The third trimester of pregnancy can make some pregnant women feel exhausted and uncomfortable. However, by understanding information about the third trimester of pregnancy, it can help pregnant women reduce the anxiety they may have as the estimated due date approaches.
The third trimester of pregnancy lasts from weeks 28 to 40. There are many physical and emotional challenges that pregnant women must face in this third trimester. In the third trimester of pregnancy, the baby’s development is considered mature enough at week 37 and is only waiting for the birth time.
Baby Development During the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
Around week 32, the baby’s bones are fully formed. The baby can also open and close its eyes, and sense light. In addition, the baby’s body will begin to store minerals such as iron and calcium.
At 36 weeks, the baby’s head should be facing down. If the baby does not move to this position, the doctor may recommend a cesarean delivery.
After the 37th week has passed, the baby’s development is considered to be completely perfect because its organs are already functioning. Generally, at this gestational age the baby is 48-53 centimeters long and weighs between 2.7 – 4 kilograms.
Changes in the Body of Pregnant Women in the 3rd Trimester
In the third trimester, pregnant women will experience pain and swelling throughout the body. The limbs that often experience swelling are the ankles, hands, fingers, and face.
Pregnant women’s breasts can also produce breast milk. Some pregnant women may experience anxiety before giving birth. The anxiety experienced by pregnant women can make it difficult for them to sleep.
Other pregnancy symptoms that occur during the third trimester include:
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Braxton Hicks contractions
You may feel these mild, irregular contractions as a tightness in your abdomen. This usually occurs in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity or after sex.
These contractions also tend to occur more frequently and become stronger as the due date approaches. Mothers should contact their obstetrician immediately if the contractions become regular and continue to increase in strength.
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Back pain
Pregnancy hormones loosen the connective tissue that holds the bones together, especially in the pelvic area. This change can be difficult for the mother and often causes discomfort during the third trimester of pregnancy. To overcome this, mothers need to choose chairs with good back support. Also do regular pregnancy exercises.
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Hard to breathe
In the third trimester of pregnancy, mothers may easily feel tired. To overcome fatigue, good posture is needed to give the lungs more room to develop. A good posture for pregnant women is to maintain an upright posture when standing and sitting.
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Indigestion
Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. This can allow stomach acid to back up into the esophagus and cause heartburn. To prevent this, eat small, frequent meals. Also, avoid fried foods, acidic fruits, chocolate, and spicy foods.
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Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain may be felt by mothers in the third trimester. This pain is caused by ligaments that loosen, pull, or stretch, to support the growing uterus. At this stage, the baby’s head begins to face down lower than the pelvis, causing pressure on the cervix and nerves around the lower uterus. This pressure causes sharp and stabbing pain.
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Spider veins, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids appear
Increased blood circulation can cause small, purplish-red veins to appear on the face, neck, and arms. The redness usually fades after delivery. The mother may also have swollen veins (varicose veins) in the legs. This condition is painful and itchy in the anal area if hemorrhoids are also present.
To relieve swelling, exercise often, elevate your feet, and consume lots of fiber, and drink plenty of fluids. Meanwhile, to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy, mothers can do warm water therapy or sitz baths to reduce itching and irritation caused by hemorrhoids. A sitz bath is done by soaking the buttocks in a basin of warm water placed on a toilet seat.
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Frequent urination
When the baby moves and hits the pelvis, the mother will feel a lot of pressure on the bladder. This is what makes pregnant women urinate frequently. Even urine may accidentally come out when the mother laughs, coughs, sneezes, bends, or lifts objects.
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vaginal discharge
In the third trimester, vaginal discharge will usually be more abundant. As the mother approaches birth, she may experience a thick, clear, or slightly blood-stained discharge. This fluid is a sign that the cervix has begun to dilate in preparation for labor.
Trimester 3 is a very important phase of pregnancy. If you experience disorders in this phase, these are the specialist doctors you can contact during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
Nutritional Needs in Trimester 3
Nutritional needs must still be met during the third trimester of pregnancy so that the pregnant mother and baby remain healthy until the time of delivery comes. Vitamins, calcium, and fat are nutrients that need to be consumed in the third trimester.
These nutrients each have a role in supporting fetal growth and maternal health, here are their respective functions:
1. Vitamin
- Vitamin A helps the growth of the baby’s bones, skin, and eyesight.
- Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron in the mother’s body and keeps the baby’s teeth, gums, and bones healthy.
- Vitamin B6 is an important nutrient for the development of red blood cells and the baby’s brain.
- Vitamin B12 keeps the nervous system strong and the formation of red blood cells.
- Vitamin D supports calcium absorption in mother and baby.
2. Calcium
Calcium plays a role in forming the baby’s bones and teeth because in the third trimester, the baby’s bones will become harder.
3. Choline
Helps the formation of the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
4. Protein
Helps baby growth and produces blood.
5. Fats and oils
Fats and oils should only be consumed 30 percent of the total calories needed by pregnant women. Fats and oils have important benefits, namely as a source of energy for the mother, and help the baby’s organs and placenta grow.
Also, find out about other nutrients that pregnant women need during the third trimester on the following page,
Maintaining Body Health During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy and most expectant mothers gain 11 to 16 kilograms. Use the pregnancy weight gain calculator to help mothers track their weight gain during the third trimester.
Also, try to stay active during the third trimester of pregnancy. Do regular exercise recommended by obstetricians for pregnant women before labor. Exercise is needed so that mothers have good stamina when going through the labor process.
Things Pregnant Women Should Avoid During the Third Trimester
In the last trimester of pregnancy, mothers should not do some activities that can have a negative impact on the mother and baby. For example, mothers need to avoid long trips and going by plane.
Usually, airlines will prohibit pregnant women who are more than 34 weeks pregnant from traveling. If the mother is required to travel far, stretch your legs by walking at least every one or two hours.
Here are other things that pregnant women should avoid when entering the third trimester of pregnancy:
- Heavy exercise or strength training can cause injury to the abdomen.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- The habit of taking medication carelessly, without a doctor’s recommendation.
- Consume raw fish and high-mercury seafood (such as swordfish, mackerel, and sea bass).
- Drink unpasteurized milk or other dairy products.
- Consumption of preserved meat.
Emotional Changes in the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
As the due date approaches, fears about labor may arise. Mothers begin to worry about whether the process will be painful, how long the pain will last, and whether they can get through it.
To overcome this, mothers need to consider taking childbirth classes. Mothers will learn what to worry about and meet other pregnant women to share their joys and worries. Talk to people who have had positive birth experiences. This can increase self-confidence and eliminate anxiety.
When to See a Doctor?
Visit a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramps.
- Severe nausea or vomiting.
- Experiencing bleeding.
- Severe headache.
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
The third-trimester phase is a crucial time in pregnancy. Therefore, mothers need to consult a doctor regularly to find out the development of the fetus.