The third trimester of pregnancy
The third trimester of pregnancy (weeks 28 to birth) is the final stage, focused on your baby's rapid weight gain, fat storage, and brain development, while you experience increased discomforts like heartburn, back pain, swelling, and frequent urination, alongside preparations for labor, more frequent doctor visits, and emotional anticipation for birth.
Common symptoms include Braxton Hicks contractions, fatigue, and leg cramps, as your body prepares for delivery.
Baby's Development
Weight Gain: Baby gains significant weight and fat.
Organ Maturation: Organs continue to mature.
Brain Growth: Brain develops rapidly, improving processing of stimuli.
Skin: Lanugo (fine hair) disappears, skin smooths.
Common Maternal Symptoms & Changes
Physical: Heartburn, constipation, backache, shortness of breath, swollen hands/feet, leg cramps, frequent urination, hemorrhoids, stretch marks, dizziness, and Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions).
Emotional: Excitement, anxiety about birth, tiredness, irritability.
Skin: Chloasma (mask of pregnancy), oilier skin, thicker hair.
What to Expect at Doctor Visits
Increased Frequency: More frequent check-ups with your midwife or doctor.
Checks: Blood pressure, urine tests, monitoring baby's growth, Group B strep test (around week 36).
Pelvic Exams: May check cervical changes (thinning/softening).
Preparing for Birth
Classes: Consider childbirth classes.
Hospital Bag: Start packing your hospital bag.
Final Prep: Finalize baby gear and plans.
When to Contact Your Provider
If breathing changes dramatically, or you have chest pain/cough.
If you notice severe swelling or signs of pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure).
If your baby's movements change or stop.
Common symptoms include Braxton Hicks contractions, fatigue, and leg cramps, as your body prepares for delivery.
Baby's Development
Weight Gain: Baby gains significant weight and fat.
Organ Maturation: Organs continue to mature.
Brain Growth: Brain develops rapidly, improving processing of stimuli.
Skin: Lanugo (fine hair) disappears, skin smooths.
Common Maternal Symptoms & Changes
Physical: Heartburn, constipation, backache, shortness of breath, swollen hands/feet, leg cramps, frequent urination, hemorrhoids, stretch marks, dizziness, and Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions).
Emotional: Excitement, anxiety about birth, tiredness, irritability.
Skin: Chloasma (mask of pregnancy), oilier skin, thicker hair.
What to Expect at Doctor Visits
Increased Frequency: More frequent check-ups with your midwife or doctor.
Checks: Blood pressure, urine tests, monitoring baby's growth, Group B strep test (around week 36).
Pelvic Exams: May check cervical changes (thinning/softening).
Preparing for Birth
Classes: Consider childbirth classes.
Hospital Bag: Start packing your hospital bag.
Final Prep: Finalize baby gear and plans.
When to Contact Your Provider
If breathing changes dramatically, or you have chest pain/cough.
If you notice severe swelling or signs of pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure).
If your baby's movements change or stop.
26-30, F
