Pregnancy

Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Through your seventh month of pregnancy, you may experience some cramps in your feet or legs more often due to a lack of calcium. Make sure you are taking pre-natal vitamins and mineral supplements on a regular basis, ask your obstetrician for any recommendation or change in the dosage.

Swelling in your hands and feet may occur during the third trimester of pregnancy, along with Braxton Hicks contractions throughout the weeks of 27 to 42 as the main symptom of this stage. These contractions are also known as “false labor” or “practice contractions” occurring almost at the same time that your baby begins to kick.

Braxton Hicks contractions tighten the uterine muscles for up to one minute. Most health care practitioners and researchers believe that Braxton Hicks' aid the body in its preparation for birth, although not all pregnant women experience these contractions that can start as early as week 20.

When the time of labor and delivery is approaching, you will feel uncomfortable and somewhat stressed, around the eight month of your pregnancy. At this time, you will feel you are ready to give birth, but new mothers-to-be can experience fears regarding the labor and their due date.

In addition, indigestion and heartburn become apparent, while you may feel short of breath more frequently. Tiredness characteristic of the first trimester will return as the ninth month is approaching. Problems with sleep also begin due to not being able to find a comfortable position, but placing a pillow between your knees and sleeping on your left side can improve this condition.

While you sleep, your baby may be kicking, which can interrupt your sleep as well, because most babies feel more comfortable sleeping on one side over the other, so change your position like the baby wants. During the eight month, the baby is about 16 inches long and weighs approximately four pounds, having good chances for survival if born prematurely.

Once you enter in the last weeks of your pregnancy, you may feel a clear surge of energy just a few days before you begin labor. Yes, you will finally arrive to the ninth month and your baby is approximately 19 to 21 inches long, gaining a total of around two pounds near your due date.

Your breathing becomes easier, and the mucus plug is going to expel this month, the sign meaning that labor is eminent, while your baby's head drops into your pelvic area, making you need to urinate more frequently. With this panorama, your labor is around the corner, taking from a few hours to some days, or as long as around 2 weeks away... Congratulations!