The third trimester, the last phase of pregnancy from week 28 to delivery, is exciting and anticipated but also very physically challenging. With childbirth approaching, the body starts to experience many different types of signs (some perfectly natural, others possibly not so). Knowing these signs will help control the discomfort and recognise when to contact a medical professional.
This article will discuss common third-trimester symptoms, what abnormal signs to look for, and when to contact a physician.
Are you excited about entering your third trimester? As you approach week 20 - week 40, your body is preparing for the final few weeks of your pregnancy. Your baby is almost here and is growing at a fast rate. Prenatal checkups are most important now, so you have to ensure you never skip any. You have to look out for specific symptoms that could be an indication that your body is going into labour or it may be time to get admitted into the hospital.
Your body has undergone many changes in the last few weeks to prepare for your baby's birth. These fluctuations can cause a variety of signs and responses, some of which may be a bit unpleasant, but all are perfectly natural.
You may notice that during this period, your breasts would grow bigger, and they would feel softer and a lot more sensitive since they would be getting ready to produce the milk. You may even see colostrum, a thick, yellowish liquid oozing from your nipples. But the colostrum is good for the baby, which is all part of the body's way of preparing to nourish your child.
Even the areolas (the circles around the nipples) can get darker and more prominent. But now, all these changes, although painful or unpleasant at times, are necessary to enable the body to perform its job after birth, which is to feed the baby.
During the third trimester, Braxton hicks contractions are typical. These are contractions, which prepare your body for delivery, and they are usually very inconsistent and light and far and few between. These contractions are fake labour, known as Braxton-Hicks contractions. But they go away and come back and don't get any stronger, and when you walk around or lay down, they stop.
If these contractions become frequent, painful, or stronger over time, you could be going into preterm labour; call your doctor as soon as possible.
Fatigue strikes hard in the third trimester because one has been doing much work to grow the baby. Generally, pregnant women say that they can never get a good night's sleep because they are not comfortable, they have to visit the washroom frequently, and also the baby keeps them awake. Also, it gets hard to sleep as your stomach grows bigger. To increase blood flow to your unborn child, it is advised that you sleep on your side, especially your left side. Pillows can also provide some relief from the aches.
It has to do with the fact that the baby is growing, the uterus is expanding, and it is pushing up on the diaphragm, which makes it hard to breathe. Shortness of breath is a common third-trimester complaint, and it only worsens as the baby grows. Discomfort is nothing too abnormal, but if it comes with chest pain or severe difficulty breathing, then go straight to the hospital.
Some swelling occurs in the legs, ankles, feet, and hands in the third-trimester due to extra fluid retention and pressure on the veins. This condition is known as oedema. Letting your legs rise above your body-con, summing lots of water, and not standing up for too long will make the swelling subside. Compression stockings may also be beneficial for some.
However, if the swelling is sudden or severe, such as in the face and hands, then that is preeclampsia, and that isn't good, so don't take any chances.
As the baby grows, your digestive system slows down and gets compressed by the expanding uterus. This leads to an increased chance of heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux, which are not pleasant pregnancy symptoms. These can usually be managed by eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, and not lying down immediately after eating.
Most of the signs from the third trimester can be considered normal and very healthy indicators that you're pregnant. However, it is always wise to keep looking for some symptoms that indicate potential problems needing medical attention. So, let's talk about abnormal signs you should about.
The most common complaint is aching pains in the abdomen as the uterus and ligaments are stretched. Persistent or severe abdominal pain that may have been accompanied by vaginal bleeding or contractions might suggest a serious condition such as placental abruption; it is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.
Headaches are relatively common in pregnancy, but persistent headaches combined with changes in vision such as blurry vision, spots, or sensitivity to light could be a symptom of preeclampsia, a condition starting after week 20 which consists of high blood pressure plus damage to organs that can include the liver and kidneys.
It's normal to experience an increase in vaginal discharge during the third trimester, but it should be clear or white and odourless. If it has a fishy odour, is green or yellow, or itches, then that could be a sign of an infection. Similarly, any form of vaginal bleeding during the third trimester is abnormal and should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately. Light spotting can occur after a vaginal exam or sexual intercourse, but heavier bleeding may indicate a problem like placental abruption or preterm labour.
Foetal movement is a reassuring sign that your baby is active and healthy. By the third trimester, your baby should be kicking you all day. You should call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience a distinct lack of foetal movement or no movement at all. No movement can sometimes mean foetal distress, and they would have to do an immediate evaluation.
A trickle or a gush of fluid could be your amniotic fluid leaking. This could indicate that your water has broken, which is typically a sign that labour is imminent. This could signal preterm labour if you’re not yet at 37 weeks. If fluid leaks after the third trimester, it should be checked out by a doctor or nurse to see if it is the beginning of labour or some other type of problem.
Although most third-trimester ailments are excruciating, there are remedies for them.
Light physical activity, such as walking or prenatal yoga, can reduce back pain and swelling and improve mood.
Sleeping is also recommended, although it is much more difficult when your stomach grows. Try supporting your body with some more pillows to see if you can get comfortable.
Drink lots of water and eat balanced meals to avoid digestion problems and bloating.
When to call your healthcare provider is an essential aspect of a healthy and safe delivery. Factors such as extreme pain, excessive bleeding, fever, extreme swelling, or lack of foetal activity are not to be taken lightly. If you’re ever in doubt about a symptom, it’s always best to avoid caution and consult your healthcare provider for advice.
The third trimester is the final stage of pregnancy. Recognising the everyday third-trimester aches and pains and those that are not normal can make this time easier to wade through more confidently. With a good understanding of the signs your body gives you, you can be relieved that your baby will be healthy until they are ready to enter this world.
Yes, mood swings are common due to hormonal shifts, physical discomforts, and anticipation of birth. Sleep, rest, and care from friends and family can all help to cope with these feelings.
The back pain is caused by the extra weight, changing posture, and too-loose ligaments. Light exercise, standing straight, warm compresses, and shoes or maternity belts that provide support can alleviate the pain.
Some of the signs of labour are contractions that become more and more frequent and intense, lower back pain, bloody show (that's mucus discharge), water breaking, and pelvic pressure. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience these.
Breast changes include growth, soreness, darkening of the areolas, and possibly even some colostrum leakage in preparation for feeding. A supportive bra can help manage discomfort.
