Third trimester of pregnancy
Il third trimester of pregnancy starts from the twenty-eighth to the fortieth week of pregnancy. In this last three months the 'baby bump' is due both to the increase in volume of the uterus, the placenta, the amniotic fluid and the strengthening of the fetus which, in the vast majority of cases, is positioned upside down, in the cephalic position, which is ideal to be born. The child feels himself with many strokes and movements and this is a sign of well-being and vitality. Let's see what happens and what to know.
Weight
The uterus has increased in weight and volume and weighs 800-900 grams against the 50-60 grams of before and has gone from 7-8 cm to 35-36 cm. Its volume is about 4-5 liters, it contains the amniotic fluid (from 500 to 1000 cc), the placenta and the baby. The control of the baby's movements is important because they are a sign of the well-being of the fetus. In the last 3 months of gestation you can gain weight by 2,5-3,5 Kg (200-300 grams per week).
Symptoms
Here are the main ones symptoms of the third trimester of pregnancy.
- backache and sometimes sciatic pain: due to the different balance on the spine
- the first contractions and low pelvic pains similar to those of the period may appear. This weak initial uterine contractile activity is the body's preparation for labor and delivery.
- rest as much as possible and indulge your needs. If the white vaginal discharge do not worry and ... don't worry, you will not be able to confuse them with the breaking of the waters! If you "break the bag" you will notice it because of its consistency, but above all because the drainage of liquid is constant
- in growth of the uterus raises the diaphragm (muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen) by varying the breath which becomes more superficial and frequent; this involves a bit of shortness of breath which will reduce towards the end because when the baby's head begins to channel, the "belly will drop" allowing deep breaths that will be useful in the push phase of childbirth
- the growth of the uterus also involves a compression on the stomach which therefore has less space to digest, sometimes increasing heartburn andgastric acidity. It is useful to reduce meals in quantity and increase their frequency, as you should have already done in the first three months, but especially in the second quarter.
- down theuterus also compresses the bladder, hence the need for urinary often also because urine volume is increased as a consequence of increased kidney function
- it could also occur constipation which can be countered, possibly with glycerin suppositories, micro-enemas or mild laxatives.
What to eat
During the third trimester the fetus needs protein and iron. The mother can therefore eat eggs, preferably lighter white meat. She also consumes fish and in particular sea bream and murmurs, rich in iron.
In recent months the weight is more considerable and a sedentary lifestyle can cause pressure problems, and consequently the swelling and discomfort in the legs will increase. The solution is avoid the consumption of salt.
Exams to be done during the past three months
Among the tests that must be carried out during the third trimester, together with the routine ones, there is the monitoring of the fetal heartbeat starting from the 40th week. It is important because it allows you to keep the health of the fetus under control. From week 35 the vagino-rectal swab is also done.
Can efforts be made in the third quarter?
In the last weeks of pregnancy, the weight of the belly and fatigue are felt, so it is best to rest as much as possible and do mild physical activity, such as walking or swimming.
The preparation course for learning breathing techniques and pelvic floor exercises is also perfect. Unnecessary effort, hard work and activities that can overload the back and lower limbs should be avoided.
Third quarter in the summer. How to live it?
Il hot it can make you feel even more tired and exhausted. Use the air conditioning, look for cool places, do not go out during the hottest hours. To the sea take long relaxing baths (the water will make you feel lighter) and always apply high-factor sunscreen. Eat fresh and digestible foods and don't forget to drink at least two and a half liters of water a day.
The couple
It is the season of preparation and life as a couple is about to change with the arrival of your baby. You may be pervaded by a feeling of tranquility, but also of impatience and impatience because it seems to you that the birth never comes. You may also experience loneliness and little protection even if this is not true.
You will find that the partner also has anxieties, fears and fantasies about their role and difficulties in understanding you, but surely there is the will (or so it should be) to help you.
Duration of pregnancy
Read also:The couple
It is the season of preparation and life as a couple is about to change with the arrival of your baby. You may be pervaded by a feeling of tranquility, but also of impatience and impatience because it seems to you that the birth never comes. You may also experience loneliness and little protection even if this is not true.
You will find that the partner also has anxieties, fears and fantasies about their role and difficulties in understanding you, but surely there is the will (or so it should be) to help you.
Duration of pregnancy
What week does the third quarter start
The third trimester of pregnancy runs from XNUMXth week to XNUMXth week of pregnancy. The last three months of a wonderful journey that will lead to the birth of a mother and a baby.
- Twenty-eighth week of pregnancy
- Twenty-ninth week of pregnancy
- Thirtieth week of pregnancy
- Thirty-first week of pregnancy
- Thirty-second week of pregnancy
- Thirty-third week of pregnancy
- Thirty-fourth week of pregnancy
- Thirty-fifth week of pregnancy
- Thirty-sixth week of pregnancy
- Thirty-seventh week of pregnancy
- Thirty-eighth week of pregnancy
- Thirty-ninth week of pregnancy
- Forty week of pregnancy
The three trimesters of pregnancy
- First quarter
- Second quarter
Questions and answers
What can't be eaten during the third trimester?
Even in the last weeks of pregnancy, you must continue to follow a healthy and balanced diet, eliminating all foods that can cause toxoplasmosis where you are not already immune. It is preferable to eat light and easily digestible foods, to avoid gastric acidity and poor digestion.
When does the third quarter end?
Pregnancy ends with the end of the third trimester and lasts a total of 40 weeks. So the third trimester ends in the fortieth week, even if it is quite common for birth to occur earlier: a physiological pregnancy ends between the 37th and 42nd week, but only 1 in 20 women gives birth on the expected date of delivery.
When to take the preparation course?
The childbirth preparation course should generally be started in the seventh month of pregnancy. In some meetings, obstetricians, pediatric nurses and other experts will give useful information and advice on how to manage childbirth, breastfeeding and the first times with the baby.
What to pack for the birth?
It is good to ask the hospital what is recommended to put in the suitcase for the birth. Generally you need to bring open nightgowns with buttons on the front, personal hygiene products, towels, postpartum briefs, postpartum pads, dressing gown and slippers.
How many pounds can you gain in the third trimester?
During the last three months of pregnancy on average one kilo per month is gained and therefore, overall, between 2,5 and 3,5 kg are gained. At the end of pregnancy the weight gain will be about 12 kg.
