Third Trimester Pregnancy Guide: Symptoms, Preparation & Tips

• Introduction
• Third Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms
• Exercise During Pregnancy Third Trimester
• Third Trimester Pregnancy Sleeping Positions
• Nutrition for Third Trimester Pregnancy
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs
• Message From SuperBottoms

Welcome to the rollercoaster ride of the third trimester! As you approach the final stretch of your pregnancy journey, you will likely encounter many new experiences and physical changes. From the return of familiar discomforts to the emergence of unique symptoms, the third trimester presents its own set of challenges and wonders. As your baby grows and develops, your body undergoes remarkable transformations in preparation for childbirth. In this article by SuperBottoms, we will explore the various aspects of the third trimester, from the physical and emotional changes expectant mothers may encounter to tips for managing the discomforts and embracing the anticipation of welcoming your little one. Get ready to navigate the final phase of pregnancy with insight, support, and a sense of wonder! Let us begin by first understanding the changes you will undergo in this trimester – the third-trimester pregnancy symptoms!

Third Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms

Remember how chill the second trimester was? As you get closer to the due date and your baby gets bigger, the discomfort also ramps up. Here is what is in store for you in the last few weeks:

1. Feeling Sick: Nausea might come back in the last trimester, especially if you expect twins or more.
2. Headaches: Anything can trigger a headache now, like strong smells or changes in temperature. Eating well and staying active can help manage it.
3. Upset Stomach: As your body prepares for delivery, you might experience looser stools, especially if you have been eating healthy and getting more fibre. But if it feels like a stomach bug, talk to your doctor.
4. Aching Belly: You might feel some pain in your lower belly as your ligaments stretch to support your growing bump.
5. Weird Sensations: As you near your due date, you might notice some strange sensations in your crotch area.
6. Tiredness: Growing a tiny human is exhausting, so feeling tired is totally normal.
7. Heartburn: Get ready for heartburn and acid reflux to make a comeback. Check with your doctor before taking any meds.
8. Trouble Sleeping: The discomfort from bathroom trips, backache, and leg cramps can make it challenging to get a good night's sleep.
9. Clumsiness: Pregnancy hormones can make you a bit forgetful and clumsy. It is all part of the journey!
10. Bathroom Breaks: Your growing baby puts pressure on your bladder, so get ready for more frequent bathroom visits. If you experience a lack of bladder control or incontinence, you might want to keep a few Incontinence Underwear handy for you in this situation.
11. Leaky Boobs: Your body starts prepping for breastfeeding, so you might notice some leaking from your breasts. Invest in reusable and washable Dry Feel Nursing Pads to save your clothes from getting stained.
12. Back Pain: The extra weight up front can throw off your body's balance, leading to backaches. Take it easy and rest when you need to.
13. Pelvic Pain: The baby's weight can cause discomfort in your pelvic area.
14. Shortness of Breath: Feeling tired can also lead to moments of feeling out of breath.

Exercise During Pregnancy Third Trimester

It is always good to keep active and exercise for good health. But during pregnancy, especially during the third-trimester pregnancy, you need to understand what exercises are good for you and which ones to avoid.

Safe Exercises:

• Walking: Excellent low-impact cardio, great for staying active throughout pregnancy.
• Prenatal Yoga: Promotes flexibility, strength, and relaxation, specifically designed for pregnancy.
• Swimming: Gentle on your joints and keeps you cool.
• Stationary Cycling: Low-impact and adjustable intensity, perfect for staying active at home.
• Light Strength Training: Light weights or bodyweight exercises can maintain muscle tone.
• Prenatal Pilates: Improves core strength and stability, which is important for pregnancy and delivery.

Unsafe Exercises:

• Contact Sports: High risk of falls and abdominal injuries.
• Activities with High Impact: Activities like jumping, jarring movements, or sudden changes in direction can be risky.
• Exercises Lying on Your Back: Can restrict blood flow to the baby in the later stages.
• Excessive Weight Lifting: This can strain your body and cause injury.
• Exercises Requiring Balance: Increased risk of falls as your centre of gravity shifts.
• Hot Yoga or Activities in Excessive Heat: This can lead to dehydration and overheating, which harms you and the baby.

P.S. – If you are not regular in exercising, start any new regime after only consulting your gynaecologist.

