Third Trimester Of Pregnancy - The Last Stage

The third trimester of pregnancy is the last stage before the baby arrives. While first trimester pregnancy is marked by nausea and exhaustion, the second trimester pregnancy is a relative stress free time for the mother. The third trimester of pregnancy marks the last baby stage during pregnancy and it falls between weeks 27-40. The end of third trimester pregnancy marks labor and childbirth.

Changes In The Mother's Body

The last stage of pregnancy is the time for anticipation and getting prepared for the arrival of a new member in your family. By the seventh month, you may experience false contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. You feel more tired, since you need to carry the baby's weight around. At this stage of pregnancy development, you will want to sleep on your side, since your belly has grown huge. You will be able to feel the baby kick during this stage. Just before labor, you may feel very energetic, and indulge in what is known as "nesting"; cleaning the home and making way for the newborn in your home. In the final week before labor, you will want to visit the bathroom more often, and the mucus plug may move out of the body. For a safe labor and delivery, you should keep yourself informed about various aspects of pregnancy.

Changes in the Fetus

The fetus is going to develop completely during the third trimester of pregnancy. This is the most complete stage of pregnancy development. The baby will grow to around 16 inches in length. Most healthy babies weigh around 4 pounds on an average at the third trimester of pregnancy. During this stage of pregnancy, the lungs, sex organs and hair will develop on the fetus. The brain will develop completely, and the eye color will change from slate blue to a permanent color. The baby's senses will develop fully during third trimester of pregnancy, and any noise outside the mother's belly will startle it.

Problems Mothers May Face

The third trimester of pregnancy is the most keenly anticipated stage of pregnancy, since mothers can feel their fetus move, kick, and you can even interact with the little one though sounds. Mother to be may face problems like increase in body temperature, low blood pressure, back ache, increased urination, leg cramps, coarse hair on arms and legs, stretch marks, leaky breasts and a drop in sex drive. Pain in the hip, fluid retention in limbs and puffy eyelids are a problem. You may feel difficulty in breathing.

Constipation, gas and digestive problems are also common during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Precautions

Urinary infection is a major threat during the third trimester of pregnancy. Warning signs include burning sensation, pain in abdomen and fever. If you feel contractions that last longer than Braxton Hicks contractions, see your doctor. Weight gain between 25 to 35 pounds is normal; you may need to consult a doctor to help you keep your weight normal. Keep up the gentle exercising, even though you may not quite feel up to it. Go for a walk or take a swim. Eat as recommended by the doctor, and also get tested for anemia. Keep a record of the pregnancy weekly, and read more about developments during each pregnancy week.

Anxiety

As the pregnancy due date approaches, you may find yourself swinging between euphoria, excitement, a surge of energy to anxiety and worry. First time mothers may feel anxious about childbirth, labor pain and how to cope with a new baby.

Preparing for Childbirth

At the third stage of pregnancy, it might be a good idea to attend childbirth classes with your partner or someone close to you. This will answer your questions about childbirth, what to expect, and prepare you for the arrival of the newborn. You will find the information you need to draw up a pregnancy plan, and think beforehand about questions like the type of birth method you want, pain relief and handling of the newborn.

You may also meet other anxious mothers to be, and share their experiences. Keep track of your developments through a pregnancy calendar. Keeping yourself informed about various stages of pregnancy, putting your picture of stage of pregnancy in order, and using the pregnancy due date calculator are some of the things you can do to keep away the blues.