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| 3rd Stage of Pregnancy |
| Written by Barbara Lurie | |
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During the third trimester, you may experience a number of new symptoms, including difficulty breathing, because the baby is pushing up on the bottom of your ribcage. You may also have back pain, fatigue, hemorrhoids and constipation, heartburn, hip and pelvic pain, swelling in the hands and feet, frequent urination, and difficulty sleeping. You may also begin to experience “false labor” or Braxton Hicks contractions. Difficulty in sleeping during the last trimester is often as a result of an inability to lie still comfortably. You are likely to be most comfortable if you lay on your left side, which helps prevent your uterus from putting extra pressure on the blood vessels that run to the legs. It is also recommended that you use pillows to help support your belly and place pillows between your knees if necessary, in order to make yourself more comfortable. You will experience additional weight gain during your third trimester, as the baby gains weight, you store additional fat, have an increase in breast tissue weight, increase in blood and amniotic fluids, and your uterus increases in size and weight. By the end of your pregnancy, it’s not unusual for you to weight 25 to 35 pounds more than you did before you got pregnant. Weight gain is natural and healthy for a pregnancy, but excessive weight gain can be dangerous for you and your baby and can be a sign of problems with your health during your pregnancy. Being under a physician’s care throughout your pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. There may also be heavier vaginal discharge during your third trimester. This is something that can take first time mothers off guard, but it is perfectly natural and to be expected. You should worry if you believe you may be leaking amniotic fluid or if the discharge seems excessive, and contacting your doctor immediately is called for in this circumstance. Many mothers begin to experience increased anxiety, often mixed with excitement, during the third trimester, as the reality of childbirth approaches, and they begin to thinking about having their baby to hold and take care of in just a number of weeks. It’s natural to be anxious and nervous over becoming a parent, and experiencing childbirth as a first time mother can of course make you nervous. There are a number of things that you can do to help prepare yourself emotionally for both childbirth and taking your baby home. One of the most common and highly recommended steps is to join a group that focuses on childbirth preparation. The class will not only help you get ready for giving birth, but it will also allow you to meet other expectant parents who can help you to feel more “normal” as you discover that they are experiencing many of the same fears, concerns, worries, and nervousness. Other recommended methods to help you emotionally prepare during your final trimester include journaling, listening to music, meditating, talking to your baby out loud, and scrapbooking (including pictures of your belly, your sonograms, etc.). During your last trimester, you will be going to your doctor more often, perhaps even weekly, dependent upon your personal experience and your physician’s concerns. There are a number of health issues that can arise during the last three months of pregnancy and your physician will want to keep a close watch on your health and the health of your baby. You should prepare yourself for a quick trip to the hospital, knowing you have only a few weeks before delivering your baby. Pack your bag in advance, and make sure you’ve made arrangements for friends or relatives to care for your pets. Let friends and relatives know your choice of hospital and the name and contact number of your doctor. And keep asking questions of your doctor. There are no silly or stupid questions and your doctor will be happy to answer any question you may come up with. Make sure you educate yourself as much as possible throughout your pregnancy. Be well informed. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor questions, talk to other women about their experiences, and question your female relatives about their pregnancies. Knowing what to expect will help you relax and prepare for birthing. |
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