Third Trimester Pregnancy Sleeping Positions

Sleeping comfortably during the third trimester of pregnancy can be challenging due to the growing belly and various discomforts. Finding the correct sleeping positions becomes crucial for ensuring restful and rejuvenating sleep. Here are some recommended sleeping positions to help expectant mothers navigate the third trimester with greater comfort:

1. Left Side Sleeping: Sleeping on your left side is often considered the best position during the third trimester. This position promotes better blood circulation to the heart and allows optimal blood flow to the placenta and the baby.
2. Pillow Support: Using multiple pillows for support can make a significant difference. Placing a pillow between the knees can help alleviate pressure on the hips and lower back, while another pillow under the abdomen can provide extra support for the growing belly.
3. Semi-Reclined Position: Propping yourself with pillows to achieve a semi-reclined position can help reduce heartburn and relieve shortness of breath, a common discomfort experienced in the third trimester.
4. Avoiding Supine Position: It is advisable to avoid sleeping on your back during the third trimester, as this position can exert pressure on major blood vessels, potentially leading to decreased blood flow to the uterus and the baby.
5. Experimenting with Adjustable Beds: If available, adjustable beds can offer the flexibility to find a comfortable sleeping position by elevating the upper body or adjusting the angle of the bed.

By incorporating these sleeping positions and strategies, expectant mothers can optimise their comfort and sleep quality during the challenging but rewarding third trimester of pregnancy.

Note From SuperBottoms – You should be ready with your hospital bag in your third trimester pregnancy. Ensure your newborn cloth diapers, comfortable clothing, mustard seed pillow, nursing accessories and playmats are ready before delivery.

Nutrition for Third-Trimester Pregnancy

Nutrition plays a critical role in supporting the mother's health and the optimal growth and development of the baby during the third trimester of pregnancy. As the baby's demand for nutrients increases, focusing on a well-rounded and nutrient-dense diet is essential. Here are some critical considerations for maintaining a healthy diet during the third trimester:

• Increased Protein Intake: Adequate protein is vital for the baby's growth and the mother's changing body. Incorporate lean protein sources such as poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and dairy products into your meals.
• Essential Nutrients: Ensure that your diet includes a variety of essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids. Leafy greens, fortified cereals, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are excellent sources of these nutrients.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial, especially as the body's fluid needs increase during pregnancy. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider consuming hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables.
• Balanced Meals: Focus on consuming balanced meals that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre necessary for overall health and well-being.
• Snacking Smart: Opt for nutrient-dense snacks such as yoghurt, nuts, and fresh fruits to help meet increased energy and nutrient requirements during the third trimester.
• Prenatal Supplements: Work with your healthcare provider to ensure you take any necessary prenatal supplements, such as prenatal vitamins, to fill in potential nutrient gaps.

By prioritising a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet, expectant mothers can support their own health and their baby's healthy development during the critical third trimester of pregnancy.

Key Takeaways

1. As you progress through the third trimester, expect a resurgence of discomfort, such as nausea, headaches, heartburn, and fatigue. Additionally, your body may experience new sensations, including pelvic pain and shortness of breath. It is essential to be prepared for these changes and seek support as needed.

2. Safe exercises such as walking, prenatal yoga, and swimming can promote physical well-being during the third trimester. Conversely, avoiding high-impact activities and exercises lying on your back is essential, which can pose risks to you and your baby. Always consult your gynaecologist before starting a new exercise regimen.

3. Prioritising a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet is crucial during the third trimester. Increased protein intake, essential nutrients, hydration, balanced meals, smart snacking, and prenatal supplements are key considerations for supporting both maternal health and the baby's healthy development.

FAQs

Q1 - what are week by week 3 trimesters of pregnancy?

Ans - The three trimesters of pregnancy are typically divided as follows:

First Trimester: -Week 1 to Week 12
Second Trimester: -Week 13 to Week 26
Third Trimester: -Week 27 to Week 40 (or until delivery, which can extend beyond 40 weeks)

Q2 - From which week third trimester starts?

Ans - The third trimester of pregnancy typically begins at the start of the 28th week.

Q3 - How can I manage stress and anxiety during the final stretch of pregnancy?

Ans - To manage stress and anxiety during the final stretch of pregnancy, consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, and seek support from your partner, family, or friends. Engaging in self-care activities, staying informed about childbirth, and connecting with other expectant mothers can also help alleviate stress and anxiety. If feelings of stress and anxiety become overwhelming, do not hesitate to seek professional help from a mental health professional or healthcare provider for additional support.

Message From SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! No matter where you are around the world or in India, SuperBottoms ensures your kids are using the best and safest products. SuperBottoms offers the best cloth diapers, which are completely safe and gentle for your baby, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, padded underwear for potty training your kids, and period underwear for women. These products suit your baby's delicate skin at any time of year. SuperBottoms is a must-have product for you and your child whether you live in Canada, Kuwait, the United States, Qatar, Hawaii, Bahrain, Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, or the Philippines. SuperBottoms products are also available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit.

Source Links

1.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3893866/
2.journals.lww.com/Dietary_Intake_in_Third_Trimester_of_Pregnancy