Mother’s Day Survey Results

Pregnancy during the Third Trimester: Get Yourself Prepared

by Adwina Jackson

Your pregnancy reaches its last stage now. It’s between week 28 to week 40. During these three months, you’ll get more excited as the baby in the womb makes more obvious moves than those on the previous months.

Enjoy it and relax! The excitement may come soon.

Now what happen in the third trimester? Here are the symptoms:

1. Frequent Urination

You will urinate frequently just like you do in the first trimester. It’s due to the pressure to your pelvis caused by the baby’s movement. Sometimes it is hard to control it when you sneeze, laugh, or cough.

2. Stretch Marks

Almost every woman gets stretch marks when she’s pregnant. These are purple or pink streaks occurred on lower belly, buttocks, and thighs. Excessive weight gain is one of the causes of stretch marks.

3. Back Pain

You’ve probably have had this symptom back in the first trimester. This time, it is probably harder for you to cope with this since you are carrying a growing baby in your belly.

4. Weight Gain

You’ll gain weight, normally, between 5 - 10 pounds in this trimester. Until your due date, it’s normal if your weight is between 25 - 35 pounds more than before you’re pregnant. Don’t worry as the amniotic fluid, the placenta and uterus also account for this development.

5. Swollen Ankles

It happens because the growing uterus affects the pressure on the veins. It’s perfectly normal to have swollen ankles in this stage of pregnancy. Lay your legs on a higher position than your head to reduce the swelling. However, if it gets worse, consult your health care provider.

6. Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Surely you won’t be comfortable with the above symptoms. Relieve your stress by talking with your baby inside.

Also, arrange some time to buy apparels and other things to prepare for the baby. The seventh or eighth month of your pregnancy is the perfect time to do this.

Don’t wait ’til the ninth month as the baby’s weight inside can make you fatigued, especially if you do things exaggeratedly.

Take your husband with you so both of you can choose your favorites for the baby. Or, ask your girl friends to come with you. Besides shopping, spend some time together for a lovely chat with them. You’ll be home in vigorous feeling.

About your baby’s things, make sure they are washed and ready. Clean up your room and the baby’s (if you want him or her in a separate room) and design it as you wish. When the baby comes home, it should all be prepared.

Prepare your hospital bag, too. Some clothes for you and the baby during your stay in the hospital and when you’re going home, some snacks, and a CD player with your favorite albums are some items you can carry in the bag.

You must also maintain your breast milk supply by consuming nutritious foods and beverages, having enough rest, and leaving your stress behind. That’s why storing easy-to-prepare meals is another essential matter you should do before the D-day.

Don’t forget to visit your health care provider for a routine check-up. All in all, relax when the time comes and enjoy the whole new experience with your new family.