages of labor you’ll have to go through. As early as now, research the potential pediatricians for your baby.
Stock Enough Food in the Fridge.
Once the baby arrives, everyone will be really busy that going for another grocery trip may seem inconvenient. It is best to go grocery shopping right now and fill up your fridge with as much food as possible.
Photoshoot
It is always a good idea to capture this moment when your baby is still in your tummy. Book a photographer and get dramatic shootings with you holding your stomach. Besides, your pregnancy will always be a fun memory to look back to!
Don’t Forget to Pack an Overnight Hospital Bag.
The final weeks of your third week of pregnancy means your water will break any day and you’ll have to be brought to the hospital. Prepare an easy-to-grab bag that contains your things and the baby’s.
Related post ” Newborn baby must haves“, “Best foods to eat while pregnant“